Installing James Hardie® Siding Products with ColorPlus® Technology
I got mud on the face of the board. Will mud or dirt clean wipe off easily?
What should I do where the boards meet in the middle of the wall?
James Hardie requires gaps between the siding and the roof, deck and porch. Why is this necessary?
Should I stagger butt joints in a particular pattern?
What do I use for touch–up paint?
Do all James Hardie® siding products with ColorPlus® technology need to come from the same paint lot? If so, where do I find the lot numbers?
What type of caulk should I use? How closely should the caulk colour match the siding?
What is the difference between Installation Instructions and Best Practices?
Do I need special tools to install James Hardie® siding products with ColorPlus® technology?
Do you require that HardiePlank™ lap siding be face–nailed?
Can James Hardie® siding products with ColorPlus® technology be installed in cold weather?
Do you provide installation training for your products?
I got mud on the face of the board. Will mud or dirt clean wipe off easily?
Depending on the job site conditions, dirt or mud may get onto the surface of the siding during installation. All James Hardie® siding products with ColorPlus® technology come with a protective laminate cover. The cover is intended to protect the product during shipping, storage and installation. You should make every effort to keep the laminate sheet on the product during installation. Dirt or mud can be cleaned off the product by using water and a soft–bristled brush if needed. ColorPlus technology products should not be cleaned with a pressure washer.
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What should I do where the boards meet in the middle of the wall?
Create a butt joint using the “factory–to–factory” finished ends. Behind the joint, use a flashing detail to keep water from getting behind the siding. Caulk or other sealants should not be used in butt joints. Cut ends should be finished using James Hardie® touch–up kits.
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James Hardie requires gaps between the siding and the roof, deck and porch. Why is this necessary?
The gaps are left to ensure proper drainage of water. The siding isn’t meant to sit in standing water or to be used as a device to channel water.
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Should I stagger butt joints in a particular pattern?
A pattern isn’t required. Butt joints should be placed in a way that’s pleasing to the eye. Patterns that draw your eye to the joints should be avoided. Butt joints should be offset by a minimum of 24”. Zipper patterns should not be used.
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What do I use for touch-up paint?
ColorPlus® touch–up paint is available in “kit” form only. The kit includes a dabber and paint pen. The touch–up kits use specially formulated paint that’s designed to provide the same level of performance as the factory–applied paint. “Store–bought” paint doesn’t fade or weather at the same rate and may look different over time.
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Do all James Hardie® siding products with ColorPlus® technology need to come from the same paint lot? If so, where do I find the lot numbers?
James Hardie uses sophisticated paint–matching technology that allows us to guarantee paint colour match from production run to production run. We have tighter colour tolerance than retail stores and the car refinishing industry.
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What type of caulk should I use? How closely should the caulk colour match the siding?
Use a high–quality, colour–matched caulk that meets or exceeds ASTM C834 or ASTM C920. The ASTM numbers can be found on the tube of caulk. Caulks that don’t meet one of these standards shouldn’t be used. The caulk should be labelled with the corresponding ColorPlus® colour (for example, Khaki Brown). Because caulk has a different consistency than paint, it will not match the siding colour exactly. For this reason, caulk should not be used on the face of the siding.
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What is the difference between Installation Instructions and Best Practices?
The installation instructions provide all relevant, product–specific installation requirements. Best Practices complement the installation instructions by providing tips and more detailed installation information. Both product–specific Installation Instructions and our Best Practices Installation Guide are periodically updated and are available online.
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Do I need special tools to install James Hardie® siding products with ColorPlus® technology?
The tools you use to install wood siding or other wood–based siding products can be used to install James Hardie® siding products. The only special tool we suggest is a fibre cement saw blade made by Freud that’s available at most local hardware stores. This will make cutting easier and reduce the dust produced during cutting.
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Do you require that HardiePlank™ lap siding be face–nailed?
Face nailing may be required in areas that are subject to high winds. Check your local building codes to determine if face nailing is required. Face nails can also be used, as needed, to close gaps. This is commonly called “aesthetic pin–back.” When aesthetic pin–back is required, consider using finish nails. Finish nails are less noticeable and are easier to touch–up. If installed properly, aesthetic pin–back shouldn’t be necessary.
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Can James Hardie® siding products with ColorPlus® technology be installed in cold weather?
James Hardie® siding products with ColorPlus® technology can be installed in all weather conditions. Use care, however, during the touch–up process.
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Do you provide installation training for your products?
Yes. Contact your James Hardie Installer Representative for more information.
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Still need help? Our team of pros is available to answer all of your installation questions.
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