10 most common siding install errors with james hardie

10 Most Common Install Errors with James Hardie SidingJames Hardie siding is one of the most popular and durable siding materials on the market. It’s designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, resist pests, and last for decades. But even the best siding material can be installed incorrectly, leading to costly repairs and damage. Here are 10 of the most common installation errors with James Hardie siding that you should avoid.

1. Not Using Proper Nailing Techniques

One of the most common mistakes made when installing James Hardie siding is not using proper nailing techniques. The nails must be driven into the studs at a 45-degree angle and spaced no more than 6 inches apart. If the nails are not properly placed, it can cause the siding to become loose or even fall off over time.

It’s also important to use galvanized nails that are specifically designed for use with James Hardie siding. These nails have a special coating that helps prevent corrosion and rusting, which can weaken the siding over time.

Finally, make sure to use enough nails when installing James Hardie siding. The manufacturer recommends using two nails per piece of siding, but in some cases, three may be necessary depending on the size and weight of the panel.

2. Not Installing Flashing Properly

Flashing is an important part of any siding installation, as it helps protect against water damage by directing water away from vulnerable areas such as windows and doors. When installing James Hardie siding, it’s important to make sure that all flashing is properly installed and sealed with caulk or sealant.

If flashing isn’t installed correctly, it can lead to water seeping into your home through cracks or gaps in the siding. This can cause serious damage to your walls and foundation over time.

It’s also important to check for any gaps between pieces of flashing when installing James Hardie siding. Gaps can allow water to seep in and cause damage, so make sure they are filled with caulk or sealant before moving on.

3. Not Installing Starter Strips

Starter strips are an essential part of any James Hardie siding installation as they provide a secure base for the first row of panels. Without starter strips, there is nothing holding up the first row of panels which can lead to them becoming loose or falling off over time.

When installing starter strips, make sure they are level and securely fastened to the wall with galvanized nails or screws. It’s also important to leave a gap between each strip so that air can circulate behind the panels.

Finally, make sure that all starter strips are properly sealed with caulk or sealant before moving on to install the rest of the panels.

4. Not Installing J-Channel Properly

J-channel is used around windows and doors when installing James Hardie siding as it provides a neat finish and helps keep out moisture and pests. However, if it’s not installed correctly it can lead to water seeping in around these areas which can cause serious damage over time.

When installing J-channel make sure it is level and securely fastened with galvanized nails or screws every 12 inches along its length.

It’s also important to leave a gap between each piece of J-channel so that air can circulate behind the panels.

5. Not Sealing Joints Properly

Sealing joints is an essential part of any James Hardie siding installation as it helps keep out moisture and pests while providing a neat finish. When sealing joints make sure you use a high-quality caulk or sealant that is specifically designed for use with James Hardie products.

It’s also important to check all seams after installation as even small gaps can allow moisture in which can lead to serious damage over time.

Finally, make sure all joints are properly sealed before painting or staining your new James Hardie siding.

6. Not Installing Trim Correctly

Trim is an important part of any James Hardie siding installation as it provides a neat finish around windows and doors while helping keep out moisture and pests. When installing trim make sure it is level and securely fastened with galvanized nails or screws every 12 inches along its length.

It’s also important to leave a gap between each piece of trim so that air can circulate behind the panels.

Finally, make sure all trim pieces are properly sealed with caulk or sealant before painting or staining your new James Hardie siding.

7. Not Installing Underlayment Correctly

Underlayment is an essential part of any James Hardie siding installation as it provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and pests while helping keep out heat and cold air from entering your home.

When installing underlayment make sure it is level and securely fastened with galvanized nails or screws every 12 inches along its length.

It’s also important to leave a gap between each piece of underlayment so that air can circulate behind the panels.

Finally, make sure all underlayment pieces are properly sealed with caulk or sealant before painting or staining your new James Hardie siding.

8. Not Installing Vents Properly

Vents are an essential part of any James Hardie siding installation as they help keep out moisture while allowing air circulation behind the panels which helps prevent mold growth.

When installing vents make sure they are level and securely fastened with galvanized nails or screws every 12 inches along their length.

It’s also important to leave a gap between each vent so that air can circulate freely behind the panels.

Finally, make sure all vents are properly sealed with caulk or sealant before painting or staining your new James Hardie siding.

9. Not Installing Corner Posts Correctly

Corner posts provide support for corners when installing James Hardie siding which helps ensure that they remain straight over time.

When installing corner posts make sure they are level and securely fastened with galvanized nails or screws every 12 inches along their length.

It’s also important to leave a gap between each post so that air can circulate freely behind them.

Finally, make sure all corner posts are properly sealed with caulk or sealant before painting or staining your new James Hardie siding.

10 .Not Cleaning Surfaces Before Installation

Before starting any type of installation work on your home’s exterior surfaces like wood sidings ,it’s very important to clean them thoroughly .This will help remove dirt ,dust ,mold ,mildew ,and other debris from surfaces .If these contaminants aren’t removed prior to installation ,they could interfere with adhesion .In addition ,they could cause discoloration on newly installed sidings .To clean surfaces prior to installation ,use warm water mixed with mild detergent .Scrub surfaces gently using soft bristled brush .Rinse surfaces thoroughly afterwards .Allow surfaces dry completely before proceeding further .

 

• Not using proper nailing techniques
• Not installing flashing properly
• Not installing starter strips
• Not installing J-Channel properly
• Not sealing joints properly
• Not installing trim correctly
• Not installing underlayment correctly
• Not installing vents properly
• Not installing corner posts correctly
• Not properly preparing the surface before installation