can you identify the manufacturer of this lap siding? Any tips you can offer to help identify the maker- such as the embossing, the profile, etc. would be most appreciated.
I noticed that on all walls but one, the installers used tar paper to flash the butt joints, and left a little gap between planks consistent with installation instructions per Hardie. On the fourth wall, though, they used house wrap for flashing. I noticed the weave was open, so I wrote it up. That’s not my question- I’m comfortable calling it out in this case. Hardie’s installation guide actually suggests using house wrap, (after saying it’s best to use their proprietary flashing, sheet metal, or tar paper) BUT I seem to remember seeing a video made by a regional Hardie rep who stated that house wrap should not be used because it is not UV stable. So, here is the question: If you see butt joint flashing made of house wrap, do you consider it a defect and write it up? I’m not interested in what is “normally done in my area” feedback because I think we can all agree that what is normally done is often wrong on these products. If it were on YOUR home, what would your position be?
That looks a little like LP siding. Can’t say for sure.
For the flashing I would call out any material that is not being used as per the manufacturer. Double check the install specs if you know the manufacturer as they may state “Use X or similar/equivalent”. At that point house wrap might be a similar material depending on what they call for. If nothing specific called for then I would not call out the house wrap as its purpose is as a water resistive barrier.
James Hardie recommends 6 inch (152.4 mm) wide joint flashing that overlaps the
course below by 1 inch (25.4 mm). See Figure 1. Some local building codes may require
different size flashing. Joint-flashing material must be durable, waterproof material that
does not react with cement based products. Examples of suitable material include painted or coated coil stock and code compliant water-resistive barriers, such as HardieWrap® weather
barrier. Other products may also be suitable
My position:
Lap siding. Unknown brand.
Top fastened with brand nails.
But ends poorly aligned. Suspect: Visible but end joint flashing.
Cracked/Damaged lap siding. Location. Top but end
Refer to siding contractor for further evaluation and corrective measures.
Act upon any recommendations therein.
I will agree that a North-facing wall is LESS an issue.However, the sun angle during the longest days of the year is actually from north of vertical, albeit only for a couple of months. Plus, UV does reflect off of other objects… thanks for your input!
Robert,
yes- there were some pin-back nails in this location, although they were not widespread. It is actually the reason I took this particular photo; I did not see the housewrap flashing until I got back to the computer and saw the photos on the “big screen” (and did not have all that solar radiation blasting my retinas). To reiterate the questions, though, if you have time: 1) do you have any tips for identifying this siding, and 2) what are your thoughts on housewrap as a butt joint flashing?
To answer your fist question: No, other than visiting ‘big building material retailers lap siding sections.’ Come to think of it, an licensed installation contractor comes in handy.
Are you sure it is house wrap, Weather Resistive Barrier - WRB and not an approving but joint flashing material?
