When it comes to renovating your home, the last thing you want to do is skimp on quality. The decisions you make during a renovation, especially for your home's exterior, should last for decades to make the expense and dedication worthy of your effort.
One of the most important questions homeowners ask concerns a material's longevity and durability, and this is especially true for siding. Siding is a crucial element for your home's exterior, elevating its style while protecting it from the natural outdoor elements. Choosing high-quality siding, like James Hardie siding, is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home's overall value and longevity.
At SuperiorPRO, we're committed to providing the best Hardie Siding installation with the highest quality craftsmanship and customer service. All our siding projects come with industry-leading warranties to ensure your home will look beautiful for years to come.
What is Hardie Siding? A Guide to Fiber Cement
Before diving into the specifics of installation and cost, it's important to understand the product itself. What is Hardie siding? Often referred to as Hardie board siding or HardiePlank siding, it is the most popular brand of fiber cement siding in North America. Made from a durable composite of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it is engineered to last up to 50 years. This composition makes it resistant to cracking, shrinking, rotting, and pests. It also boasts high ratings for energy efficiency and can help insulate your home against inclement weather, making it an excellent choice for any climate, including the harsh Minnesota weather.
So, is Hardie board good for siding? Absolutely. Its durability, low maintenance, and resistance to fire and weather damage make it a superior choice compared to many alternatives. It truly is a smart investment for your home's longevity.
The Ultimate Guide to Installing Hardie Siding
Proper installation is critical to the performance and longevity of James Hardie products. As a James Hardie™ Elite Preferred Contractor, we are held to the strictest installation standards. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the installation process.How is Hardie siding installed?
The general process of how to install Hardie board siding involves preparing the wall with a weather-resistant barrier, installing starter strips and trim, and then attaching the siding planks. How do you attach Hardie board siding? The planks are fastened directly to the framing or sheathing of your home using specific types of corrosion-resistant nails or screws.
How do you cut Hardie board siding?
Learning how to cut Hardie siding safely and cleanly is crucial. The best methods involve using a circular saw with a fiber-cement-specific blade (a "HardieBlade") and a dust collection system, or specialized tools like fiber cement shears. Proper safety gear, including a respirator, is essential due to the silica dust created.
What kind of nails and nail gun should be used?
When you nail Hardie siding, you must use the correct fasteners. What size nails for Hardie siding? Typically, 2" 16-gauge corrosion-resistant (hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel) siding nails are recommended. As for the tool, what gauge nail gun for Hardie siding is best? A siding nailer is preferred over a framing nailer. Can you use a framing nailer for Hardie siding? It is generally not recommended, as framing nailers can easily overdrive the nails, which voids the warranty and can cause the siding to crack.
Can new Hardie siding go over old siding?
This is a frequent question. Can new Hardie siding go over old siding? In most cases, it is not recommended. You should remove plywood siding before putting on Hardie siding to ensure a flat, solid surface and to properly inspect the sheathing for any rot or damage. While you technically can install Hardie sheet siding over T1-11, the old siding must be in excellent condition and perfectly flat. Most professionals, including SuperiorPRO, will recommend a full removal for the best, most water-tight result.
Installation Specifics and Best Practices
- Can Hardie siding be installed on furring strips? Yes, this is a common practice to create a rainscreen system, which improves ventilation and moisture management behind the siding.
- How do you install Hardie siding around windows? Proper flashing around windows and doors is installed first, followed by trim. The siding is then cut precisely and installed, leaving a small gap between the siding and trim that is later caulked.
- How big of a gap between boards of Hardie siding? At butt joints where two planks meet, James Hardie specifies leaving no gap (moderate contact). Gaps are required where planks meet trim, which are then filled with sealant.
- Do you have to caulk Hardie siding? Yes. What caulk to use on Hardie siding? A high-quality, permanently flexible, paintable caulk that complies with ASTM C920 is required at all vertical joints and penetrations.
- Can you install Hardie siding in the rain? It is strongly advised against. The wall structure and the back of the siding should be kept as dry as possible during installation to prevent trapping moisture.
- Which side of Hardie board goes up? For textured products, the wood-grain textured side faces out. For smooth products, both sides are the same, but you should always install with the primer-sealed side facing out.
Cost and Value of James Hardie Siding
Investing in your home's exterior is a big decision, and cost is a major factor. Here's what you need to know about the price of Hardie siding.
How much does Hardie siding cost?
The cost of Hardie plank siding can vary widely based on your location, the complexity of your home's architecture, and labor rates. On average, you can expect the cost to install Hardie siding to range from $10 to $25 per square foot. For a specific project, like wanting to know how much to have James Hardie siding installed on an 1800 sq ft ranch, the total cost could range from $18,000 to $45,000. The best way to get an accurate number is to get a professional estimate.
How much is a square of Hardie siding?
A "square" is a construction term for 100 square feet. The material cost for a square of Hardie siding typically falls between $200 and $500, depending on the specific product line and finish. This does not include trim, supplies, or labor.
Does replacing siding with Hardie increase home value?
Yes! According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing your siding with fiber cement siding is one of the best renovations you can make. It offers an exceptional return on investment, with homeowners recouping a significant portion of the project's cost upon resale.
Maintaining, Repairing, and Customizing Your Hardie Siding
Hardie siding is known for being low-maintenance, but occasional cleaning and repairs may be needed.
How do you clean Hardie siding?
How to clean Hardie board siding is simple. A gentle wash with a soft brush or cloth and a garden hose is usually all that's needed once a year. For tougher grime, a mild detergent can be used. Avoid high-pressure power washing, which can damage the siding and finish.
How do you repair Hardie plank siding?
If a board gets damaged, you need to know how to repair hardie plank siding. Small cracks can be filled and sealed, but for larger damage, it's best to replace a piece of Hardie board siding. This involves carefully cutting out the damaged section and installing a new piece, ensuring it is properly flashed and sealed.
Can you screw into Hardie board siding?
Yes, you can screw into Hardie board siding. To install a water hose holder or other fixtures, it is best to pre-drill a hole through the siding and use a high-quality screw. Whenever possible, locate a stud behind the siding for the most secure attachment.
Painting and Finishing
- Do you need to prime Hardie siding before painting? If you purchase the pre-primed product, yes, it must be painted after installation. However, James Hardie's ColorPlus® Technology products come with a factory-baked finish and do not need to be painted.
- Can you apply stone coat over Hardie siding? Applying a heavy coating like stone or stucco directly over Hardie siding is generally not recommended as it is not designed to be a substrate for these finishes.
Choose Hardie Siding with SuperiorPRO
From product selection and design to the final installation detail, choosing the right contractor is as important as choosing the right siding. As a James Hardie™ Elite Preferred Contractor, SuperiorPRO is recognized for our quality craftsmanship and adherence to the highest installation standards. We handle everything, from helping you source your materials from local distributors to executing a flawless installation backed by James Hardie's 30-year non-prorated warranty.
Homeowners in Atlanta trust SuperiorPRO to install James Hardie™ fiber cement siding products. Call SuperiorPRO today for a siding that offers a high return on investment and unforgettable curb appeal!