Although many homeowners choose James Hardie siding for the high quality and durability of the material, it’s still nice to have the added protection of a warranty. This gives you some insurance to fall back on if you find a defect in the product.
The following guide will help you learn more about James Hardie warranties before you decide to buy this type of siding for your home.
Know What James Hardie Warranties Include
Any type of warranty can become confusing as you try to read through paragraphs of legal jargon, but it’s still important to know what’s included in those paragraphs. When it comes to your James Hardie siding, understanding the warranty will help you ensure your new siding provides you with the years of protection you expect.
Since several different materials go into siding your home with James Hardie products, it’s important to know how the manufacturer protects each product. Each product receives a different period of coverage under the manufacturer’s warranties, and you can find those terms below.
Certain products come with 30 years of protection under the terms in James Hardie warranties. Those products include HardiePlankⓇ lap, HardiePanel verticalⓇ, HardieShingleⓇ siding, and HardieSoffitⓇ products.
The company’s HardieTrimⓇ boards come with 15-year warranties.
James Hardie also sells the supplies needed to complete the installation process. These products receive 10 years of coverage under the policies for James Hardie warranties.
The 10-year warranty covers all of the following HardieWrapⓇ products:
- Weather barrier
- Flashing
- Flex flashing
- Seam tape
While the warranty terms for HardieWrapⓇ products begin on the installation date, the warranties on all other James Hardie products begin on the date of purchase. The warranty is transferable one time from the original purchaser.
How Do James Hardie Warranties Protect Homeowners?
In addition to protecting you from manufacturer defects, your James Hardie warranties will protect your siding from damages caused by hail and termite attacks.
When it comes to defective products, James Hardie determines the best way to compensate the homeowner. The company will either repair or replace the defective parts or reimburse you for up to double the retail price of the product’s original sale price.
James Hardie determines the cost of the reimbursement and doesn’t allow customers to substitute defective products for other types of products. This stipulation is due to certain products only being available in select geographical areas:
- HZ10Ⓡ products are available in Washington, Oregon, and some regions in California. These parts are also available along the southern coast up to Virginia.
- HZ5Ⓡ products are available in the midwest and northern regions of the U.S. as well as in Canada.
- HZⓇ trim boards are distributed only to the westernmost third of the United States and British Columbia.
The distinctions between these regions are important to understand since they affect warranty coverage. For example, HZ10Ⓡ products installed on a home in Canada wouldn’t receive warranty coverage.
While a certified James Hardie installer will ensure you meet these warranty conditions, familiarizing yourself with them will help you protect your investment.
What Do James Hardie Warranties Exclude?
Confusion is common among homeowners who don’t take the time to learn the circumstances in which their James Hardie warranties won’t cover them. These misconceptions can lead to them wasting time filing claims that will go nowhere.
This is why it’s vital to know how these warranties work before you commit to a project.
Some of the reasons your coverage claim might get denied include improper installation, misuse of the product, natural damages, and other factors that the warranty doesn’t specifically mention.
Improper Installation or Misuse
It’s important to find an experienced James Hardie installer to ensure that your siding is properly shipped, stored, and installed. The manufacturer provides detailed instructions, and if these guidelines aren’t properly followed, the warranty is void. An installer who cuts corners to save you money may cost you more in the long run.
Natural or Environmental Forces
As previously mentioned, your warranty will cover you against hail or termite damage. Otherwise, your siding won’t receive coverage against natural forces. These environmental conditions include flooding, hurricanes, high winds, earthquakes, and any other natural disasters.
Additionally, warranty coverage doesn’t extend to bacterial or fungi growth. This means mold, mildew, and other types of growth will be excluded from coverage.
Changes to the Design and Structure
Over time, moisture levels in the soil surrounding your home can cause your foundation to shift. As this occurs, your James Hardie siding may be adversely affected. In this situation, your James Hardie warranty won’t cover the damages.
In the same way, changes that result from a poor house structure or frame will invalidate the warranty. The manufacturer isn’t responsible for damages caused by the settling or other movement of your house.
Neglect or Abuse
Another reason it’s important to hire an experienced installer is to ensure the siding gets installed as intended. Although trimming the siding to fit your home is acceptable, other types of alterations will void your James Hardie warranties. These include puncturing or damaging the siding after the installation is complete.
Damaging your James Hardie siding in an attempt to repair or replace it is considered misuse or abuse. For this reason, it’s important to hire an experienced and qualified contractor for repairs. Otherwise, you may risk voiding your warranty.
If you have any questions about your James Hardie warranties, you can call the manufacturer. If your questions are about the warranty for workmanship, you should direct them to the installer. Keeping track of your warranties will help you determine the best way to file a claim in the future.
Turn to a Trusted James Hardie Siding Provider
The durability and beauty of your home’s James Hardie siding will rely on the quality of the installation. For this reason, it’s beneficial to search for an authorized installer with excellent installation skills. A detailed selection process will help you find the best James Hardie installer.
Friel Exteriors is a certified installer of James Hardie siding as well as vinyl, stucco, and other types of siding. To discuss your siding needs, contact us today.
