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 James HardiePlank® Cement board Lap Siding Installation, Troubleshooting, Repairs
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InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
James HardiePlank™ cementboard siding product information. This article describes the composition, installation, inspection & maintenance or repair of HardiePlank fiber cement board siding. We include discussion of complaints of paint or coating failures and shrinkage gap concerns. On the James HardiePlank cement board siding shown at the top of this page stain was found flaking off of the siding - a subject of consumer complaint about this home located in central Nebraska. Building paper was installed below the siding, there was no evidence of delamination or water damage, and the siding was delivered to the builder (Wardcraft) already stained.
James HardiePlank™cement board siding is a cementious product that has been installed on more than 5 million homes.[10] This material is NOT the same composition as hardboard siding products sold by Abatibi Corp, Masonite Corp., Boise Cascade, and Georgia Pacific
Corp, all of which experience failures of delamination, swelling, softening,
and general deterioration when exposed to water and weather, depending on the quality of installation, exterior coatings, and maintenance. (Also see SIDING, ASBESTOS FIBER CEMENT).
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
James HardiePlank Surface Coating Failure Investigation & Case History
Reader Marie Carr provided the page top photograph along with the following case history as part of a an investigation into the most-likely cause of a stain flaking problem observed on this building's siding: (See PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION for a detailed paint and stain failure analysis guide.)
We have James HardiePlank siding that was stained. When we tried to make a claim against the company, they indicated that they recommended their siding not be stained. So then we are trying to make a claim against the company that stained the product, and they indicate that it was moisture in the board that is causing the siding to flake.
So as you can see, we are going in circles at this time. The stain company suggests we paint over the siding as a correction and we would like your opinion on that corrective measure. We would like an independent company determine, if possible, what is actually causing the siding to flake off.
We are looking for independent lab to test siding to see why stain is lifting from the cement board siding.
It is also spider web cracking. Here is the picture of the area we removed the siding from. We are not sure how the stain was applied. From what we know, the siding was delivered to Wardcraft stained. We purchased additional siding from them when we completed our garage and it was wrapped with packing material between the pieces.
The home was assembled in doors at their factory in Minden, NE, siding was placed on the home there, for the most part in Feb 2005, with the remaining siding placed on the home once it was set at our site, March 2005. The only siding that was put on the home at the site was the top peak on the north side. Weather, from what I can remember, was sunny. As I indicated, the siding was stained when they placed it on the home.
When we picked up the siding we bought for the garage from Wardcraft, we asked for some stain at that time, and they told us that we could use stain that we purchased from a local supplier, they didn't have any stain there.
Note: James HardiePlank™cement board siding is a cementious product that has been installed on more than 5 million homes.[10] This material is NOT the same composition as hardboard siding products sold by Abatibi Corp, Masonite Corp., Boise Cascade, and Georgia Pacific
Corp, all of which experience failures of delamination, swelling, softening,
and general deterioration when exposed to water and weather, depending on the quality of installation, exterior coatings, and maintenance. (Also see SIDING, ASBESTOS FIBER CEMENT).
Typical Steps in Diagnosing & Curing HardiePlank™ or Other Cementious-Siding Flaking and Cracking Problems
We also want to inspect or otherwise see photos of all sides of the home, showing distant and closeup images of the failures. We want to know how the peeling varies by location.
We will also want to know the age and leak history of the home – any leaks of any kind that have ever occurred, and where water passed.
HardiePlank® siding instructions require that the surface be painted; they recommend a combination of factory primer and an acrylic topcoat. They are within their rights to object to coating with a stain.
Once a siding coating failure has been observed, we would not paint over the stain before we have some confidence that we know the cause of the failure, and further, that we have some assurance that the paint-over coating will bond with the surface adequately (special prep may be needed) and that it is chemically compatible with the existing stain. Else you may have a new failure.
A very careful collection of surface samples of peeling material as well as some tape samples of the surface right under where a fresh peeled stain has just come off might be diagnostic.
In the forensic laboratory we can examine, and dissect a short piece of siding that is representative of the failure. To examine a failure such as that described above we would need to study a sample in the lab using several methods including by stereo microscope.
Then we would need to prepare a sample of the peeled-off surface, collecting several samples of the peeling material. Those paint chip samples are then examined in cross-section forensically using high powered microscopy – that can tell us whether or not the stain was coming off due to moisture or from another cause. The fee for that level of analysis was (2010) typically around $500. and of course includes a written report and photographic documentation as well as discussion if you have questions about the report and its findings.
A detailed examination of paint or stain thickness on the siding may tell us if the siding was sprayed, and if it was pre-coated before assembly on the home – that might explain, for example, why the stain is very thin on the upper ridges of the material and thicker between them in the simulated wood grain.
The company offers the following recommendation for paint maintenance:
Remove any damaged, chipped, or cracked paint. Prior to repainting make sure that the surface area is properly cleaned and prepared. Repaint immediately using 100% acrylic paint. Note: for best results please refer to your paint manufacturer's written specifications for application rates and required topcoats or refer to James Hardie's Technical Bulletin No. S-100. [14]
See PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION for a detailed series of diagnostic steps in paint or stain failure analysis.
If you have additional siding product failure examples or questions that are not found addressed at InspectAPedia.com you are welcome to contact the author to provide additional field photos or information that may assist others in identifying and repairing siding failures.
Current HardiePlank Lap Siding Warranty Information
Currently (effective in 2011) the company notes that HardiePlank® lap siding comes with a 30-year non prorated, transferable, limited warranty. The company provides two different warranty documents depending on the product designation as HardiePlank® HZ5® or HZ10® Lap Siding. HZ5® describes HardiePlank siding installed in northern U.S. & Canada while HZ10® describes lap siding installed in the Southern portion of the U.S. The following excerpt is from the HZ5 warranty (additional terms and conditions apply - see the company's complete warranty documents).:
James Hardie Building Products
Inc. (“Hardie”) warrants, for a period of thirty (30) years (the
“Limited Warranty Period”) from the date of purchase of Hardie
Fiber-Cement HARDIEPLANK® HZ5®, HARDIEPANEL® HZ5®, HARDIESHINGLE® HZ5® and HARDIESOFFIT® HZ5®
products (each, the “Product”) for installation within the U.S. (except
Alaska), Puerto Rico and Canada (except Yukon Territory, Northwest
Territories, Nunavut, New Foundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia,
Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick) that such purchased
Product complies with ASTM C1186, will resist damage caused
by hail or termite attacks, and is free from defects in material and
workmanship. This Limited Warranty extends only to (i) the first
retail purchaser of the Product;
(ii) the first owner of the structure
to which the Product is applied and
(iii) the first transferee (each a
“Covered Person”).- [11]
Siding installers should take careful note that the siding must have been stored, handled, and installed according to the company's instructions. Other exclusions include:
This Limited Warranty does not
cover damage or defects resulting from or in any way attributable
to:
(a) The improper storage, shipping, handling or installation of
the Product, including, without limitation, failure of the Product
to be installed in strict compliance with the Conditions of Limited
Warranty set forth in Section 3 of this Limited Warranty and/
or improper installation of studs or other accessories);
(b) Further
processing, modification or alteration of the Product after shipping
from Hardie;
(c) Neglect, abuse, or misuse;
(d) Repair or alteration;
(e) Settlement or structural movement and/or movement of materials
to which the Product is attached;
(f) Damage from incorrect design of
the structure;
(g) Exceeding the maximum designed wind loads;
(h)
Acts of God including, but not limited to, tornados, hurricanes, floods,
earthquakes, severe weather or other natural phenomena, (including,
but not limited to, unusual climate conditions);
(i) Efflorescence,
peeling or performance of any third party paints, stains and/or
coatings;
(j) Growth of mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, or any organism
on any surface of the Product (whether on the exposed or unexposed
surfaces);
(k) Lack of proper maintenance. or
(l) Any cause other
than defects in material and workmanship attributable to Hardie.- [11]
Building owners should take careful note that paint & coating failures, mold growth, problems due to lack of proper maintenance will void the warranty as may "repair or alteration".
What about CertainTeed WeatherBoard and other fiber cement siding product warranties?
Warranty information and installation specifications for CertainTeed fiber cement siding products are discussed separately atat CERTAINTEED WeatherBoards™ and at SIDING, FIBER CEMENT.
James Hardie Company, Asbestos, Fiber Cement Siding, & HIstory
As we also noted at SIDING HARDBOARD, fiber cement building siding (like James Hardie Products (HardiePlank®)) may indeed be a more durable alternative to wood-fiber-based hardboard siding, though certainly some fiber-cement products have been the subject of failures and class actions see AMERICAN CEMWOOD ROOFING. Other fiber cement siding product lines include Maxi-Panel, Maxi-Plank, Cemplank, & FortaFiber.
James Hardie & Asbestos-Cement Product Claims - Fibro
James Hardie Building Products is a Melbourne Australia company founded in 1888. Hardie mined and distributed asbestos as well as asbestos-containing products including asbestos material referred to in some products as "Fibro" that ultimately led to significant litigation and mesothelioma claims. Hardie began labeling asbestos-containing products with a warning notice in 1978 and ceased using asbestos in its products in 1987.[2]
Hardie manufactured asbestos-cement building products (Hardie's Fibrolite Asbestos Cement Building Sheets" (until March 1987)) and other fiber cement products.
In Australia, driveways and garage floors of certain homes built in the 1970's contained asbestos waste from James Hardie.[1]
Also see Asbestos in Carpet Padding? at CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY for other asbestos materials from Hardie.
Also see AMERICAN CEMWOOD ROOFING, and see other cementious siding materials such as JamesHardie HardiePlank Siding and cementious roofing materials such as Corrugated Cement-Asbestos Roofing and ASBESTOS CEMENT & FIBER CEMENT SIDING. Also see Environmental Issues - Asbestos Roofing/Siding. (Also see Hardie's Fibrolite™ or Fibro where used in Australia). Also see ASBESTOS ROOFING / SIDING DUST.
Readers should also see Vapor Barriers on and in buildings - needed behind vinyl siding, see SIDING WOOD, FAILURES OVER FOAM BOARD for wood siding failures over foam (EIFS isn't the only system that might have difficulties), and readers may want to review POLYISOCYANURATE FOAM INSULATION.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fiber cement siding products: installation, troubleshooting, field failure reports, repair procedures for HardiePlank, WeatherBoard or other manufacturers of fiber cement lap siding.
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
- [1] "James Hardie's Mesothelioma and Asbestos Legacy Continues, 2009", web search 03/01/2011, www.survivingmesothelioma.com
- [2] Killer Company, James Hardie Exposed, Matt Peacock, Harper Collins Australia, ISBN: 9780733325809; ISBN10: 0733325807
- [3] " Anyone else have HardiePlank siding on their house?", Early Retirement.org online blog, retrieved 1/14/2013, original source: http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/anyone-else-have- HardiePlank-siding-on-their-house-19475.html
- [4] - DIY Chatroom, retrieved 1/17/2013, original source http://www.diychatroom.com/f2/ certainteed-weatherboard-vs-HardiePlank-4638/
- [5] Certainteed Weatherboard fiber cement siding and trim products - see certainteed.com/ or see certainteed.com/resources/sidingandtrimspecsheet.pdf
- [5a] "CertainTeed WeatherBoards™ Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual", CertainTeed Corporation, 2012, CertainTeed Corporation, PO Box 880, Valley Forge PA 19482, Professional Help Line: 800-233-8990, Consumer Help Line: 800-782-8777, Website: Certainteed.com www.certainteed.com/resources/fc017.pdf retrieved 4/11/2013, [copy on file as Certainteed_Fiber_Cement_Siding_Install_fc017.pdf ]
- [5b] "Certainteed WeatherBoards™ Fiber Cement Siding Best Practices for Effective Job Site Management", CertainTeed Corporation, retrieved 4/15/13 original source: www.certainteed.com Copy on file as Certainteed_FC_Handling Brochure-Contractor_FC063.pdf
- [6] "Moisture Control in buildings: Putting Building Science in Green Building," Alex Wilson, Environmental Building News, Vol. 12. No. 5. [Good tutorial, "Moisture 101" outlining the physics of moisture movement in buildings and a good but incomplete list of general suggestions for moisture control - inadequate attention given to exterior conditions such as roof and surface drainage defects which are among the most-common sources of building moisture and water entry.--DJF]
- [7] J. Tibbets, "Green Houses", NCBI, retrieved 1/17/2013, original source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1469482/
- [8] Gleeson et al, "Fiber Cement :Building Materials with Low Density Additives", U.S. Patent 8,182,606, B2 5/22/2012, [adding low volumes of volcanic ash & hollow ceramic microspheres to cellulose fiber-reinforced building materials.
- [9] Thanks to reader Marie Carr for James HardiePlank siding photograph and case history information.
06/01/2008
- [10] JamesHardie HardiePlank® Lap Siding information can be found at the company's web page on this material:
http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/products_siding_hardieplankLapSiding.py
- [11] "30-Year Limited Warranty
HardiePlank® HZ5® Lap Siding, HardiePanel® HZ5® Vertical Siding,
HardieShingle® HZ5® Siding, HardieSoffit® HZ5® Panels", 1-800-9-HARDIE
10901 Elm Avenue Fontana, CA 92337, retrieved 1/18/2013, original source: http://www.jameshardie.com/pdf/warranty/hz5.pdf [copy on file as Hardieplank_Warranty_hz5.pdf]
- [12] James Hardie Building Products, James Hardie CustomerLink™ Service Centre, 10 Colquhoun Street, Rosehill NSW 2142, Tel: 13 1103, Outside Australia 61 2 8837 4709,
Fax: 1 800 818 819. Hardie has operations in Australia, Asia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, United States, and the Philippines. The company is a significant producer of fiber cement siding and backerboard. Email: info@JamesHardie.com and Website http://www.jameshardie.com/
- JamesHardie Corporation, in the U.S. can be contacted at 26300 La Alameda, Suite 400,
Mission Viejo, California 92691 -
1-888 J-HARDIE
1-888 542-7343 or by email to info@JamesHardie.com
- [12b] "Technical Bulletin #9, Joint Flashing at Field Butt Joints", JamesHardie, retrieved 4/15/2013, original source: www.jameshardie.com, copy on file as James_Hardie_9-joint-flashing.pdf - quoting:
This Technical Bulletin is an explanation supporting the
announcement made by James Hardie on September 8th, 2008
withdrawing its recommendation on the use of caulk at field butt
joints for HardiePlank® lap siding.
- [13] Instructions for application of HardiePlank lap siding can be found at http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/products_siding_hardieplankLapSiding.py?openTab=jsnavLink4
- [14] "Homeowners Care and Maintenance Tips", 1-800-9-HARDIE
10901 Elm Avenue Fontana, CA 92337, included with product warranty information, retrieved 1/18/2013, original source: http://www.jameshardie.com/pdf/warranty/hz5.pdf [copy on file as Hardieplank_Warranty_hz5.pdf]
- [15] "HardiePlank HZ5 Lap Siding Installation Requirements - Primed & Colorplus® Products",JamesHardie, November 2012, 1-800-9-HARDIE,
10901 Elm Avenue Fontana, CA 92337, retrieved 1/18/2013, original source: http://www.jameshardie.com/pdf/install/hardieplank-hz5.pdf, [copy on file as Hardieplank-hz5_Install.pdf]
- [16] Technical Bulletin #9,
Joint Flashing at Field Butt Joints, James Hardie corporation, retrieved 1/19/2013, original source: http://www.jameshardie.com/pdf/technical-bulletins/9-joint-flashing.pdf
- [17] Technical Bulletin #17,
Fastening Tips for HardiePlank® Lap Siding, James Hardie Corporation, retrieved 1/19/2013, original source: http://www.jameshardie.com/pdf/technical-bulletins/17 -fastening-tips-for%20-plank.pdf [copy on file]
- [18] Technical Bulletin #8,
Expansion Characteristics of James Hardie® Siding Products, James Hardie Corporation, retrieved 1/19/2013, original source: http://www.jameshardie.com/pdf/technical-bulletins/8-expansion-characteristics.pdf [copy on file]
- [19] Eric Galow, Galow Homes, Lagrangeville, NY. Mr. Galow can be reached by email: ericgalow@gmail.com or by telephone: 914-474-6613. Mr. Galow specializes in residential construction including both new homes and repairs, renovations, and additions. Personal communication 3/20/2013.
- Masonite Woodruf® Roofing or Masonite OmniWood® Siding Lawsuit Settlement Notice - PDF file
- Paint Handbook: testing, selection, application, troubleshooting, surface preparation, etc., Guy E. Weismantel, Ed., McGraw Hill Book Company, 1981, ISBN-10: 0070690618, ISBN-13: 978-0070690615, [Excellent but a bit obsolete paint theory and practice, also a bit light on field investigation methods, out of print, available used-DF]
How to select and apply the right paint or coating for any surface. The first major reference to help you choose the correct paint or other finish to do the job best on a particular surface exposed to a particular environment. Experts in the field give full advice on testing surface preparation, application, corrosion prevention, and troubleshooting. The handbook covers wood, metal, composites, and masonry, as well as marine applications and roof coatings. A ``must'' working tool for contractors, architects, engineers, specification writers, and paint dealers.
- Paint and Surface Coatings, Theory and Practice, R. Lambourne & T.A. Strivens, Ed., Woodhead Publishing Ltd., William Andrew Publishing, 1999 ISBN 1-85573-348 X & 1-884207-73-1 [This is perhaps the leading reference on modern paints and coatings, but is a difficult text to obtain, and is a bit short on field investigation methods - DF]
Provides a comprehensive reference source for all those in the paint industry, paint manufacturers and raw materials suppliers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and industrial paint users. R. Lambourne was in the Research Department at ICI Paints Division and the Industrial Colloid Advisory Group, Birstol University, UK.
- Seeing Through Paintings, Physical Examination in Art Historical Studies, Andrea Kirsh, Rustin S. Levenson, Materials in Fine Arts, 2000 ISBN 99-051835 [ forensic science, technical reference, focused on art works - DF]
- Sealants, Durability of Building Sealants (RILEM Proceedings), J.C. Beech, A.T. Wolf, Spon Press; illustrated edition (1995), ISBN-10: 0419210709, ISBN-13: 978-0419210702
This book presents the papers given at the RILEM Seminar held at the Building Research Establishment, Garston, UK in October 1994. The book provides an opportunity for researchers to review up-to-date progress towards the achievement of the objectives of the standardisation of laboratory techniques of sealants in the variety of service conditions to which they are exposed.
- Staining, Prevention of Premature Staining in New buildings, Phil Parnham, Taylor & Francis; 1996, ISBN-10: 0419171304, ISBN-13: 978-0419171300
The appearance of ugly staining early in a buildings life, ruins an otherwise pleasing appearance, tarnishes the image of the owners and gives rise to costly refurbishment works. In this book Phil Parnham raises a number of questions that should be considered whenever a new building is being designed or built. These are: * why has staining become so prominent; * what causes premature staining; which parts of new buildings are likely to be affected; * how can it be avoided? By using a number of highly illustrated case studies, the author answers these questions and ends by suggesting measures that should be taken by all design and construction professionals to prevent premature staining.
- "Weather-Resistive Barriers [copy on file as /interiors/Weather_Resistant_Barriers_DOE.pdf ] - ", how to select and install housewrap and other types of weather resistive barriers, U.S. DOE
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
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- Analysis of Modern Paints, Thomas J.S. Learner, Research in Conservation, 2004 ISBN 0-89236-779-2 [Chemistry of modern paints, overview of analytical methods, pyrolysis-gas chromatography signatures of basic modern paints and their constituents, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for paint analysis, direct temperature-resolved mass spectrometry, and analysis in practice - technical reference useful for forensic paint science, focused on art works -DF]
- Building Pathology, Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention, Samuel Y. Harris, P.E., AIA, Esq., ISBN 0-471-33172-4, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 [General building science-DF - ** Particularly useful text **
- Understanding Ventilation, John Bower, The Healthy House Institute, ISBN 0-9637156-5-8, 1995 [General building science-DF - ** Particularly useful text. Mr. Bower has retired from the field but his book continues to be important]
- Dampness in buildings, Diagnosis, Treatment, Instruments, T.A. Oxley & E.G. Gobert, ISBN 0-408-01463-6, Butterworths, 1983-1987 [General building science-DF]
- The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
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