Should Hardie board be caulked?

James Hardie DOES NOT recommend using caulk or “H”-jointers for the butt joints of HardiePlank® siding with ColorPlus® technology. James Hardie also DOES NOT recommend applying caulk to the horizontal overlap between siding planks (see Figure 2).

Should Hardie board have gaps?

Gaps: Hardie boards should be joined in “moderate contact”. This means that the boards should be touching each other when they are installed. There is no need to leave a gap for expansion.

Should I caulk Hardie board siding?

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.

Do you caulk Hardie board before painting?

If needed, you'll also want to caulk or re-caulk every seam and joint in your Hardie Plank. This step will ensure that no moisture gets in at the joints and causes deterioration. Once all caulk is dry and your siding is clean, you'll paint Hardie Plank with a high quality exterior grade acrylic latex.

Should you caulk fiber cement siding?

Many professionals, like those at James Hardie, also agree that you should not use caulk on fiber cement siding unless there is no metal flashing underneath. Flashing acts as a waterproofing layer for this type of siding, and caulking will prevent the flashing from doing its job.

How To Caulk James Hardie Products

Does caulking Hardie board void the warranty?

These such areas are called “field butt joints.” In the case of James Hardie's Color Plus siding, which has a pro-rated 15-year warranty, using caulk at field butt joints will flat out void your warranty!

Do you leave a gap between Hardie board siding?

Run the siding to the HardieTrim® board leaving a 1/8 in. gap between the siding and trim. The bottom of the siding should be kept even with the bottom of the trim, or if desired, the trim may extend below the bottom of the siding. But the siding should never hang below the trim.

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.

Should I caulk siding seams?

The bottom of siding boards should not be caulked

While paint does tend to somewhat glue these pieces together, caulking them is never advised and can cause permanent damage.

What is the best caulk for cement board siding?

TOM: What you want to use is a silicone caulk because it's the most permanent one. It's got good adhesion and expands and contracts.

Does Hardie siding expand and contract?

Fiber cement (complying with ASTM C1186), as do all building materials, expands and contracts with changes in relative humidity and temperature. James Hardie recommends designing for this type of movement on buildings with long runs of continuous siding.

Do you nail or screw Hardie board?

Fasten HardieBacker sheets with proper nails or screws (as listed in ''Materials Required'' in the backer installation instructions) every 8'' around the perimeter and all supporting studs. Keep fasteners between 3/8'' and 3/4'' from sheet edges and 2'' in from sheet corners.

Why does fiber cement siding crack?

Fiber cement planks are floppy until secured on the wall and holding only in the middle or transporting over a shoulder will cause a dramatic sag at both ends. The stress can cause a crack at the center of a board.

Can you pressure wash Hardie board?

The manufacturer recommends that you do not pressure wash your Hardie siding. The hard spray of water from the power washer can damage the surface of the siding. In fact, pressure washing fiber cement siding is one of the only ways you can damage this durable type of siding.

Does Hardie board need to be primed?

Whether you've got a ColorPlus finish or custom paint on your existing Hardie siding, you don't have to use primer when re-painting Hardie. All you should have to do is rinse your siding (use a garden hose - no pressure washers here!) to clean off any dust or dirt.

How long does Hardie board last?

Hardie Board siding is a greater financial investment than vinyl siding, but it lasts longer too. So as you consider this aspect of your decision, realize you will enjoy this outstanding siding for up to 50 years.

What do you use to seal cement board seams?

Use special mesh tape on seams

Cover all of the corners, joints and seams, including the joint where drywall and cement board meet, with the fiberglass mesh tape.

Do you have to mud and tape cement board?

The thinset and mesh tape are to strengthen the seams. If you are going to tile over the cement board, you should tape the seams.

Do you caulk horizontal Hardie board siding?

James Hardie DOES NOT recommend using caulk or “H”-jointers for the butt joints of HardiePlank® siding with ColorPlus® technology. James Hardie also DOES NOT recommend applying caulk to the horizontal overlap between siding planks (see Figure 2).

What voids James Hardie warranty?

This includes damage from water infiltration, exceeding wind, tornados, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and severe weather or other Acts of God. Other natural elements that void the warranty include the growth of mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, or any other organism that forms on the product's surface.