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James Hardie Board Warranty

The James Hardie Siding Warranty: Terms, Coverage, Exceptions & More

If you’re in the market for new siding, you want to make an informed decision.

As you’re doing your research and comparing different siding manufacturers, one of the key factors to investigate is the type of warranty each company offers on their siding products.

The James Hardie siding company is known for its high performance and durability — and their warranties are top-notch, offering a limited warranty on their siding products.

But what exactly does the James Hardie siding warranty cover, and is it worth the extra cost of the siding?

Lifetime Remodeling Systems, the premier siding replacement contractor in Portland, is here to help you understand the ins and outs of James Hardie’s siding warranty, so you can choose the siding that’s right for your home.

Table of Contents

  • What Is the James Hardie Siding Products Warranty?
  • How Long Is the James Hardie Warranty?
  • What Is Covered By the James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding Warranty?
  • Does Painting Hardie Board Void the Warranty?
  • 7 Other Issues That May Void the James Hardie Cement Siding Warranty
  • How Do I Claim the Warranty on James Hardie Siding?
  • Lifetime Remodeling Systems in Portland Is Part of the James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor Alliance

Introduction to James Hardie Siding

James Hardie siding has become a top choice for homeowners seeking a highly durable and visually appealing solution for their home’s exterior. As the industry leader in fiber cement siding, James Hardie offers siding products that are engineered to withstand the toughest elements. Hardie fiber cement siding is specifically designed to resist water damage, mold, mildew, and pests, making it a low-maintenance option that stands the test of time. In addition, James Hardie siding is fire resistant, providing an extra layer of protection for your home. With a vast selection of over 700 colors and a variety of styles and textures, James Hardie offers the flexibility to create a custom look that enhances your home’s curb appeal while delivering unmatched durability and performance.

James Hardie Siding Products

James Hardie siding products are crafted from advanced fiber cement, making them exceptionally resilient against high winds, moisture, and pest intrusion. The James Hardie company offers a comprehensive range of siding products, including popular options like vertical siding, all designed to elevate the appearance and protection of your home’s exterior. When properly installed by trained professionals, Hardie siding delivers high performance and long-lasting durability, ensuring your investment is well-protected. The company’s industry leading warranty further demonstrates their confidence in the quality and reliability of their fiber cement siding, giving homeowners peace of mind that their siding is built to last.

What Is the James Hardie Siding Products Warranty?

If you've spent any time researching James Hardie siding, you've likely come to understand just how stellar their products are. 

Aside from producing the highest quality products, one of the reasons James Hardie siding is such a great investment is the company's generous product warranty.

How Long Is the James Hardie Warranty?

The James Hardie fiber cement siding warranty ranges from 10 to 30 years, depending on the product.

James Hardie offers a 30-year warranty on:

  • HardiePlank® lap
  • HardieShingle® siding
  • HardiePanel® vertical; and
  • HardieSoffit®

There is a 15-year warranty on HardieTrim® boards.

The company offers a 10-year warranty on:

  • HardieWrap® weather barrier
  • Flashing
  • Flex flashing; and
  • Seam tape

Each of these is a non-prorated, limited product warranty that becomes active upon installation. Product defects for each piece are covered under their own warranties.

Should you sell your house before your Hardie Plank warranty has expired, it may be transferred to the new homeowner. The warranty coverage extends to the first transferee, meaning the first subsequent owner after the original purchaser is also eligible for warranty protection.

What Is Covered By the James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding Warranty?

The James Hardie fiber cement siding warranty covers damage that may result from:

  • Manufacturing defects
  • Hail; or
  • Termites

In the case of defective manufacturing or materials, James Hardie will either:

  • Repair or replace the defective portion; or
  • Reimburse the warranty holder for up to twice the product’s original cost

All reimbursement costs are determined on a case-by-case basis.

In the rare case that the finish peels, chips, or cracks, the limited warranty may cover a portion of the paint and labor cost required for repairs. The warranty specifically addresses issues such as peeling, chipping, and cracking of the paint finish. If the finish fails within the warranty period, James Hardie may cover a portion of the labor cost and paint and labor expenses, depending on the age of the finish and the specific terms of the warranty.

Dream Collection

The Dream Collection by James Hardie is designed for homeowners who want to personalize their home’s exterior with a wide array of color and style options. Unlike the Statement Collection, which features a curated palette of popular colors, the Dream Collection offers an extensive selection to help you achieve your unique vision. With James Hardie’s innovative ColorPlus Technology, the colors in the Dream Collection remain vibrant and resistant to fading, chipping, and peeling, ensuring your home’s exterior looks beautiful for years to come. Whether you’re aiming for a bold, modern look or a classic, timeless style, the Dream Collection provides the flexibility to make your dream exterior a reality.

Does Painting Hardie ColorPlus Void the Warranty?

Yes.

Hardie ColorPlus is shipped from the James Hardie company exactly as it is meant to be installed and any modification of the ColorPlus siding product, including painting, voids the warranty. 

7 Other Issues That May Void the James Hardie Cement Siding Warranty

While James Hardie’s terrific warranty is a great reason to choose their siding for your home, it’s important to note that the siding must be properly maintained and that routine maintenance is required to keep the limited warranty valid. There are a few specific details you’ll need to understand when it comes to maintaining the validity of the warranty, including:

  • Installation
  • Structural design issues and settling
  • Acts of God
  • Abuse or neglect (including making unauthorized repairs or having the siding repaired by someone other than an approved contractor, which may void the warranty)
  • Organism growth
  • Third-party application
  • Maintenance

#1: Incorrect Installation

James Hardie cement siding is a specialized product that should only be installed by a highly trained company. Improper installation of Hardie board siding automatically voids the warranty*.*** When installing siding, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure warranty coverage and maximize the product's lifespan.

You can confidently choose Lifetime Remodeling Systems to install your cement siding the right way.

As a certified James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor, we are in full compliance with James Hardie Installation Best Practices — meaning we know how to install all products properly for ultimate longevity and performance.

Contact us today to learn more or for your free estimate.

#2: Structural Design Issues or Settling

If there are problems with the design of the home or foundation that result in movement, gaps, etc. this can cause the siding to fail. 

Even if your home's foundation is solid, the natural movement of the earth may cause your home to shift over time. Shifts in the structure of your home or faulty structural design may result in damage that allows water and pests to intrude. 

In these situations, the James Hardie company is not responsible and the warranty will not be valid.

#3: Acts of God

Acts of God may include, but are not limited to:

  • Floods
  • Tornadoes
  • Hurricanes
  • Tsunamis
  • Earthquakes
  • Severe weather
  • Unusual climate conditions; or
  • Other natural phenomena

The James Hardie fiber cement siding warranty does not cover damage that results from these events.

#4: Abuse or Neglect

Any form of abuse or neglect to James Hardie siding voids the warranty. This may include things such as: 

  • Damaging the siding by hammering nails into it
  • Misusing the siding by hanging heavy objects from it
  • Making repairs to the siding yourself
  • Damage from lawn care
  • And more

#5: Organism Growth

James Hardie's siding warranty is not valid if there is a presence of organic growth on the surface of the siding. This includes:

  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Fungi
  • Bacteria; or
  • Any other organism

This includes both the exposed and unexposed surfaces of the siding.

#6: Third-Party Application Issues

James Hardie siding must be installed by James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractors. These contractors receive specialized training in installation techniques and must meet strict criteria set by the James Hardie company. 

Any damage occurring on siding installed by a third party is not covered under the James Hardie siding warranty. 

Using an experienced James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor like Lifetime Remodeling Systems to install your siding ensures it will be installed to perfection. 

Not only will you get the high-performance James Hardie siding that was built to deliver, but your warranty will also be safeguarded so that in the unlikely case you need to use it, you're covered.

#7: Lack of Proper Maintenance

James Hardie siding is not only highly durable, it is also easy to care for.

Generally, the siding can be cleaned by a quick spray with a garden hose a few times each year. On occasion, you may need to use a mild soap or a mildew-specific cleaner to remove stubborn dirt or stains. It is important to remove dirt from your home's exterior regularly to help preserve the siding's appearance and durability.

Ignoring the necessary maintenance of your siding or failing to inspect it regularly for any possible issues voids the warranty and damage will not be covered.

How to Correctly Maintain Your Home So You Won't Void Your James Hardie Siding Warranty Claim

You may be wondering what proper maintenance of James Hardie siding involves.

Here is what the professionals at Lifetime Remodeling Systems recommend for keeping your James Hardie siding looking its best while maintaining your warranty :

  • For removing dirt:
  • Rinse your siding with a garden hose every six to 12 months. Start from the top and work your way down to prevent streaking.
  • If necessary, use a side-to-side motion to gently wipe your siding with a rag or soft brush.
  • For removing mold and mildew:
  • Spray a siding-safe mildew cleaner to the affected area.
  • Allow the cleaner to sit for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Use a soft rag or sponge to loosen the mold and mildew.
  • Rinse with a garden hose.
  • For removing grease and stains:
  • Apply gentle dish soap to a wet sponge or rag.
  • Scrub the affected area until clean.
  • Rinse with a garden hose.

For minor damage such as small holes, dents, or chips in your fiber cement siding, use a cementitious patching compound to fill the area, following the manufacturer's instructions for compatibility and application. After the repair, apply the appropriate touch up product to maintain the siding's appearance and ensure your warranty coverage is preserved.

To protect your James Hardie siding from damage as you're cleaning, we do not recommend the use of:

  • Metal brushes 
  • Abrasive rags
  • Harsh chemical cleaners
  • Power washers

If you do choose to power wash your siding, keep the pressure below 1500 psi and maintain a distance of six feet away from your home's exterior.

Importance of Registration

Registering your James Hardie siding is a crucial step in safeguarding your investment and ensuring you receive the full benefits of the James Hardie warranty. By completing the registration process, you help the company maintain accurate records of your siding’s installation and maintenance history, which can be invaluable if you ever need to make a warranty claim.

Registration also makes it easier to keep track of recommended maintenance, helping you preserve the appearance and performance of your Hardie siding for years to come. Taking a few minutes to register your James Hardie siding gives you added peace of mind and helps protect your home’s exterior against unexpected issues.

Transferability of the Warranty

One of the standout features of the James Hardie warranty is its transferability. If you decide to sell your home before the warranty period ends, the James Hardie warranty can be transferred to the new homeowner, allowing them to enjoy the same level of protection and confidence in their siding investment.

This transferable warranty not only adds value to your property but also serves as a compelling selling point for potential buyers who are looking for a home with a durable, low-maintenance exterior. The ability to transfer the warranty underscores James Hardie’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring that every homeowner benefits from reliable coverage and support.

How Do I Claim the Warranty on James Hardie Siding?

Claiming the warranty on your James Hardie siding is easy and can be completed in just a few steps: 

  1. Provide written notice to the James Hardie company within 30 days of discovering any claimed defect that is covered by the warranty.
  2. Prove that your siding was installed according to James Hardie's requirements and that it complies with any applicable government building codes.
  3. Show you are the person holding the warranty by providing valid proof of purchase.

It will also be necessary to protect your remaining property (and prove that you are doing so) while waiting for repairs or replacement to begin. 

Note: Any expenses incurred during this process are the responsibility of the homeowner and are not covered in the James Hardie siding warranty.

Lifetime Remodeling Systems Portland's Original James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor 

Lifetime Remodeling Systems is Oregon's only contractor with an award winning siding division, as well as an award winning remodeling division allowing us to handle all of our clients needs from the exterior to the interior of their home. 

The professionals at Lifetime Remodeling Systems are James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractors, approved by James Hardie, and have been through rigorous siding installation training. 

We feature an exterior division that specializes in siding replacement, window replacement, and roofing replacement as well as a design/build division that focuses on kitchen, bath, and full home remodeling. 

Contact our experienced, award-winning organization today for a free estimate on your siding or remodeling project. 

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