Hardie warping/cracking issues?
Anne Williams
last year
Brand new build- siding has lots of warping/cracks, looks like plywood that was exposed to water and elements. Is there any way to stop this from happening every where else on house? What is the issue?
Featured Answer
Comments (11)
PROPPF.
last yearAnne Williams
last yearRelated Discussions
Help! Structural Issues Or Is This Normal?!?
Comments (21)Frank- Settling is a very common issue within new construction. Did you utilize a GC on your build, and do you have a Builder's Warranty? A quality GC/builder follows these issues, and fixes under warranty. At this point, as well, you would do yourself a favor in hiring an independent inspection. These, also, are very common in my area. My inspector has 10 years as a GC, and another two decades of inspection experience in the area. Really wonderful. At various points within our builder's warranty, we've brought him in to advise. Costs a bit, but he's well respected by our contractor- no argument on anything, and it all gets fixed in a time frame that makes sense. Inspector also totally reasonable- this is a small flag, not likely to ever become an issue. This is a "big flag", and it needs to be dealt with. Sometimes within Code, as in- this will become a resale issue. He's very tight with city/county inspection, and has a great idea of where a homeowner could get stuck "holding the bag", if not fixed. In this way, we've been able to communicate with our builder/GC, in respect and reason. Totally works for us all, and frankly? GC is really pleased for the extra "eyes on" the project....See MoreHelp with warping wood floors!!
Comments (8)I'll give a slight nutshell answer or analysis...first, you have an older home and you sealed the "lid" by spray foaming the attic. Was anything done to the basement in terms of moisture mitigation? Old houses tend admit moisture in the house through the basement. Could be a rubble foundation, moisture coming through a poured foundation, etc. It might not always be liquid, it can be simple wicking and moisture vapor. Before your house was tightened up, this moisture vapor likely passed through your house due to excessive (by today's standards) air infiltration; leaky windows, inadequate insulation, an open attic, and plumbing, electrical, and mechanical penetrations in the varying floor platforms, etc. It could be that you still have the same moisture coming in to the house through the foundation and basement or crawl space, but it's getting trapped on the higher floors due to the now tightened attic. Moisture generation points might need to be looked at too. Kitchen ventilation, bathroom and shower ventilation, etc. If moisture coming on through the basement walls is an issue, that should be addressed. If you have penetrations through the basement ceiling into the living space above, those can be sealed with canned foam. Now, you sealed up the attic in terms of the attic no longer being vented, but is it now part of the conditioned space? ie, are there any air conditioning vents or returns up there so air is circulated and conditioned? Or is it just dead space?...See MoreNeed help identifying issue(s) with Azalea 'Karen'
Comments (7)The truth is that evergreen azaleas are not really suited for Z5 climates unless they are grown in very protected niches and/or given winter shelter from burlap or other barriers. Labels and catalog listings make claims to the contrary and hide behind the "semi evergreen" ruse, but they all wind up looking just like yours after a typical Z5 winter. Your theories are logical and might apply if you lived in a warmer place, but plain old cold temperatures and wind are to blame, nothing else. Any flower buds set last year were probably killed. If you prune back to live wood, new growth will very likely emerge, but next winter will result in the same sort of damage. You can try barriers of burlap or evergreen boughs to protect from sun and wind, but this doesn't really do anything to modify deep cold. There are rhododendrons and deciduous azaleas which will grow and flower well in Z5, but Karen and other evergreen azaleas just won't....See MoreHardie 10’ panels too short for 10’ walls?
Comments (12)Floor structure might be set on top of the foundation (first image), or inside (second image). If on top, the siding needs to be longer to cover the wood structure. A comment from another post I made. Someone had a 12' high wall with seams at 10'. One key is batons need to be spaced evenly across the wall. Painting the panel different from the batons where the pattern is would make it stand out. --------- I've done this type of detail in the past. Showing a 12' high wall, battens with 12" spacing. Creating a modified pattern at the 10' joint line. Pick one pattern and repeat, not random as shown. This might reflect the grid pattern in the windows, or tie to some other pattern around the home....See More
millworkman
last year- PRO
PPF.
last year 
PROMark Bischak, Architect
last year
PROCharles Ross Homes
last yearAnne Williams
last year- PRO
PPF.
last yearHave you contacted James Hardie with your concerns?
The butt joint is too tight -- there should be a small gap. Face nails are discouraged, but often needed at joints and other spots where the framing is not perfect to hold the siding flat against the house. Nail holes should be primed, caulked and painted, and be not so visible.
Unfortunately, what you show is common.
I have not seen square edged Hardie in years. Everything I get has a rounded edge, but all I use is the wood grain, not the smooth. This is the bottom of a cutoff showing the rounded profile.
millworkman
last year
Related Stories
LANDSCAPE DESIGNGreat Design Plant: Retreat to the Shade of Hardy Catalpa
Big foliage and a towering height provide a shady respite in summer, but that's not all hardy catalpa offers dedicated gardeners
Full Story
KNOW YOUR HOUSEKnow Your House: What Makes Up a Floor Structure
Avoid cracks, squeaks and defects in your home's flooring by understanding the components — diagrams included
Full Story
LIFEHouzz Call: Show Us Your Nutty Home Fixes
If you've masterminded a solution — silly or ingenious — to a home issue, we want to know
Full Story
STORAGEA Guide to Self-Storage: What to Ask Before You Rent
Don’t end up on ‘Storage Wars.’ Before committing to a unit, clarify issues like default, security and insurance
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESFiber Cement Siding Takes a Front Seat
Not just a wood or vinyl substitute, fiber cement is a stellar siding choice in its own right for modern home exteriors
Full Story
THE ART OF ARCHITECTUREArchitect's Toolbox: Rain Screens Up House Health
To thwart unwanted moisture and poor air quality in your home, think rain screens and drainage planes
Full Story
EDIBLE GARDENSSummer Crop: How to Grow Blueberries
Plant blueberries in spring or fall for garden beauty through three seasons — and a sweet superfood in summer
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNHow to Install a Toilet in an Hour
Putting a new commode in a bathroom or powder room yourself saves plumber fees, and it's less scary than you might expect
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDES7 Ways to Get Your Container Garden Ready for Winter
Learn how to transition your fall pots to colder weather — and which plants to lose, keep or add
Full Story
CONTAINER GARDENSBeat the Frost With Natural Terra-Cotta Containers
Here's how to protect your pots during the cold winter months
Full Story
millworkman