Shrinking Hardiplank?

[exploreparadise2]

I returned to inspect a house that I inspected seven years ago when it was a year old. The gaps in some the Hardiplank joints have expanded to 1/4" wide, exposing the joint flashing. Some of the planks broke where they were face nailed. My photos from seven years ago show all the joints were tight (no caulk).

Discoloration of the siding and wood fascia, and leaking gutters lead me to suspect water intrusion at the wall. Can Hardiplank shrink? There was very little waviness or buckling in the planks. Could a wet wall behind the siding expand and create joint gaps? The temperature difference between inspections was less than ten degrees.

Thanks

Click to Enlarge

39.53 KB

Click to Enlarge

36.42 KB

[Marc]

Try this: The first inspection was done before the house saw its first summer season. A couple of summers pass and the planks displace sideways slightly because of expansion in summer heat. The 2nd inspection is also in the winter when the gaps are at their widest.

Marc

[John Kogel]

It is abnormal shrinkage for Hardie plank. Could it possibly be from another manufacturere?

[Rob Amaral]

It could have been relatively damp (the material) when installed, no? They have all sorts of warnings about pre-installation storage for that stuff in regards to this...

[Jim Baird]

Do not think this kind can shrink. Any way the frame of the house might have grown? Rafters pushing walls apart or whatever? I have seen some pretty bowed out eaves.

[Bob K]

My garage has hardi siding. I live just north of Chicago. I've been watching the material expand and contract over the 16 yrs I've owned it. It's not much but it happens.