James Hardie Siding Installation Help For Maryland Homeowners
Are you a Maryland homeowner who is fed up with your old siding? Do you want to have new James Hardie siding installed, but are afraid you won’t be able to afford the cost? If so, read this article to find tips for do-it-yourself James Hardie siding installation.
| Note: If you are simply looking for help installing the siding, NOT instructions on how to do-it-yourself, click here to speak with a Certified Hardie Installation Expert |
James Hardie offers many siding products that can be purchased throughout Maryland. Although each product comes with specific installation instructions, this article provides some general tips to help make installing your new James Hardie Siding easier than you might have thought possible.
Before You Install
If you do not intend to install your James Hardie Siding on the same day you purchase it, be sure to store it flat, and keep it dry and covered. Installing wet siding can result in shrinkage at butt joints.
When you are ready to install your James Hardie Siding, take extra care when removing the planks from the pallet. Planks are interlocked together on the pallet, and should be removed horizontally to unlock themselves.
Failure to properly remove the planks may result in damage to the drip edge.
Cutting James Hardie Siding
Whether you are indoors or outdoors, use the “score and snap” cutting method or shears for the best results when cutting James Hardie Siding before installation.
If you are outdoors, position your cutting station so that the wind blows siding dust away from you. If you are indoors, make sure to cut James Hardie Siding in a well-ventilated area.
General James Hardie Siding Installation Tips
The following list provides an overview of things to consider during your James Hardie siding installation. Before starting, take time to research and be familiar with your local building code requirements.
- James Hardie siding can be installed over braced wood, steel studs, or foam installation/sheathing that is up to 1-inch thick.
- Water resistant barrier is required in accordance with local building code requirements.
- Adjacent finished grade must slop away from the building in accordance with local building codes.
- Do not use on Fascia or Trim applications.
- Do not install James Hardie siding so that it will remain in contact with standing water.
- The use of caulk at field butt joints is not recommended.
- Install factory finished edges together at butt joints.
If you would like a more detailed siding installation guide for all James Hardie products, please visit the company's official website.
Clearance Tips for James Hardie Siding Installation
The following tips are provided to help you remember how much clearance to allow when installing your James Hardie siding.
Required clearance for James Hardie siding installation will vary from location to location. It is important that you research and become familiar with your local building code requirements before installing your siding.
- For clearance between the bottom edge of the siding and the adjacent finished grade, install siding and trim products in compliance with local building code requirements.
- Maintain a 2-inch minimum clearance between siding and steps and driveways.
- Maintain a 2-inch minimum clearance between siding and decking material.
- Provide a 2-inch minimum clearance between roofing and the bottom edge of the siding and trim.
- Maintain a ¼-inch clearance between bottom of siding and horizontal flashing. Do not caulk gap.
- Maintain a minimum 1-inch gap between gutter end caps and siding and trim.
For more specific clearance requirements for each available James Hardie siding product, please visit the company’s official website.
Kickout Flashing Installation Tips
According to James Hardie, one of the most critical flashing details occurs where a roof intersects a sidewall. As a result, the roof must be flashed with step flashing where the roof terminates.
It is best to install a self-adhering membrane on the wall before the subfascia and trim boarders are nailed in place, and then come back to install the kickout.
To prevent water from dumping behind the siding and the end of the roof intersection, install a kickout of sufficient length and angle to direct the water running down the roof away from the siding.
Fastener Requirements for James Hardie Siding Installation
Each James Hardie siding product has different fastener requirements. Blind nailing is the preferred method of installation for most James Hardie siding products.
The general fastener tips listed below will help you get started on your James Hardie siding installation. If you are curious about specific product fastener requirements, please visit the company’s official website.
- Fasteners must be corrosive resistant, galvanized, or stainless steel.
- Fasteners can be nailed/fastened with pneumatic tool (highly recommended). Set air pressure so that the fastener is driven snug with the surface of the siding.
- If nail is countersunk, caulk nail hole and add a nail.
- Do not use aluminum fasteners, staples or clipped head nails.
- Drive fasteners perpendicular to siding and framing.
- Fasteners should fit snug against siding (no air space).
- Do not overdrive nail heads or drive nails at an angle.
Finishing Your James Hardie Siding Installation
After you have completed your James Hardie siding installation, follow these tips to make your new siding really stand out.
- Caulk, paint, or prime all field cut edges.
- Do not stain.
- Paint primed product within 180 days.
- Paint unprimed product within 90 days.
- 100% acrylic topcoats are recommended.
- Touch up nicks, scrapes, and nail heads using the ColorPlus Technology touch-up applicator.
- Remove laminate sheet immediately after installation of each course.
- Terminate non-factory cut edges into trim wherever possible.
Let Cunningham Contracting, Inc. Install Your New Siding
If, after looking over the tips in this DIY James Hardie siding installation guide, installing siding yourself still seems like a daunting task, call Cunningham Contracting, Inc. and let us install your new James Hardie siding for you.
Cunningham Contracting, Inc. is a full-service residential and commercial general contractor in Maryland, serving most of the state including areas like Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, Silver Spring, Bethesda, and Germantown, Columbia, Ellicott City and beyond.
All contractors we work with are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We provide guarantees on all of the work we do.
Cunningham Contracting, Inc. makes installing your home's siding smooth, safe, and economical. So, why not have Cunningham Contracting, Inc. help you with your siding needs?
We have been in business for over 25 years and have helped thousands of Maryland homeowners with their home improvement projects, covering everything from siding installation to window replacements to home remodeling projects.
"I tried installing my James Hardie siding by myself, but found the instructions confusing and the task itself a little overwhelming. I called Cunningham Contractors later that week, and they came out and had my new siding installed within 24 hours. I was impressed! I would recommend them to anyone in need of new siding installation.” Bob Schaeffer Crofton, MD |
Let's Install Your James Hardie Siding Today
Having your home's siding repaired or replaced with Cunningham Contracting, Inc. is easy. Simply follow the four steps outlined below to be on your way to improving your home's appearance.
- Fill out our online form, or call 410-721-8757 to tell us about your problem.
- Schedule an in-home consultation.
- Get a pricing estimate.
- Schedule a time to have the work done.
Most siding repairs and replacements can be completed in 24 hours with minimal interruption to your daily life, so trust the professional licensed and insured contractors at Cunningham Contracting, Inc. with your next siding project.
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