Siding Damage?
Licensed & Insured
1-800-442-7343
We NEVER shortcut the process…EVER!
Professionals and experts in exterior siding repairs such as Hardie upgrades as well as complete residing of the home.
All team members are trained and certified in the specific techniques and application methods that are required for the siding products we recommend.
The end result is a durable, beautiful, and long-lasting protective new finish.
We take the time to analyze your home’s issues and needs.
We use all the appropriate methods for your home’s surfaces.
We ensure 100% coverage and 100% protection.
Our 5 year labor warranty speaks to the commitment of our company to provide Hardie repairs, painting and advanced protective coating services.
We put our people, our products, and our warranty options up against any other exterior repair company in the country!
What are your options?
The most common siding material used in residential construction, T1-11 siding reached its height of popularity in the 1960’s, 70’s and early 80’s. This was time when the trend for a more natural, wood-grained look was very popular and in fashion.
The go to siding material for many contractors, especially those building large suburban housing tracts, was T1-11. However, in the last few decades, its use really dropped off as other siding material, such as engineered wood, composite, concrete and vinyl siding, have taken over the market. Essentially, T1-11, often referred to as “T111”, are wood or wood-based siding products that are still available today.
Get a Free T1-11 Siding Replacement Estimate
Fill out the form below for a free T1-11 Siding estimate or call 1-800-4-Hardie for more information or to schedule your free in-home estimate today!
T1-11 Siding Explained
T1-11 siding comes in two major grades: plywood and OSB, which stands for ‘Oriented Strand Board.’ The plywood product is slightly more expensive than its OSB cousin although they are both are quite comparable in terms of strength and functionality.
However, the plywood version of T1-11 is far superior overall to the OSB version because of its greater durability and the variety of finishing options it offers.
Plywood T1-11 is also known simply as plywood siding. A versatile material, it can be stained to simulate a natural wood look, or it can be primed and painted. Additionally, T1-11 plywood siding can be purchased in either sanded or roughhewn varieties, depending on the finished look desired.
Another plus for T1-11, whether it’s the plywood or OSB variety, is the relatively low cost. For many homeowners looking to replace their existing siding, or contractors looking for a cost-effective option for siding their current project, T1-11 offers an affordable choice that is still considered a durable material. Although with the supply chain issues in lumber and the cost rising, there is no better time then now to get your project started.
Why OSB Grade T-1-11 Siding Fails
The problem with T1-11 siding, however, is not with its cost, functionality or even the aesthetics. The stigma around T1-11 today is its history of water and enviromental damage.
This is not the case nearly as much with the plywood version of T1-11. The process for making plywood siding creates a far superior product in terms of durability and resistance to moisture. However, that being said, without proper installation, sealing and maintenance, even the plywood siding is prone to deterioration over time.
OSB siding, on the other hand, is made of wood flakes, strands and water-treated with a binding resin and then sealed together using pressure and heat. As a result, OSB siding is also referred to as waferboard siding. While this product is a relatively strong, inexpensive and widely used material for home construction, it doesn’t hold up nearly as well as the plywood version.
As a result of the manufacturing process, OSB is especially prone to water damage over time. If the material gets wet the moisture causes expansion, flaking, chipping and rot. OSB has been shown to have a high moisture absorption rate on its edges after being installed. This is because the production of OSB siding uses a high concentration of natural wooden pieces such as thin wood flakes, cellulose fiber strands and natural resins that make the siding more permeable to moisture. This, in turn, makes it quite vulnerable to moisture and, when exposed to moisture, can be damaged easily.
In addition to the exterior damage that results, some homeowners with OSB siding on their homes may also suffer mold and structural damage to the interior walls of the house.
While much of this type of exposure and subsequent damage can be avoided, or at least minimized, with proper sealing and ongoing maintenance, this isn’t always done. Although the history of T1-11 OSB siding is rife with instances of water and moisture damage, some of the blame can also be put on the builders who chose to use a material that was not a good fit for a particular locale, or who failed to seal and cover the edges properly.
LP SmartSide Engineered siding is a a strand board that looks like T1-11 OSB, but is not to be confused – the LP Smartside is a treated surface that far outperforms.
In addition, there are many instances of OSB materials being used in ways clearly not recommended such as on roofs and exterior decking. While this can be chalked up to either ignorance or unethical building practices, the results still reflect badly on OSB as a preferred building material.
Should You Use T1-11 Siding?
Despite the bad press received by T1-11 siding, particularly the OSB variety, it is still a viable product for many residential and smaller commercial uses. T1-11 siding is strong, highly functional and durable – it has a long life as compared to other sidings. However, for many in the building community, it is thought of as cheap and is considered a low-quality material.
As noted already, the preparation, sealing and maintenance of T1-11 siding is for protecting it against water, sunlight, and excessive heat. For example, painting or sealing is a mandatory task and must be repeated every few years.
Other siding options that you can – and probably should – consider for a wood-grained look are wood sidings such as engineered wood, fiber cement siding and polymer insulated siding.
HardiePlank® Textured Panels - This integrated solution of panels and trims offers unique combinations of contemporary textures and architectural lines to help create your dream design, whether your style is traditional, ultramodern, or somewhere in-between
HardiePlank® Lap Siding - Not only the best-selling product, it’s North America's most popular brand of siding. Create a timeless design with a full spectrum of colors and textures.
HardieShingle® Siding Get the authenticity of cedar shingles with the strength of James Hardie. Better than the real thing, it resists rotting, curling, warping and splitting.
HardiePanel® Vertical Siding - Combine with HardieTrim® boards for a rustic board-and-batten look. Or, go for the more minimalist look of simple vertical lines
HardieTrim® Boards Accentuate corners, columns, friezes, doors, windows and more. Add that final flourish to your design statement -
Artisan® Collection By James Hardie - The added thickness of these boards cast deep shadow lines across your home's exterior for added dimension and drama.
HardieSoffit® Panels - Reinforce the vulnerable gap between eaves and exterior walls to protect your home from moisture and pests
Choosing a Siding?
Choosing a home siding can be a daunting process. It's a whole new arena to become familiar with and it's not uncommon to have questions.
Here we've compiled homeowners' most frequently asked questions.
Where can I buy HardiePlank® lap siding, HardiePanel® vertical siding, HardieTrim® boards or HardieShingle® siding?
Since you will be working with a contractor or builder to install James Hardie brand products, the individual or company you hire for the job will purchase the necessary materials for you. You can also call us to discuss your project at 1-800-4-Hardie to speak to a siding advisor.
How much does HardiePlank lap siding cost?
Your contractor will give you an estimate that includes labor and materials, based on your specific project. This will give you the best idea of how much siding will cost for you. You can also call us at 1-800-4-HARDIE to speak to a siding advisor.
How do your prices compare to the prices of brick and vinyl?
While prices vary from market to market, this is how HardiePlank siding compares in installed price with its competitors:
· More expensive than vinyl
· Less expensive than brick
· Equal or less than hardboard or composite siding
· Less expensive than synthetic stucco
What types of trim can be used with HardiePlank lap siding?
The following are suitable trim products for use with HardiePlank lap siding:
· HardieTrim
· Fiber Cement
· Real Wood
· Engineered Wood
· Vinyl
· Coated or Corrosion-Resistant Aluminum
Can I use HardiePanel lap siding as skirting material on a mobile home?
Yes. However it needs to be installed in accordance with our written installation instructions for HardiePanel siding in regard to framing, joints, paint and clearences above ground. James Hardie provides a 1 year limited product warranty for HardiePanel used as skirting on a mobile home.
What is HardieWrap® weather barrier used for?
HardieWrap weather barrier may be used as both a water resistive barrier and as an air barrier in accordance with nationally recognized residential and commercial building codes as specified in ESR-2658, HardieWrap weather barrier is installed over the sheathing, beneath the exterior siding (cladding) to reduce water infiltration and air infiltration, while allowing potentially damaging water to escape from the building interior.
How is HardieWrap weather barrier better than other housewraps?
In independent tests, HardieWrap weather barrier outperformed its nearest competition in each of these categories: water holdout, air penetration resistance and tear resistance.
How much does HardieWrap weather barrier cost?
HardieWrap weather barrier is competitively priced. For specific information, contact us at 1-800-4HARDIE (1-800-442-7343).
Where can I find installation instructions and best practice guides for James Hardie Building Products?
Visit JamesHardiePros.com to find installation instructions, videos and best practice guides for James Hardie brand products.
HARDIEBACKER FAQS
What thickness is used in floor applications?
Both may be used, but we recommend HardieBacker 1/4" cement board for floor applications, unless 1/2" thickness is needed for transition.
Can HardieBacker 1/4'' board be used in a shower wall application? Is a vapor barrier required?
Yes, HardieBacker 1/4'' cement board may be used in a shower. However, we recommend HardieBacker 500 if you need to make a smooth transition to drywall. The board must be mechanically fastened every 8'' on center to the wood or metal studs spaced a maximum of 16'' on center. A vapor barrier is needed if required by local building codes.
Where do I purchase HardieBacker® cement board?
Available at Home improvement retailers and pro dealers nationwide or call customer service at 1-800-4HARDIE for your closest sales representative.
How do I cut HardieBacker® cement board?
HardieBacker board may be cut with a carbide-tipped scoring knife (found at Home Depot® and Lowe's® Home Improvement stores), utility knife, or cutting shears (manual, electric or pneumatic). If you use a grinder be sure to cut outside and use a dust reducing circular saw with a Diablo® HardieBlade™ circular saw for more protection use a HEPA vacuum extraction.
Which side goes up, smooth or rough?
Either is acceptable, but we recommend that the smooth side with the nailing pattern of every 8" on center go up.
What subfloor should HardieBacker® cement board be installed over?
The minimum subfloor specified is 5/8" exterior grade plywood or 23/32'' exterior grade OSB subflooring. HardieBacker board must be installed in accordance with local building codes and the floor must be engineered not to exceed the L/360 deflection criteria, including live and dead design loads, for the specific joist spacing used. HardieBacker board is not designed for use over concrete.
Why do I have to use thinset between HardieBacker® cement board and the subfloor?
Unmodified thinset (ANSI 118.1) or acrylic modified thinset (ANSI 118.4) is specified between the HardieBacker board and the subfloor to eliminate any deviations between our product and the subfloor. This decreases the probability of popping or cracking tiles due to deflection and air pockets.
What do you mean by ''modified thinset''?
The modified thinset used with our product is a fortified cement-based mortar and should specifically conform to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A 118.4. The thinset can be fortified in a pre-mixed powder form or with a liquid additive.
Can I use liquid nails or glue with HardieBacker® cement board?
No. Where HardieBacker board is being installed over a code-complying subfloor for the attachment of tile, the board is installed over a 3/32''-1/4'' thick bed of bonding mortar and then nailed down. ''Liquid Nails'' is not a bonding mortar. It is a structural adhesive generally used to bond the subfloor to the floor joists just prior to nailing. It creates a very solid joint between the surface of the floor joist and the subfloor and aids in reducing floor squeak. The properties of Liquid Nails are such that it is applied via a tube in the form of a bead-like caulking. It is not trowelable like a mortar and therefore results in high ridges with unsupported areas that can deflect under load, resulting in cracked tile.
Where HardieBacker board is being installed directly to wood or metal framing, the use of a structural adhesive in addition to mechanical fastening can be used. However, the board must be forced into the structural adhesive almost immediately upon application to insure that no ridge or crown is formed. The creation of a crown or ridge will result in an additional thickness of mortar being applied to fill in the valley created by the crown. This will require a longer curing time and result in a weaker bond between the tile and the mortar and the underlayment. The use of a structural adhesive does not result in fewer fasteners being required.
What is the correct fastener pattern for installing HardieBacker® cement board?
Fasten HardieBacker sheets with proper nails or screws (as listed in ''Materials Required'' in the backer installation instructions) every 8'' around the perimeter and all supporting studs. Keep fasteners between 3/8'' and 3/4'' from sheet edges and 2'' in from sheet corners.
What type of fastener do you recommend for floor and wall applications of HardieBacker® cement board?
In compliance with the tile industry, James Hardie recommends 1-1/4'' long galvanized or stainless steel roofing nails (0.121'' shank x 3/8'' HD) or 1-1/4'' long corrosion resistant ribbed waferhead screws (No. 8-18 x 3/8'' HD).
Why can't I get screws to sit flush with the HardieBacker® cement board?
The screws that you are using do not have the power to rout out the material in order for the screw head to sit flush. Be sure to use the specified screws (1-1/4'' No.8-18 by 3/8'' HD Hi-Lo S or S-12 for metal studs, ribbed phil wafer head, self drilling, corrosion-resistant screws). If you continue to have difficulties, we recommend switching to 1-1/4'' galvanized roofing nails.
Where can I get the 2'' wide high-strength alkali-resistant glass fiber tape?
Home Depot stores and Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouses.
Can I put HardieBacker(r) cement board over linoleum or vinyl composite tile?
Yes, Hardiebacker can go over linoleum or vinyl composite tile. Even though you may go over vinyl composite tile, James Hardie does not recommend you install HardieBacker board over cushioned vinyl. Follow HardieBacker floor installation instructions for complete details.
Can I use HardieBacker(r) cement board as a fireplace facing?
Yes, HardieBacker board can be used as a fireplace facing. HardieBacker 1/4'' board can be used as a component in a 1-hour fire resistive construction when installed in compliance with National Evaluation Report NER-405. HardieBacker boards are recognized as non-combustible, when tested according to ASTM E 136.
Can I use HardieBacker cement board in an exterior application?
HardieBacker cement board may be used in some exterior applications, download the installation guide for more details,
Free Hardie Quote is a platform for homeowners to get Free estimates from siding contractors near you. It is recommended to get at least three estimates before making any hiring decisions for a Siding project.
You can do this easily by calling 1-800-4-Hardie.
