We are finally ready to order our siding. I went on the internet and found some negative comments: flaking, deteriorating, swelling?, scaling, mushroom growth and possible class action suit. Most of the comments on this forum have been good so has anyone had problems with it?
I called Hardi direct and was told that they never heard of these problems!!
I also read:
1)put extra coat of primer or paint on back to protect from moisture absorbtion – Hardi said not necessary as the boards don’t absorb moisture. (We live on the west(wet) coast of Canada = rain and lots of it)
2)caulk all butt joints – Hardi said you can butt the joints tight and no caulking is necessary as the paint will take care of it. Also said it was rated to withstand 3-4 days under water.
3)not to use ring shank nails (which most power nailers use) as they blow out the back and will cause problems so use smooth nails – Hardi said it makes no difference.
Sorry to go on about this but we are replacing 3,000 sq. ft. of defective cedar siding after only 13 years. I don’t want to have to do this again! I would appreciate any info.
Btw I tried to do a search for fc siding and Hardi siding and only come up with a few posts. I know there were lots of posts before. Am I doing something wrong?
Replies
we love FC siding.. but have never used Hardi.. we use Certainteed, which used to be Ashland -Davis..
we gap all joints so there is a caulkable joint.. wether end to end or end to trim..we use an 8d nail to maintain the space
we prime with an acrylic primer before we caulk...
we blind nail so it is sort of inconsequential wether we use SS ring-shank or just Paslode galvanized roofers...
go to the certainteed site for FC to get some more info...
here's a pic of a light block detail with 6.5" siding blindnailed at 4" exposure// note the caulk joints...
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Hi, KRYSTY-
ALL of the problems you listed in your opening paragraph are the ones attributed to LP Siding (manufactured by Louisiana Pacific). I have seen them firsthand, and they are all true! The material is no longer manufactured per se due to all the problems and resulting class action. LP now makes an updated version of this siding called 'Smartlap', and you can bet that I won't EVER use it, guess I'm not 'smart' enough! Geographically, a lot of the LP siding problems originated in the Pacific Northwest, certainly due to the wet climate here (I'm in Olympia, Wa.). In my opinion, this type of siding is NOT appropriate for the NW. LP claims to have solved the problems, but I refuse to beleive it in this climate.
Now, if you are planning to use James Hardie's Hardieplank siding, well, you are in very good company because it's installed often here in the Northwest (maybe not always the Hardie brand, but certainly fiber cement siding in general). Many of the discussion participants here are fans of FC siding. One of the best choices ANYWHERE.
Ken Hill
I agree, the LP siding of days past was crap. It nearly backrupted the company to settle the claims.
I believe the new product to be a dramtic improvement and on the cutting edge of engineered wood products. First of all, I would hope that a company, given prior experience, would not enter into new product development if there was not significant differences. The new product has undergone substancial testing in Hilo Hawaii(150' + annual rainfall). It was tested for mold growth and termite damge. The product treats the "chips" with zinc borate prior to the manufature of the boards which makes it much more durable.
I have seen many houses in the Carolinas and Cape Cod area which hae used the product and it looks great.
I agree, the LP siding of days past was crap. It nearly backrupted the company to settle the claims.
I believe the new product to be a dramtic improvement and on the cutting edge of engineered wood products. First of all, I would hope that a company, given prior experience, would not enter into new product development if there was not significant differences.
I see old and new. So far, the new is too new to develop the types of problems the old had, except it is already developing the deck of cards look on the lower edges.
LP is saying it "just" needs to be repainted after a couple of years. I say. let's wait and see; that's pretty much what it said the first time.
I aslo have serious questions about why the heck they didn't change the molds or whjatever.
Think about it. You produce a product that turns out to have major problems and almoist drives you out of business. That product is announced hither and yon as being identifiable by the "LP knot" http://www.lpsidingclaims.com/identifysiding.html
I "change the product, making it better - New! Improved! Family Size! But I don't change the knot pattern? So every with a little bit of knowledge is going around looking for the knot and running like hecck when they see it?
With genius like that, you gotta wonder.
I've had the HardiPlank in place for a little over a year, so far nothing but good things to say about it, although it is dusty to cut. You definately want to have a good respirator. It's holding the paint exceptionally well and I'm planning on using it on another project shortly. I used the HardiPlank which is the clapboard style and comes in both a grained or smooth finish. The 5 1/4 inch plank which gives a four inch exposure ran around 44 cents a linear foot in the NYC area, and that was from a lumber yard that has the reputation of being a little more expensive than most. The only thing bad I can say about the product is that when I was first trying to locate it, the company web site listed a yard that didn't carry it, the next closest was thirty miles away in a different state and they wouldn't give me a price over the phone, and a sales rep.was supposed to call me back with a local supplier and never did. I managed to track it down on my own, but it was a pain. It only comes in 12 foot lengths and you have to be careful carrying it as it will snap if you aren't careful. If carrying it alone, stick to no more than three pieces at a time and try to keep it on edge. That being said, I'm still happy with the product.
Thanks everyone for the input.
Pete, 'defective' was the polite word that came to mind. The siding was a bevel, over 4 with only a 1/4" overlap. I was assured that the siding was dry and would not shrink. Well it did shrink and a number of boards either show a gap or almost and some have buckled or warped. We were also told that it would only have a few knots. We had it factory primed. Quite a few knots have fallen out. I've recently heard other complaints about this company and their deceptive sales pitches. Live and learn. Like I said. I don't want to have to do this again.
OK I don't know much about siding. I have learned quite a bit both from this site and a few patient carpenters that were siding a few house I have worked on. I'm starting to think about installing some of it myself.
I will say one thing about FC siding. Check with your insurance carrier. Many will give you a break for changing from cedar to FC siding. From what I hear these savings can be quite substantial over the life of the house.
The majority of the complaint you listed seem very similar to what is said about masonite and particle board siding in this area. I have seen the mushrooms. I have never heard or seen any of this about FC siding. Hmmm.
Fiber cement siding is made of two main components, portland cement and wood fiber. The product will absolutley absorb moisture. It is a very durable product but the installation recommendations from the "rep/company" are totally inacurrate. The product should be install over a housewrap or building paper, expansion gaps should be placed when to boards meet end to end and not only caulked at that point but also where it meets trim. 6d or 8d fateners work very well
Definitely Poor instalation.
4 inch claps are made for a 3 inch exposure. Either wrong stuff was ordered or it was installed with the wrong exposure.
Knots come with wood. If you ordered clear you may still have to cut out a few. If not (pun) "loose" knots should be cut out. If there are too many loose knots then send it back.
Proper nailing with proper nails should prevent cupping.
OTOH
I have heard nothing but good things about Hardi-plank so go for it.
If you are doing it yourself follow the manufacturers guidelines.
Mr TDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!