Description
Improperly installed fiber cement siding removed and replaced using James Hardie Elite Preferred installation practices.
At , Elite Home Exteriors NW replaced an improperly installed James Hardie siding system that had allowed water intrusion.
After removing the existing siding, We installed a new drainable weather barrier and flashing system, and completed the exterior with pre-primed James Hardie Cedarmill lap siding, cedar-style shake accents, and rustic fiber cement trim.
This project demonstrates why choosing an experienced James Hardie siding contractor is just as important as choosing a high-quality siding product.
Project Overview
- Project location: 6344 N Moore Ave, Portland, OR
- Project type: Full siding replacement
- Existing siding: Improperly installed James Hardie fiber cement siding
- New siding: Pre-primed James Hardie Cedarmill lap siding
- Lap siding exposure: 7-inch reveal using 8.25-inch boards
- Gable accent: Cedar-style shake siding
- Trim: Pre-primed James Hardie Rustic 5/4×4 trim
- Weather barrier: Benjamin Obdyke HydroGap
- Flashing membrane: Benjamin Obdyke HydroFlash
- Paint: Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint
The Problem: James Hardie Siding Installed Incorrectly
James Hardie fiber cement siding is engineered to provide exceptional durability, but even a premium siding product can fail when it is installed incorrectly.
The existing James Hardie siding on this Portland home had installation deficiencies that left the exterior vulnerable to moisture. Missing or inadequate flashing details can allow water to travel behind siding and remain trapped against the wall assembly.
Over time, concealed moisture created conditions that contributed to substantial wood rot and termite damage. Much of this damage was not fully visible until the old siding was removed.
This is why homeowners should not assume that fiber cement siding alone guarantees a waterproof exterior. The siding, weather barrier, flashing membranes, metal flashings, fasteners, clearances, and sealants must work together as a complete exterior system.
Removing the Improperly Installed Siding
Our crew carefully removed the existing James Hardie siding and trim so we could inspect the wall assembly underneath.
Once the exterior was opened, we identified areas affected by water intrusion, decay, and termite activity. The damage was significant enough that the affected materials needed to be removed and properly rebuilt before the new siding system could be installed.
Covering damaged wood with new siding would only hide the problem. Our goal was to correct the underlying damage and create a dependable foundation for the replacement exterior.
Homeowners who suspect similar problems can learn more about our approach to dry rot and water-damage restoration.
Installing a Drainable Weather Barrier
We installed Benjamin Obdyke HydroGap over the prepared wall assembly.
HydroGap is a drainable weather-resistant barrier designed to help manage water that gets behind the siding. Its integrated drainage gap creates a pathway that allows incidental moisture to move downward and away from the structure.
A drainable weather barrier is especially valuable in Portland’s wet climate. Wind-driven rain and prolonged damp conditions make proper drainage and drying essential parts of a durable exterior wall system.
You can learn more about the systems we use on our weather barriers and flashing systems page.
HydroFlash Membrane and Critical Flashing Details
We integrated the HydroGap weather barrier with the Benjamin Obdyke HydroFlash membrane system around vulnerable exterior openings and transitions.
The flashing system was carefully installed to help direct water over—not behind—the weather barrier. These details are particularly important around windows, doors, penetrations, and other areas where water can enter the wall assembly.
We also installed:
- Z-metal flashing above horizontal trim and required transitions
- Individual joint flashing behind lap-siding butt joints
- Properly integrated flashing around exterior openings
- OSI Quad Max sealant at designated siding and trim connections
- Hot-dipped galvanized fasteners suitable for exterior exposure
Flashing is not simply an accessory added to a siding project. It is a critical part of the water-management system.
New James Hardie Cedarmill Lap Siding
The home was resided with pre-primed James Hardie Cedarmill lap siding using 8.25-inch boards installed with a 7-inch reveal.
Cedarmill lap siding provides the appearance of traditional wood siding while offering the durability and dimensional stability of fiber cement. The 7-inch exposure creates clean horizontal lines that complement the architecture of the home.
James Hardie siding is designed to resist damage from moisture, pests, fire, and changing weather conditions when it is installed and maintained correctly. More information about the product and warranty is available from James Hardie.
James Hardie Rustic Trim
Pre-primed James Hardie Rustic 5/4×4 trim was installed around the appropriate windows, doors, corners, and exterior transitions.
The thicker trim creates depth and definition while providing a durable fiber cement alternative to traditional wood trim. Proper trim installation also supports the flashing and water-management details surrounding openings and exterior penetrations.
Sealing, Fastening, and Joint Protection
The long-term performance of fiber cement siding depends heavily on details that may be difficult to see after the project is complete.
For this installation, we used:
- OSI Quad Max exterior sealant
- Hot-dipped galvanized siding nails
- Z-metal flashing
- Individual joint flashing
- Proper siding clearances
- Correct fastening placement
- Manufacturer-appropriate siding and trim transitions
These components help protect the exterior from moisture while allowing the siding system to perform as intended.
Finished With Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint
After the siding and trim installation was completed, the exterior was finished with Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint.
SuperPaint provides durable exterior coverage and protection for pre-primed James Hardie siding and trim. Careful surface preparation, caulking, and coating application helped create a uniform finish across the lap siding, shake accent, and trim.
Homeowners can explore additional examples of completed exteriors in our siding project gallery.
Why Hire a James Hardie Alliance Contractor?
Purchasing James Hardie siding does not automatically guarantee a successful project. The performance of the exterior depends on how the siding, trim, weather barrier, flashing, fasteners, and sealants are installed.
As a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor Alliance member, Elite Home Exteriors NW follows detailed installation practices developed for James Hardie products and Pacific Northwest weather conditions.
Choosing a qualified James Hardie contractor can help homeowners avoid common installation problems such as:
- Missing joint flashing
- Improper fastener placement
- Incorrect siding clearances
- Unprotected horizontal trim
- Poorly integrated window and door flashing
- Incorrect caulking locations
- Siding installed over existing rot
- Weather barriers that do not properly drain
- Improper transitions between siding materials
This N Moore Avenue project is a clear example of why installation quality matters. The original fiber cement siding was a reputable product, but improper installation contributed to costly damage behind the exterior.
The Completed Portland Siding Replacement
The completed home now has a properly integrated exterior system designed to manage Portland’s wet weather conditions.
The project included more than replacing visible siding. We corrected hidden damage, restored affected areas, improved drainage behind the exterior, installed new flashing protection, and rebuilt the siding system using James Hardie Elite Preferred installation practices.
The finished exterior features:
- Durable James Hardie Cedarmill lap siding
- A consistent 7-inch siding reveal
- Cedar-style shake detailing in the gable
- James Hardie Rustic fiber cement trim
- A drainable HydroGap weather barrier
- HydroFlash membrane protection
- Z-metal and individual joint flashing
- Corrosion-resistant exterior fasteners
- OSI Quad Max sealant
- Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint
- Repaired termite and water-damaged areas
Why Portland Homeowners Choose Elite Home Exteriors NW
Elite Home Exteriors NW specializes in complete siding replacement, exterior waterproofing, and the repair of concealed water damage.
Portland homeowners choose our team because we provide:
- James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor Alliance experience
- Detailed building-envelope and flashing knowledge
- Full removal of failed siding systems
- Thorough inspections for concealed damage
- Major rot and structural repair capabilities
- Drainable weather-barrier installation
- Manufacturer-appropriate siding practices
- A lifetime workmanship warranty
- Clear communication throughout the project
We serve homeowners throughout Portland and surrounding communities. Visit our Portland siding contractor page to learn more about our local services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can James Hardie siding fail if it is installed incorrectly?
Yes. James Hardie siding is a durable fiber cement product, but improper flashing, fastening, clearances, weather-barrier integration, or joint protection can allow moisture to damage the materials behind it.
Why is joint flashing important behind lap siding?
Individual joint flashing helps direct water away from the wall assembly at the butt joints between siding boards. It provides protection without relying entirely on surface caulking.
Why use a drainable weather barrier in Portland?
Portland receives frequent rainfall and experiences extended periods of damp weather. A drainable weather barrier provides a pathway for incidental moisture to move downward and helps the wall assembly dry more effectively.
Can you repair rot discovered after siding removal?
Yes. Elite Home Exteriors NW can complete substantial rot and water-damage repairs as part of a full siding replacement project. The extent of the damage is evaluated after the existing exterior has been removed.
Visit our complete siding frequently asked questions for more information.
Schedule a Portland Siding Consultation
If your siding was installed incorrectly, shows signs of moisture damage, or is approaching the end of its useful life, Elite Home Exteriors NW can evaluate the exterior and recommend a complete replacement solution.
Our team specializes in James Hardie siding, drainable weather barriers, flashing systems, and major concealed rot repairs throughout Portland and the surrounding area.
Contact Elite Home Exteriors NW to request a siding replacement consultation.
