Originally Posted By: rmoore This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
OK?need some thoughts here. Had a nice 2000 home with Hardi-plank siding today. I?m sure we?ve all seen lots of this, but today?s was the first I can remember with no caulk at the butt joints. The joints ranged from hairline to no more than 1/16?. No signs of problems or buckling and good caulk everywhere else. The neighboring homes were similar.
My first reaction was that this is wrong, but I thought I?d check out the Jame Hardi web-site first. This is what I found
From the installation instructions?
Quote:
Space plank according to joint treatment either in moderate contact (joints not caulked) or in accordance with caulking manufacturer?s written application instructions (joints caulked).
It doesn?t specify what moderate contact is, but does seem to imply that uncaulked joints are an option.
From ?Technical Tips?
Quote:
Manufacturers' Caulk and Sealant Recommendation Sheet S-100B
Issued July 2000
APPLICATION:
General: James Hardie believes it is good building practice to seal the joints to prevent moisture, such as wind-driven rain and snow, from penetrating the wall cavity.
They ?believe? it is good building practice, but don?t seem to want to commit themselves.
So?whadya think?
-- Richard Moore
Rest Assured Inspection Services
Seattle, WA
www.rainspect.com
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I write it up all the time.
Since we're on Hardi-Plank, it's also a requirement that it be installed a minimum of 2" away from the roof surface. I have never seen anyone leave that much space between the siding and the roof. It's usually less than 1" or even touching the roof. I write this up as well.
Originally Posted By: mboyett This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Patrick,
That is very interesting. I recently inspected a brand new $1M home that had Harditrim fascia and soffits. I was surprised to not see any drip edge molding on the fascia board and the fascia went all the way to the asphalt shingles. I asked the builder’s construction foreman about that and he said since it was Hardiboard then it didn’t need it. Well, it made sense at the time but now from what you say then that is entirely wrong. I downloaded the James Hardie products Installation Guides and glanced over them but I did not see a reference to the clearances and dimensions you described. Can you tell me where to find that information? I might want to amend my report and let the buyer know my findings.
Originally Posted By: mboyett This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Oh, OK, now I see what you are referring to, i.e. where a vertical wall meets a lower roof. I was concerned about where hardi-trim was used as a fascia and could not understand how you would get 1" to 2" clearance from the top edge of the fascia to the roofing material above it.
Originally Posted By: mcyr This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Good old Hardie Plank, is finally trying again on the market when it failed to be economically feasible in the 60's.
Caulk butt joint or not, that is the question.
Remember the old asbestos siding, I do.
The joints were butt joints.
The trick was that little piece of two inch felt paper behind every joint.
I still see houses today with this siding and amazes me that it lasted this long. No problem that I know of.
Hardie Siding, caulk it and it is warranted for 25 or 30 years depending on what you buy for caulking. If it fails at 20 years, don't try to find the Manufacturer, because he has been bought out, sold or out of business.
Caulk the darn thing and sleep better.
P.S. Don't forget to backprime this good product.
