Hardi Gaps

[Darren]

This house was built in 2006 with JH lap siding. I called out the gaps and missing flashing as per the installation instructions. The installation instructions also stated caulking between butt joints was not permitted.

I'm told the seller contacted his builder and the builder stated the siding was installed as per 2000 installation instructions. He told the seller no flashing was required in 2000; anyone hear of this or have the 'old' instructions?

I have a call into the tech dept at JH.

Thanks

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[Jim Baird]

Darren,

I think JH only called for flashing in the last cpl of yrs. They used to say eighth-gap it and caulk it, but, as I guess you found, the caulk tended to fall out.

[Jerry Simon]

What should be done about the gaps?

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by Jerry Simon

What should be done about the gaps?

It's easy to install the flashing retroactively. Use a tin shingle. Snip two horizontal cuts about 1/2" deep, one inch up from each lower corner. Bend in the upper sides of the cuts slightly.

Slip the shingle up under the siding until the bent part of the shingle "snaps" over the lower course.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Chad Fabry]

Hardie, as far as I know has always called for flashing behind the gaps. It's the 1/8 inch gap in the field rule that they changed to only and 1/8 inch or so at the ends. it wouldn't be that hard to go around and slide in some vinyl or copper flashing.

[hausdok]

Hi,

Yes, that's true; flashings weren't required until the December 2005 version of the instructions came out. I have a set of Hardiplank instructions from April 2005 which state:

Space plank according to joint treatment either in "moderate contact" (joints not caulked) or in accordance with the caulking manufacturerr's written application instructions (joints caulkked), see detail at right). The detail shown had the butt joints labeled "moderate contact" and there are no splines.

The December 2005 version shows the two options - splines without caulk and no splines with caulk. That version was still in effect in the February 2008 instructions but that changed with the new 2008 instructions that eliminated the caulk and specified splines.

However, I seem to recall that back around the late 1990's they did specify a gap and did require the butt joints to be sealed with caulk. I probably have an old copy of those instructions around here someplace but I'd never find them without an afternoon spent digging though these mountains of unfiled documents. I'll do it though; just forward me a check for an afternoon's worth of work at my usual labor rate. []

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[Brandon Whitmore]

Yes, that's true; flashings weren't required until the December 2005 version of the instructions came out. I have a set of Hardiplank instructions from April 2005 which state:

I didn't realize flashing is required....just recommended.

Can someone point me to where it is required: http://www.jameshardie.com/pdf/install/ ... k_west.pdf

The only joint treatment flashing that I see is required is for their colorplus siding............

Thanks

[Erby]

"IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO INSTALL AND FINISH THIS PRODUCT IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE BUILDING CODES AND

JAMES HARDIE WRITTEN APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY, AFFECT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE,

VIOLATE LOCAL BUILDING CODES, AND VOID THE PRODUCT ONLY WARRANTY"

[Bill Kibbel]

IRC, including NJ Edition:

"R703.10 Fiber cement siding.

R703.10.2 Horizontal lap siding.

Lap siding shall be lapped a minimum of 1-1/4 inches and shall have the ends sealed with caulking, covered with an H-section joint cover, or located over a strip of flashing.

Lap siding courses may be installed with the fastener heads exposed or concealed, according to approved manufacturers’ installation instructions".

[hausdok]

Hi,

Go here and upload the instructions that apply to your area.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike