One of the many reasons that James Hardie siding is so popular with local homeowners in the Indianapolis area is because it’s extremely durable and long-lasting. However, that doesn’t mean that you will never have to tend to it.
How can you tell if it’s time to replace James Hardie siding? You’ve come to the right place for help. Below, you’ll learn about some signs you need to replace your Hardie board siding.
If you have any questions about the siding process as you start planning your James Hardie siding replacement process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts by calling 317-769-3237 or contacting us online.
Signs It’s Time to Replace James Hardie Siding
You want to keep your house protected and looking good. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your siding, and how long does James Hardie siding last?
If your Hardie board siding meets any of the below criteria, you’ll want to replace it with the best siding options available before it’s too late.
You See Signs of Wear and Tear
James Hardie cement board siding is specifically made to withstand even our harshest Indiana weather extremes, helping it to look great for decades. Even still, you may start to notice small areas of wear and tear.
For example, you may notice minor scrapes or nicks in your siding over time. If the damage is very small, you may be able to fix it yourself with a James Hardie ColorPlus Touch-Up Kit, which will perfectly match your existing siding. However, as a good rule of thumb, any areas of damage bigger than the size of a dime should be replaced instead.
In that case, call in the help of a siding expert like our team here at Aztec Homes. We’ll come out to your home, inspect the state of your James Hardie siding, and create a replacement plan that works best for your needs.
It Was Installed Improperly
The company you hire for your initial James Hardie siding installation makes all the difference in how long your siding will last. An improper installation will cause your siding to fail faster than normal, resulting in the need for a replacement.
Here are some of the most common signs that your James Hardie siding wasn’t installed correctly:
- The boards were nailed incorrectly: James Hardie siding should be installed with headless nails. If headed nails are used instead, they will be exposed to the elements over time, causing them to rust. Eventually, this can stain your siding boards. Improperly installed nails can also cause your boards to crack or split.
- Excess caulk was used: Caulk helps to create a seal between your boards to prevent water from getting behind your siding. Inexperienced siding contractors may install the boards incorrectly, leaving too much of a gap between them. They’ll then use extra caulk to fill in the space. However, eventually, that caulk will peel up, leaving the seams exposed and vulnerable to water damage.
- The boards are uneven: Take a quick look at your siding. Do the boards look uneven? If so, it’s a sign that they weren’t installed correctly. This not only affects your curb appeal but also leaves your home vulnerable to water intrusion.
It’s Been More Than 30 Years Since the Original Installation
James Hardie siding is backed by a 30-year warranty, which helps to protect your investment over the decades. But, if it’s been more than 30 years since the initial installation, it’s a good idea to start planning for your replacement project.
While James Hardie siding can last longer than other types of siding material, it’s not designed to last forever. If it’s been more than three decades, it’s nearing the end of its expected lifespan, so you’ll want to replace it before serious issues develop.
It’s Been Through a Fire
In the event of a house fire, James Hardie siding won’t contribute fuel to the fire, helping to keep your home safer, especially compared to other siding materials. However, even though this is a fire-resistant material, it may still show some signs of damage after exposure to flames.
As a result, you should plan to replace your siding after a fire so you won’t have to worry about its performance going forward. Our experts will be happy to come out to your home and replace the affected areas with new James Hardie siding.
Ready to Replace Your James Hardie Siding?
After reading this guide, you should have a better idea of whether it’s time to replace James Hardie siding. If you’re ready to move forward with your replacement project, our experts are here to help.
To request a free quote for your James Hardie siding replacement, please call us at 317-769-3237 or contact us online.
