Of all the homes that I perform
inspections on, approximately 60% of them have HardiePlank lap siding installed
on at least one of their exterior walls. I like the product. It wears well, is
quite attractive and requires less maintenance than many other products out on
the market today. Each and every home I see with the siding installed, I find
that the butt joints are open. The caulk that had been installed at the time of
the installation typically fails within the first 4 years after its original
installation and will require replacement.  This, I normally would consider as
regular maintenance. Just like painting. Well, until I found that James Hardie
issued a little known Technical Bulletin. I found this after a Listing Agent
disliked my report where it stated that I recommended the installation of
sealant on the open butt joints. After researching the concern, I found indeed
that James Hardie no longer recommends the use of caulking to seal the joints. Rather than caulk, James Hardie now recommends
the use of flashing under each and every butt joint. I can certainly see why
they had changed their opinion to as what the best method for weather-proofing
the joints is. It is as simple as this. Caulk fails over time. The flashing
won’t. Now, after this has been said, I
have yet to see any of the siding installed properly, as per the Technical
Bulletin, which was written and distributed on September 8, 2008. Now, if you
decide to have new HardiePlank siding professionally installed, please do not
take it for granted that the installer actually know how to properly install
the product. Feel free to let them know. Here is the bulletin - Richard
Morse Morlin
Property Inspections Atlanta
Residential and Commercial Property Inspections
www.MorlinPropertyInspections.com (770) 564-1505 |
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