Top 3 Problems That Come From An Improper James Hardie Siding Installation

Replacing your exterior siding is a nerve-wracking project to start. You know you want your new siding to protect your home for years to come. And, when investing in such a large project, getting your money’s worth is crucial too. 

This is especially true if you’re interested in James Hardie siding. 

You’ve probably heard about all the benefits of Hardie siding. It’s durable, long-lasting, and there are many style options to choose from. But, you may have also heard of its cost. 

Because replacing your home siding with James Hardie siding is a significant investment, you need to know it will be installed correctly to function as it should. 

The quality of the installation of a product is just as important as the quality of the product itself. Although Hardie siding has its many advantages, if it is not installed correctly, you will not experience those benefits to the fullest. 

An improper siding replacement usually comes from choosing an untrustworthy contractor. It can be tempting to choose the contractor that seems to offer you a deal that is too good to be true. 

However, you must be aware of the potential risks you take if your Hardie siding is installed by a contractor that doesn’t know what they are doing. 

Here at Southwest Exteriors, we’ve been an exterior remodeling contractor in San Antonio since 1989. We exclusively offer James Hardie fiber cement siding. 

Our installers are trained under Hardie’s best installation practices to ensure the quality and longevity of your new siding. 

We understand the importance of installation, no matter the product. Unfortunately, we’ve come across too many homeowners that have experienced a botched Hardie siding installation and have called on us to fix it. 

We know how frustrating this is for homeowners who wasted time, money, and effort only to have their siding replaced again in just a few years. So, we want you to be aware of the potential risks you take if your Hardie siding is not installed correctly. 

This article will outline the top three problems that come with an improper James Hardie siding installation. 

After reading, you will better understand the importance of quality of installation. Then, you can find a contractor that will install your James Hardie siding to last on your home. 

What are the problems that come from improperly installed James Hardie siding? 

James Hardie is the leading manufacturer of fiber cement products and makes durable siding to last a lifetime on your home. But, you must understand how the installation affects its longevity. 

Hardie has created numerous guides with best practices for installing all siding products. When these best practices are not followed, you do not receive the full benefits of Hardie siding. 

To help you better understand what you risk if you choose the wrong contractor for your Hardie siding project, let’s look at the top three major problems that come with improper Hardie installation. 

1. Your James Hardie siding will not perform or last as long as it is made to

The first major problem of an improper Hardie siding installation is how it affects the product’s performance and longevity. 

James Hardie siding products are made of fiber cement, consisting of a mixture of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. It is also made to be non-combustible, resistant to water damage and rot, and withstand any climate. 

This is what makes Hardie siding so durable and long-lasting on your home. But, if it is not installed properly, it will not last. 

For example, some contractors will fill in the excess gap with caulk if the siding, trim, soffit, and fascia boards are installed too far apart. This is not a long-lasting solution to that gap. In the future, this risks the caulk failing and creating an open space for water infiltration and rot. 

Hardie boards must also be nailed properly using the correct nails. If the boards are not nailed in the right spot or nailed at an angle, the boards can crack and break over time. 

An improper Hardie installation will create problems you should not have to experience. This, in turn, will also cause you to have to repair or replace your siding entirely sooner than expected. 

James Hardie siding is made to be a lifelong solution for your home, and it is a large investment. So, you want to make sure you choose a trustworthy contractor that will install it properly to attain all its benefits. 

2. You may be taken advantage of by an unqualified siding contractor

The second problem that comes with an improper Hardie siding replacement is being taken advantage of by an unqualified contractor. 

The truth is, anyone can buy James Hardie siding at their local chain hardware store and market themselves as a Hardie siding installer. This is why you must beware of unqualified contractors promising to install your Hardie siding for cheap. 

Recently at Southwest Exteriors, we met a client that experienced this exact scenario. A stranger knocked on their door and offered to replace their siding with James Hardie for a low price. 

They gave the homeowner a name and number for their company, but there was no trace of them when searching for the company on the internet. The number that they gave was not even in service. 

Luckily, the homeowner got a second opinion and decided to call Southwest Exteriors for their project. 

Imagine if that homeowner had written that “installer” a check on the spot because they were tempted to save money. Who knows if the installer would have ever returned. 

This is exactly what we want you to beware of when searching for a Hardie contractor. We recommend finding a certified James Hardie installer in your area by using this tool on Hardie’s website. 

The last thing you want is to be out of thousands of dollars for a company and installation that did not deliver the outcome you deserve. 

3. You risk losing money with an improper James Hardie siding installation

The final major problem with an improper Hardie siding installation is the cost. 

A siding replacement is a large investment, no matter the type of siding. James Hardie siding, however, is more expensive than other types of siding. Because of this, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth with your siding investment. 

If you choose the wrong contractor and end up with an improper Hardie installation, you will not receive the full benefits of Hardie siding. This will most likely mean you have to replace your siding again soon. 

This is why it is crucial you do your research on the right contractor and ask the right questions. You must ensure they know what they are doing and that they will not take advantage of you. 

If you’re looking for the least expensive siding option out there, then Hardie is not the right choice for you. If you want Hardie siding because you’ve heard of their impeccable reputation, then you must have realistic expectations for the cost. 

Do not be tempted by a lower price from an inexperienced contractor. While the cost may seem irresistible, remember that cost and quality directly relate. 

If you want a high-quality, long-lasting James Hardie siding installation, you are going to have to pay more. 

How can I get my James Hardie siding installed right the first time? 

Now that you are aware of three major risks with an improper James Hardie siding installation, you can understand the importance of choosing a trustworthy contractor. 

Finding the right contractor for your project can be difficult. But, if you do ample research on what to look for in a contractor and know what questions to ask, you will know exactly what to look for in a professional contractor.

One of the best ways to avoid these risks is to choose a James Hardie-certified contractor. Read real client reviews and look for pictures of a contractor’s work to ensure they know what they are doing.

With Southwest Exteriors, our siding installers are professionally trained on James Hardie’s best practices. To confirm that we have done our job and provided you with the best installation possible, we have a James Hardie inspector come to your home to check our work and approve your Hardie siding. 

We want you to have all the information you need to find the right contractor for your Hardie siding project, whether you work with us or not.

This article will outline five qualities to look for in a James Hardie siding contractor. Then, when you’re ready to start your project, you know what to look for to find the right contractor to install your Hardie siding correctly.