Hardie Vertical Siding at Floor System

[CNewhouse]

When inspecting Hardie panel siding on new builds, I see it spanning floor systems about half of the time. Maybe more. Hardie's installation details require a horizontal seam in the siding at each floor system. I call it out when I see it done incorrectly, and the builders always respond as expected. "I've been doing it this way for years and I've never had a problem!" I'm curious. Have any of you even seen damage to Hardie panels because of the missing horizontal seam at a floor system? 

[hausdok]

I called it out for years while I was still active in the gig.

"If it's not installed to manufacturer specs, it's not installed to code," is what I would reply to a builder's objections, and I'd include the graphic from the Hardi installation instructions.

Hope that deck is not installed on/through that Hardi and that It's anchored with proper lateral ties, not just bolts, and there are spacers allowing drainage and through flashings from above to below the ledger.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!
Mike

[harryjames201]

I Would Say it's crucial to follow Hardie's installation details which call for a horizontal seam at each floor system to ensure proper performance and avoid potential issues. While some builders may not have faced problems yet missing this seam can lead to moisture infiltration and damage over time.It’s best to adhere to manufacturer guidelines to prevent future complications.