Is Hardie board rodent proof?

Get the reliable protection your home needs with Hardie siding. Hardie siding resists pests like squirrels and birds, but that's only one of the many reasons homeowners love this exceptional product. Moisture resistance—Hardie siding is durable and reliable against water intrusion.

Can animals chew through Hardie board?

Thankfully, James Hardie siding offers superior resistance to damage from woodpeckers, squirrels, and other pests. As it turns out, fiber cement siding does not entice critters and won't be eaten by termites. No matter what your design style, the wide range of James Hardie siding selections complement any home.

Is Hardie board termite resistant?

Hardie Board siding resists pests including termites and carpenter ants. It's also woodpecker resistant, so you don't have to worry about the hassles of repairing termite or woodpecker damage.

What are the problems with Hardie board?

Hardie Board Moisture Problems Caused By Cracking

Fiber cement siding is a hard, brittle product. One of the worst problems with Hardie siding is moisture damaged which can be caused by cracking.

Does mold grow on Hardie board?

It is highly susceptible to mold and mildew. Hardie Plank has many seams and the seams must be sealed or water can infiltrate behind the siding. It can crack and if it does, you must tear the whole wall down in order to replace just one plank. It also is not maintenance free and requires painting every 10 years.

Install HARDIE BOARD Fiber Cement Siding BY YOURSELF Gecko Gauge Clamps ONE MAN How to CUT Concrete

How often does hardiplank need painting?

Hardie Plank is also called fiber cement siding. While it's far heavier than aluminum, vinyl or wood, it is extremely durable and typically only needs a new paint every ten to twenty years for maintenance.

Which is better Hardie board or vinyl siding?

By contrast, Hardie® fiber cement siding is more durable and up to 5x thicker than vinyl siding. It easily stands up to the elements, resisting damage from wind, rain, freezing temperatures and hail, and gives homes years of protection with low maintenance.

Does Hardie board crack?

While fiber-cement is one of the most durable exterior siding materials, it can still crack on occasion. Sometimes cracks are caused by incorrect siding installation.

Will Hardie board warp?

HardiePlank® is a fiber cement based siding, so it's impervious to water, termites, woodpeckers, and any other animal you can think of. It's dimensionally stable so it won't warp like wood or vinyl siding can, and it won't melt or warp when heat is applied to it.

Should Hardie board be painted?

Yes, you can, and you should. Painting Hardie board siding will significantly improve its look and its longevity. Siding finishes generally last for around 15 years, so you need to do it, and do it right. Painting, when done properly can really bring out the wood feel of the Hardie board.

Why is Hardie board so expensive?

It's debatable if it's worth the high costs of buying James Hardie siding. High demand for a low supply of fiber-cement siding drives up the price. The material is heavier than vinyl, so it requires additional cost for shipping, more specialized labor, and longer installation.

Will termites eat Hardie board?

As we've mentioned, Hardie Board, vinyl, and metal siding are impervious to pests. Termites and carpenter ants eat wood, but the wood pulp used in Hardie board is infused with cement, so the pests have no interest or access to it.

What's the difference between cement board and Hardibacker?

HardieBacker is much more light, and it is also the best selling brand of cement board available. It is much cleaner because it does not have any glass in it. It allows for a smooth job with minimal mess. As a bonus, HardieBacker board has an EZ Grid pattern so you can cut perfect lines.

Do squirrels eat Hardie board siding?

Squirrels can wreak havoc on Hardie Board siding, but don't fret! There are ways to deter them. The squirrels around Cathy Rieger's Thomasville, Ga., home are relentlessly chewing on her Hardie Board siding.

Can mice chew through cement board?

That said, you might be curious to know, "Can mice chew through concrete?" The answer is yes, but only if the concrete is not cured properly. There is one material that mice tend to shy away from – steel wool.

How do you keep mice from getting under siding?

Use expanding foam for any size gap or crack in your siding. Buy standard, full-expansion foam for large holes. Store boxes off the floor in your basement or garage. You can easily spot mouse droppings this way.

What was the main problem with fiber cement board siding?

Cutting fiber cement siding generates respirable crystalline silica, a known human carcinogen. Inhaling too much silica can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD.

Is Hardie board waterproof?

Tested & Proven Waterproofness

No water penetration through Hardie® Backer Board with HydroDefense™ Technology during 48-hour hydrostatic test. HardieBacker® Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology is a long-lasting, waterproof solution for walls, floors, and countertops.

Can you power wash Hardie board siding?

It's recommended to pull out the garden hose and douse your home siding every 6-12 months. Don't use a high-pressure power washer to get the job done, as it turns out a low-pressure hose and a soft medium bristle (nonmetal) brush is the best way to remove dirt and debris from James Hardie® siding and trim.

Should you caulk Hardie board?

When James Hardie siding products butt into wood-based materials, a 1/8" gap will allow for expansion and contraction of the wood-based product. Caulks and Sealants: James Hardie recommends the use of caulks and sealants that remain permanently flexible.

What goes behind Hardie siding?

Joint flashing: James Hardie recommends that a slip sheet (joint flashing) is installed behind each butt joint in the siding. This is a 6” wide piece of weather resistive material to make sure that no water gets through.

How do you fill nail holes in Hardie board?

The installation guide for Hardie Board, which is a brand of cement board siding recommends using caulking to fill nail holes. When I've installed it I used a high-quality exterior paintable calking after smoothing the edge of the holes. Once the caulk is dry you can touch up the paint.

What is the longest lasting house siding?

Vinyl siding is a popular choice when it comes to your home's cladding and actually lasts much longer than expected. With no effort or cleaning, it's expected to last you about 60 years but with meticulous care and maintenance, you can expect your vinyl siding to last up to 100 years.

Is hardiplank and Hardie board the same?

Fiber cement siding is often called “hardiplank” or even “hardie board” named from the most popular brand of fiber cement siding which is manufactured by James Hardie. Fiber cement planks are formed by combining wood pulp with Portland cement.

Is Hardie board more expensive than wood?

Fiber cement siding

Fiber cement averages around $3-4 per square foot, making it a little more affordable than cedar. Because it is a heavy material requiring more manpower, the installation can involve a larger crew and cost more than other materials.