3 Common James Hardie Siding Installation Issues

What are some critical first steps that contractors miss when installing James Hardie siding?

When performing James Hardie siding inspections on homes in the Triangle area, there are three mistakes we commonly find when considering when you need siding repairs or replacement. With a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor installing your HardiePlank, you will not run into these issues. If you notice any of the following on your HardiePlank ColorPlus Siding, call us today for a free inspection.

Improper clearance between HardiePlank and flashing

James Hardie ColorPlus Hardie Plank is required by the manufacturer to have a quarter-inch clearance where the Hardie Plank meets the flashing. In our example video above, you’ll see where that critical clearance is missing above the hose bib and other areas of flashing. This is a big issue because the water needs to come down behind the cladding, then hit the drip edge flashing and drain out.

Caulking between HardiePlank and flashing

Where we are supposed to see that quarter-inch clearance required by James Hardie for HardiePlank, we often see that a contractor has applied caulk. This caulk does not allow for water to escape, creating major issues for your siding down the road. You’ll see in the video above where improper caulking has prevented water from draining and should be removed, along with adding the proper quarter-inch clearance.

Pinback nails used improperly

Something that immediately catches our attention when performing our free siding inspections is improperly sealed pinback nails. These are commonly used to secure bowed siding, but in the case of our example above, you can see where the installers used them to touch up the ColorPlus HardiePlank siding. With these being improperly sealed, it’s clear that this contractor was not a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor.

Call a qualified contractor for your James Hardie Hardieplank installation.

James Hardie ColorPlus HardiePlank is the best siding product on the market, but it requires specialized installation. You definitely want to make sure that if you’re going to invest in HardiePlank for your Triangle area home, especially ColorPlus siding, that you have a certified and qualified professional to install it. Here at Carolina Exteriors Plus, we have been recognized as an Elite Preferred Contractor, which means we have the expertise and training to install your beautiful new siding correctly and with care. Learn more exterior home remodel tips.

Call us or fill out a form today to get a free quote on your next exterior remodeling project.

Author – Wesley Newton

Co-Founder & Owner, Carolina Exteriors

A construction‑industry veteran with more than two decades of experience, Wesley leads Carolina Exteriors’ mission to deliver exceptional customer experiences on every project across the Triangle.

Read Wesley’s full bio →

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