Alright, let us talk about James Hardie siding. Our team gets many questions about this material from folks all over Dodge City. We hear from homeowners with older homes near Boot Hill as well as those with newer builds out by the bypass. James Hardie siding is a popular choice for good reasons. There is also a lot of wrong information out there about it. Our company will lay out the straight facts for you without any extra fluff. We want you to know what you really need to know about James Hardie siding in Dodge City.
Is James Hardie Siding Fireproof?
This is an important question, especially with how dry it can get around Dodge City. People often ask if Hardie board is fireproof. The short answer is no, because nothing is truly fireproof. However, James Hardie siding is about as close as you will get for residential siding. James Hardie fiber cement siding is non-combustible. It also has a Class A fire rating under ASTM E84. This is the highest rating you can get for residential building materials.
This means a lot for homeowners in Dodge City. It means the siding will not ignite when it is exposed to a direct flame. It also means the siding will not add fuel to a fire. You can think about this compared to wood siding, which burns. Vinyl siding can melt and warp pretty quickly. The paint on James Hardie siding might char. However, the siding itself will not go up in flames. This provides a lot of peace of mind for Dodge City homeowners. This is especially true when we get those hot, windy days that can make a small fire spread fast.
How Does James Hardie Compare to Vinyl Siding?
This is probably the most common comparison our team hears about siding materials. You see vinyl siding all over Dodge City. It has been a common choice for a long time. However, James Hardie is a different type of material entirely. Here is the rundown of how they compare:
- Durability: Hardie siding is fiber cement. This is a blend of cement, sand, as well as cellulose fibers. It is much thicker than vinyl siding. It is usually five times thicker. This makes it much more resistant to impacts like hail or flying debris. Vinyl siding is lighter. It can crack, buckle, or warp, especially with our extreme temperature swings in Dodge City.
- Fire Resistance: We just talked about this, but it is worth repeating. Hardie siding is non-combustible. It also has that Class A fire rating. Vinyl siding is combustible. It can melt when exposed to heat.
- Pests: Termites and woodpeckers do not find fiber cement appealing. This is different from wood siding.
- Cost: Upfront, James Hardie siding is usually more expensive than vinyl siding. It can sometimes be 0% to 40% more depending on the vinyl grade. However, here is an important point: Hardie siding can last 30-50+ years. Vinyl siding typically lasts 20-40 years. So, over the long haul, the total cost of ownership can actually be comparable or even better with Hardie. This is because you might never have to replace your James Hardie siding again.
- Weight: Hardie board is heavy. It weighs about 300 pounds per 100 square feet. This compares to 60-70 pounds for vinyl siding. This weight means a more involved installation process. This weight also contributes to the higher labor cost for James Hardie siding installation.
Do I Have to Paint James Hardie Siding After Installation?
This depends on the type of James Hardie siding you buy. James Hardie offers two main options for homeowners in Dodge City. These options are ColorPlus Technology as well as primed boards.
- ColorPlus Technology: This is the factory-applied, baked-on finish. If you choose ColorPlus, you do not need to paint it after installation. It comes with a 15-year limited warranty. This warranty covers peeling, cracking, as well as chipping. The factory process makes sure there is a consistent, durable finish. This finish handles our Kansas weather well.
- Primed Boards: These boards come ready for you to paint. If you choose primed siding, you absolutely need to paint it within 180 days of installation. This is to protect it and to keep your warranty valid. You will want to use a high-quality 100% acrylic latex paint for this.
Even with ColorPlus, you might want to repaint down the road. This could be if you want a new color. It could also be if fading starts to show, especially on walls that get a lot of sun. Repainting ColorPlus siding will void that 15-year finish warranty. However, it will not void the main material warranty for the James Hardie siding itself.
What Kind of Warranty Does James Hardie Offer?
James Hardie stands behind their products with solid warranties. All their fiber cement products come with a 30-year, non-prorated warranty. This warranty covers manufacturing defects. It also means the value of the coverage does not decrease over time. The warranty also protects against things like hail damage as well as termites for your Dodge City home.
For the ColorPlus finish, as our team mentioned, you get a 15-year limited warranty. This warranty covers the factory finish against peeling, cracking, as well as chipping. It is important to know that these warranties cover the material itself. They do not cover the labor for replacement. Also, for the warranty to be valid, the James Hardie siding has to be installed according to James Hardie's specifications. Paradise Siding Company always follows these specifications.
Can James Hardie Siding Be Installed Over Existing Insulation?
Yes, you can install James Hardie siding directly over rigid insulation. This is possible as long as the insulation is up to 1 inch thick. If you have thicker insulation, you will need to add wood or metal furring strips first. It is all about making sure you have a solid, flat surface to nail into. This also makes sure the installation follows their guidelines for proper drainage as well as attachment.
What Are the Most Common Problems with James Hardie Siding?
Look, even the best products can have issues. These issues usually happen when the product is not installed correctly. The most common problems our team sees with James Hardie siding are not because the product is bad. They are because of installation errors or a lack of proper maintenance.
- Moisture Damage: Fiber cement resists rot. However, it can absorb water if it is not installed correctly. This happens if the siding is too close to the ground. It also happens if flashing is not done right around windows and doors. This can also happen if seams are not sealed properly. You need at least 6 inches of clearance from the ground for James Hardie siding.
- Cracking and Chipping: Hardie siding is tough. However, it is also heavy and can be brittle. Panels can chip or crack during handling. They can also chip or crack if they are nailed improperly. Overdriven nails are a big problem for James Hardie siding.
- Paint and Finish Issues: If you get primed siding and do not paint it within that 180-day window, it is exposed to the elements. It can deteriorate faster. Even ColorPlus can fade over time, especially in direct sun in Dodge City.
- Caulk Failure: Caulking around joints can shrink or crack over time. This can let water in. This is especially true with our big temperature swings here in Dodge City. Good quality, flexible sealants as well as regular checks are important.
- Improper Nailing: This is a very important point. Hardie siding needs to be nailed into studs for structural support. If it is just nailed into the sheathing, it can shift. The nails can also pull through.
Most of these issues can be avoided by hiring a contractor. This contractor should know James Hardie products inside and out. They should also follow their installation guidelines carefully. That is why at Paradise Siding Company, we make sure our crews are trained as well as certified. This helps us do the job right the first time for your Dodge City home.