Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing James Hardie Siding
These are decisions made before a single board goes up. Most are easy to get right once you know to look.
1. Choosing on price alone
The lowest quote is usually missing something: trim, a new weather barrier, flashing, disposal. Compare scope first and price second. See how to read a quote.
2. Not asking who installs it
The product is identical from every supplier. The installation is what varies, and it’s what decides how the wall performs. Ask about fibre cement experience specifically. See questions to ask an installer.
3. Picking colour from a small chip indoors
Colours look lighter and different across a whole wall in daylight. Insist on full-size samples and look at them outside, against the roof.
4. Forgetting the roof, stone and windows
Your siding has to work with what isn’t changing. A grey that looks perfect alone can clash with a brown roof.
5. Treating trim as an afterthought
Trim is a small share of the wall and a large share of how the house looks. It’s also where quotes differ most. Decide widths, locations and colour deliberately. See HardieTrim.
6. Using too many materials
Lap, vertical, shingle, stone and three colours on one front elevation looks restless. Two or three siding types and a three-colour scheme is the limit for most houses.
7. Leaving out soffit and fascia
New siding under tired soffit and fascia looks unfinished, and the scaffolding is already there. At least get it priced. See HardieSoffit.
8. Doing siding before windows
If the windows are due within a few years, replace them first or at the same time. See windows and siding.
9. Assuming hail damage is covered by the warranty
The product warranty covers defects, not storm damage. That’s what home insurance is for. See hail.
10. Not getting the workmanship warranty in writing
The manufacturer doesn’t cover installation errors. The installer does, and only if it’s written down.
11. Ignoring what happens at ground level
If soil, a deck or a walkway will sit against the siding, the bottom edge will suffer. Ask how clearances will be handled on your house.
12. Skipping the community guidelines
Many Calgary communities control exterior colours and materials. Getting approval after ordering factory-finished siding is the wrong order.
13. Not planning for hidden damage
Nobody knows what’s under old siding. Agree in advance how repairs will be priced and approved, and keep a little contingency.
14. Losing the details afterwards
Write down the product, texture and exact colour names. Keep leftover boards and touch-up product. You’ll want them for any future repair.
15. Planting and landscaping without thinking of the wall
New flower beds, mulch and sprinklers are the most common reasons good siding ends up with a damaged bottom edge a few years later.
Ready to talk it through? Request a free estimate.