Gappy, Hardi-Plank Butt Joints
As you can see from this joint that the siding installation was less than desirable. James Hardi recommends a joint flashing for their installation, unfortunately they do not require it, it is the recommend joint treatment.
With this large of gap the caulking will not fair well and will be a maintenance issue.
This is from the 2010 Instillation guide
“JOINT TREATMENT
(Required for Color Plus® Finish, Recommended for Primed product)
James Hardie does not recommend the use of caulk at field butt joints.
Install factory finished edges together at butt joints.
Install planks in moderate contact at butt joints”
Hardi-Plank Joint treatment
This is from 2018 Instillation Guide
“INSTALLATION: JOINT TREATMENT
One or more of the following joint treatment options are
required by code (as referenced 2009 IRC R703.10.2)
A. Joint Flashing (James Hardie recommended)
B. Caulking* (Caulking is not recommended for ColorPlus for aesthetic reasons as the Caulking and ColorPlus will weather differently. For the same reason, do not caulk nail heads on ColorPlus products.)
C. “H” jointer cover
Install planks in moderate contact at butt joints”
Though not required I always recommend a joint flashing at the field butt joints. This will remove the maintenance of caulking which typically is required here in Chelan area every year or two.
Interesting that James Hardi has a technical bulletin addressing the joint treatment saying you should not caulk.
Butt Joint & Horizontal Lap Treatment ( JUNE 2014 )
James Hardie Siding Products Expansion Characteristics of Technical Bulletin (2012)
James Hardi’s- Install & Tech Docs
If you are going to install any cement fiber siding I highly recommend reviewing their technical documents for installation in your specific climate zone.
If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.
NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…
Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service
Coordinator & Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College
Former WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board
www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572
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