Right before I moved into my house 7 years ago, the former owners had the 2-story house resided with HardiePlank Lap Siding. On the south side of the house, every summer/fall, I have to recaulk failed cauking where the ends of 2 boards butt up to each other. This year the east side needs recaulking as well. Is this typical? What is the best caulk to use for longevity?
Also, this year I’ve noticed that some of the bottom board corners have started to crack off at an angle. This siding seems like it takes a lot to maintain it. Does anyone have any suggestions on maintenance?
Thanks in advance!
Greta
Beaverton, Oregon
Replies
Picture #2 is indicative of a very sloppy installation job. There's no excuse for the planks to split that that, and if they did they should have been removed and replaced before the next course was applied.
As for the caulk, all I can think of is removing as much as the old caulk as possible, replacing it with the best that money can buy, and then paint.
FWIW, Hardi's instructions no longer recomment caulking butt joints. They are to be flashed from behind with either tin or tar felt.
The corners just started breaking this year -- 7 years after installation. Would that still be due to the installation process?
In that picture it looks like the butts were too tight which could cause stress with thermal expansion (not to mention the fact that the planks aren't flush). Does this side of the house get a lot of sun?
Yes, it gets intense sun all summer and the brunt of the rain all winter.
>>>Yes, it gets intense sun
>>>Yes, it gets intense sun all summer
Ok,the fractures could be caused by non-aligned planks (not flush) and butt joints too tight, which suffer under thermal expansion.
Here's a link to Hardi's instructions:
http://www.jameshardie.com/builder/products_siding_hardieplankLapSiding.py?openTab=jsnavLink4
(Not that it will do you much good now)
As I said, I think your best option is to dig out old caulk, re-caulk with good stuff, and paint.
It may be that the butts weren't primed before caulking. That'll prevent caulk from sticking.
Hardie caulk issues
Hardie private labels their own caulk, my suggestion is to remove as much of the old caulk as possible and purchase the Hardie product and use it. As for the boards breaking off at an angle, it sounds like they were cracked before they were installed, and over time they have finally succumbed to the natural movement caused by heating and cooling.