Wednesday

Learn More About Hardie Board Siding

Though most of the homes have either a wood siding or a vinyl siding, there are many other options available and that includes Hardie board siding. Here is a siding that looks similar to wood but has none of the hassles connected with wood, thus making it an ideal choice. It is not easily damaged by water, doesn’t rot and is not a favorite of insects.

As it is made from cement fiber board it gets heavier than wood and thus a bit difficult to install. But you need not unduly worry about it as Hardie website offers detailed instructions for a safe installation and best results. Though you may paint it with a color of your choice, it does not require as frequent a painting as any other wood siding.

Hardie board siding is available in 26 different colors and a couple of different styles that include HardiePlank® Lap Siding, HardieShingle® Siding, and HardiePanel® Vertical Siding. The lap siding and the vertical siding can easily be painted and are already protected with a sealer and a primer. They are provided with a 50-yearr transferable limited product warranty. HardieShingle® Siding can withstand hail, rain, snow, and wind and comes with a 30-year transferable limited product warranty. It is available in multiple colors and has the appearance of wood grain.

The only drawback, if it may be termed so, with Hardie board siding is that you have to be a bit cautious during its installation. Its installation is rather typical and more cumbersome than most of the other types of sidings. You see, when you cut this type of a siding, a lot of silica dust is generated. It has to be done in a manner to minimize that dust. Of course, the website of the company gives you all the information and tips for doing it safely and successfully.

But, you always have that option of hiring the services of a skilled person. The suggested methods include scoring, snapping and use of shears. Yet, you may use a saw with a Hardie blade provided you have a Hepa filter to minimize dust or do the cutting in an open area. It is important to use only the recommended brands of paint and strictly follow the insulation instructions and continue to have a valid warranty, should the need ever arise.

Interesting and informational video that says more about Hardie siding:

Tuesday

Hardie Siding - Find The Contractor

Depending upon one’s perception, any home improvement project could be rewarding or frustrating. You have to have the spirits of doing the work on your own and the result of your efforts need not be calculated in terms of savings that you made or the time you invested.

Some of the projects like building a deck can easily be accomplished without being an expert on the subject of construction. Similarly, making additional structure like a carport, arbor, pergola or even a covered patio can be executed if you plan things the right way. Ready availability of do-it-yourself kits for a number of projects is quite encouraging for those with the right inclination.

A very interesting and easy do-it yourself project is the painting of exteriors that needs just the right painting materials and sturdy ladders. But, a project like installing long lasting Hardie Plank or Hardie Siding or for that matter installing of replacement windows for improved energy efficiency, an average homeowner would require the services of a reliable contractor specialized for execution of such a project.

hardie siding contractor

At the outset, while looking for a dependable and competent contractor to see your project thru, you would do well to question the contractor on a couple of things. Some of the questions you should ask a prospective contractor are:

For how many years has the contractor been in the same business and is he a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Is the contractor willing to provide some kind of a warranty on the quality of workmanship or the materials used? Ask him if he can give you a list of his customers. Compare his prices and check if the same are competitive, for materials as well for his services. Is he a licensed contractor? What if he fails to finish the project in the specified time? How is he going to compensate for that lapse on his part? Will he be willing to address your concerns regarding the scope of work? And, last but not the least, is he competent to finish the project while being considerate of your investment.

When looking for a contractor for the installation of Hardie Siding or Hardie Plank, it is of utmost importance to confirm if he follows the guidelines and procedures specified by Hardie. That will ensure that the manufacturers honor the warranty, if ever you need it. Hardie siding and Hardie Plank products are durable and are provided with a warranty of 50-years. Once it is installed, the only recurring expense that you would have will be the occasional exterior painting. If you are not among the do-it yourself kind of a personality, you would better keep the contractor in mind.

A replacement window is a massive project but a worthwhile proposition. As there is quite a variety, both in terms of style and energy efficiency, it is strongly suggested to take into consideration the opinion of an experienced reputed contractor for finalizing your decision. It is important to give due consideration to Energy Star ratings and look for replacement windows offering lifetime warranties. Unless the installation is carried out properly by an experienced and competent contractor, they may not prove out to be as efficient as you might expect them to be.

As already mentioned you may feel enthusiastic to execute a do-it yourself kind of a project involving structures like decks, arbors, pergolas, covered patios etc. with the help of readily available kits, but a project of the size and nature of Hardie Siding, Hardie Plank or replacement windows installed should best be entrusted to a dependable contractor. Just make sure to choose the right contractor by questioning him on the lines suggested above and feel delighted with the investment you made.