If you want to improve your home’s exterior by replacing its siding, you have probably done your research to compare the different types, including:
- James Hardie (fiber cement)
- Vinyl
- Cedarwood; and
- Metal
You’ve noticed that James Hardie siding comes at a higher price point than some of the other kinds, but you also keep seeing mentions of the James Hardie Plank Siding Warranty.
So what exactly does this warranty cover? And is it worth the extra cost of the siding?
By the time you finish this guide, we think you’ll agree that it’s worth every penny. Keep reading to find out all the details of this fantastic warranty — including its length, what is and isn’t covered, and how to file a claim.
Table of Contents
- How Long Is the James Hardie Siding Warranty?
- What Does the James Hardie Siding Warranty Cover?
- 8 Things NOT Covered Under the James Hardie Siding Warranty
- How to File a James Hardie Siding Products Warranty Claim
- Elite Home Exteriors: Your James Hardie ELITE Preferred Contractor for Clark County & Portland Metro
How Long Is the James Hardie Siding Warranty?
One reason James Hardie fiber cement siding is such a good investment is the generous length of its warranty.
The Hardie Board warranty is 30 years for the following products:
- HardiePlank® lap
- HardiePanel® vertical
- HardieShingle® siding; and
- HardieSoffit®
The warranty is 15 years for HardieTrim® boards.
For other products such as …
- HardieWrap® weather barrier
- Flashing
- Flex flashing; and
- Seam tape
… the warranty is 10 years.
These are non-prorated, limited product warranties that begin at the time of installation. Product defects for each piece are covered under their own warranty.
And if you sell your house before the Hardie Plank warranty has expired, you may transfer it to the next homeowner!
What Does the James Hardie Siding Warranty Cover?
The James Hardie cement siding warranty covers damage from:
- Manufacturing defects
- Hail; or
- Termite attacks
In the case of defective material or manufacturing, the James Hardie company will:
- Replace or repair the defective portion
Or
- Reimburse the warranty holder for up to twice the product’s original price
The James Hardie company determines reimbursement costs on a case-by-case basis.
8 Things NOT Covered Under the James Hardie Siding Warranty
The Hardie Board siding warranty shows that the company stands by its product. But there are certain things the warranty does not cover, and you need to be well-versed in these circumstances before making the investment.
#1: Improper Installation
James Hardie fiber cement siding is a quality product that should only be installed by highly trained companies. If the siding isn’t put up properly, the Hardie Board siding warranty is nullified.
You can confidently choose Elite Home Exteriors NW to do this job, as we are a certified James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor. That means we comply with James Hardie Installation Best Practices — all products will be installed properly for ultimate performance.
And on top of all that, we offer our own Lifetime Workmanship Warranty.
#2: Modification to the Original Product
The product is shipped from the James Hardie company exactly as it is meant to be installed and used.
Therefore, any change to the product by the installer or homeowner will void the warranty.
#3: Neglect or Abuse
You may not file a claim on your James Hardie fiber cement siding warranty if you:
- Damage the siding with tools (e.g. hammering nails into it)
- Misuse the siding (e.g. hanging heavy objects from it)
- Make repairs to the siding yourself
- And more
#4: Settlement, Structural Movement, or Poor Structural Design
If the home where James Hardie siding is applied has problems — such as a poor foundation — the warranty may not be used.
Even if your foundation is good, the natural movement of the earth causes your home to continuously shift over time.
Shifts in the structure of the building or incorrect structural design may cause damage such as gaps where water and pests can intrude, but this is not the fault of the siding company and thus cannot be claimed under warranty.
#5: Acts of God
Acts of God include, but are not limited to:
- Tornadoes
- Hurricanes
- Floods
- Earthquakes
- Severe weather
- Unusual climate conditions; or
- Other natural phenomena
If any of these events cause damage to your James Hardie siding, it is not covered under the warranty.
#6: Damage to Third-Party Applications
If a different company or any other third party applies …
- Paints
- Stains; or
- Coatings
… to your siding and efflorescence, peeling, or any other performance problems occur as a result, the warranty is void.
#7: Growth of Mold, Etc.
The James Hardie siding warranty does not cover the growth of …
- Mold
- Mildew
- Bacteria
- Fungi; or
- Any other organism
… on the surface of the product. This includes both exposed and unexposed surfaces.
#8: Lack of Proper Maintenance
Hardie Board is durable and easy to care for. It can usually be cleaned by a quick douse with a garden hose once or twice a year. Every once in a while you may also need a mild soap or a mildew-specific cleaner to get the job done.
But if you ignore this maintenance of your siding or fail to inspect it regularly for any possible issues, the warranty will not cover damage that occurs as a result.
How to File a James Hardie Siding Products Warranty Claim
If your siding sustains damage that is covered under the Hardie Board warranty, filing a claim only takes a few steps:
- Give the James Hardie company written notice within 30 days of discovering any claimed defect covered by the warranty.
- Prove that your siding was installed according to the company’s requirements and that it complies with all applicable government building codes.
- Show proof of purchase that you are the person who holds the warranty.
It will also be necessary to show that you have protected your remaining property while waiting for repairs or replacement to begin. Any expenses incurred during this process will be your responsibility and are not part of the James Hardie siding products warranty.
Elite Home Exteriors: Your James Hardie ELITE Preferred Contractor for Clark County & Portland Metro
If you live in Clark County or the Portland metro area and would like James Hardie siding installed on your home, look no further than Elite Home Exteriors NW.
As part of the James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor Alliance, we have many years of experience installing concrete fiber siding the right way.
If you choose an installer who has not achieved this status, you may save a little money upfront — but you’ll lose out in the long run since your James Hardie siding warranty will not be honored under this condition.
We recommend James Hardie siding because it stands up well to the weather and climate of Pacific Northwest homes. And we stand behind our installations with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty.
Contact us today for a free estimate.