A: No. Although Hardiplank contains wood fibers, the main
ingredient is cement. Hardie siding is sometimes referred to as Fiber Cement Siding.
Q: Is Hardiplank dangerous to my health?
A: No. Hardiplank is no more dangerous to your health than
the concrete in your driveway. James Hardie siding is engineered to be Non Toxic.
Q: How is Hardiplank attached to my house?
A: Hardiplank is nailed directly to the studs with a
moisture barrier underneath. The many styles of hardie plank have slightly differing attachment techniques specified by the manufacturer, James Hardie Company. HardiPlank is often blind nailed which means the nails are actually hidden by the overlapping Hardie lap siding plank. HardiTrim / Hardie Trim boards are used as corner framing for your home. Caulking, priming and painting is all done according to James Hardie specifications.
Q: Can all of the wood on my house be replaced with
Hardiplank?
A: Basically, yes. Hardiplank can be used for walls,
trim boards, over hangs and eaves - anything except studs or
door frames. Specific Hardie products are used for their intended use. Hardie Trim is used for triming out doors and windows as well as finishing the corners of your home. Hardie Soffit is ventilated and installed to assist your attic venting system. Hardie Fascia is installed at the edges of your roof line. There are several different designs of the siding itself. You may have lap siding, stucco textured siding, scalloped "fishscale siding", for example. Hardie Siding is offered in all styles popular in this region.
Q: Is it necessary to use screws to attach Hardiplank?
A: No. Attaching Hardiplank with screws rather than nails
adds significantly to the cost of a job and is a needless
expense. All-Tex Exteriors always follows the James Hardie specifications for every application.
Q: Is it advisable to use wood sheathing under the
Hardiplank?
A: No. Aside from the added expense - the wood sheathing may
rot and cause needless problems.
Q: Is it advisable to use foam board under the
Hardiplank?
A: No. There is mounting evidence that foam board under any
siding is a breeding ground for molds that can be extremely
dangerous to your health.
Q: Can I get a discount on my fire insurance by
installing Hardiplank?
A: Since Hardie Siding is non-combustible, some insurance companies offer a discount while others do
not. We suggest that you contact your local agent and ask if installing James Hardie Siding on your home will reduce your insurance premium. In any event, since it does not burn, your home will be safer.
Q: Is Hardiplank banned in California?
A: No. Despite consistent rumors, Hardiplank is not banned
in California or any other state.
Q: What should be attached to the studs before Hardiplank
is attached.
A: We recommend a plastic moisture barrier that “breathes”
and allows air to travel but keeps out moisture. Not all hardie siding contractors are aware of nor do all siding installers follow James Hardie's exacting specifications. All-Tex has extensive training and experience and is a James Hardie Platinum level contractor.
Q: Can you put Hardiplank over the wood that is already
on my house?
A: No. The old wood may continue to rot over time and cause
serious problems. All-Tex recommends that you always fix the problem, not hide it. Vinyl siding just hides the problem. Your home will continue to decompose under the vinyl. That is why vinyl siding and aluminum siding often blows off in the wind. The problem with the subsurface it has been attached to continues to degrade and the nails are basically set in sponges at this point. installing vinyl siding is like the old saying "sweeping the problem under the rug". Always fix the problem, never hide it.
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