Why we chose James Hardie over LP Smartside (our full decision making process)

We felt like this would be a common question going forward, so this video helps address it! This is not sponsored in any way, just our honest thoughts and decision making process for the siding we purchased.

00:00 Intro
00:50 Getting samples
01:40 Poor install ruins any material
02:42 Main issue with Smartside
04:26 Alternative idea - Celect PVC siding
04:59 Why we put vinyl on one side only
05:46 James Hardie vs LP Smartside

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#building #selfbuild

[joeleble]

I’m with you on the smooth texture. Traditional houses with classic clapboard siding have a smooth texture. I believe the aluminum and vinyl manufacturers started the wood grain look. other than somebody wanting a rustic cabin look the only texture was paint brush marks. Keep up the great work. I think you’re doing a great job. WE ARE !

[Binkley-rjgf]

We had to re-side our house about 15 years ago; original siding was ColorLok, IIRC, siding that broke down at the drip edge and was subject to a class action lawsuit. We went with Hardie, though I don't recall if LP was available at that time. Very happy with the choice - added sound deadening, eliminate worries about hail or other damage from typical strikes, woodpeckers live it alone, and 15 years later it still looks new.

[keencreek]

Y’all are right about the install details! When we bought our house it already had hardie board and that was a big bonus to us. Later on we found places where poor installation caused serious damage.

[howardrfrank]

Been waiting for this video after seeing the slicker max go up. The more I watch you guys, the more I am thinking to follow your lead for my Hardie siding. Great videos. Keep em coming...

[gregcoldewey]

I’ve had JH on my shop build for 20 years and it looks exactly the same today as it did the day it was installed. Only repainted once. Looks great, and I can power wash it with no issues.

[buildingmodern]

Thanks for sharing the pros & cons of each line and what you ultimately decided to go with. We found a similar take on it for LP vs Cement Fiber (though, we've only used Allura / haven't used much James Hardie here). Just wanted to say thanks for sharing! Your build is looking good! 🙂

[RJ-ccfz]

I worked a at a James Hardie factory (formally known as chem plank). Some of the planks would end up on the floor in water and within one 12 hr shift, the planks would swell to almost twice their thickness due to absorbing that water.. tbh the planks are more paper pulp than anything. That’s why they swelled so much. Yes painting the outside surface and using the right flashings and caulk, installing it properly should prevent water damage. But if any water gets behind the hardie plank it will swell. That’s why I unfortunately choose vinyl most of the time. Vinyl doesn’t look quite as good. But if water gets behind vinyl it does nothing because vinyl is water proof.

[BornToFly]

Hardie, we did the same, for all the same reasons. We ended up with primed and painted it Urbane Bronze. Some day, I should share a photo. We also mitred the corners - that was tricky, but beautiful.

[jronmanbuilds]

The contractor I used to work for used preferred LP over Hardy because in his experience the LP held up better to wind than Hardy. Wind would work the nails loose over time. Its possible they missed something in the installation instructions but as someone said in another comment quote, "Some of JH install recommendation is not even reasonable on what they call for so I had a rep out on the proper screw/nails that should be used". We installed hardy once when I worked there.

[toms]

Great Video, easy to understand. Keep Going guys.

[libertyvilleguy]

Good analysis, thanks for sharing your research.

[andrewpinson]

It is obvious you have done your homework. I looked into both also.Even though there are a few professional woodworker/DIY who I listen to more than most, it is hard to wade through all the ones that would tell you newspapers make good siding because they are getting money to say that. Like your pros and cons.

[JarodRicci]

Pretty good video. I did a large addition with JH board and batten. Took contractor several crews and re-dos since none of these supposed certified guys do seem to really know what they are doing. Crews who do seems to follow install caution beyond JH install instruction, which is pretty minimal honestly. Some of JH install recommendation is not even reasonable on what they call for so I had a rep out on the proper screw/nails that should be used. I did JH shakes on part of the house as DIY. JH is showing some cracks around windows on the board and batten about 2 years in. My shakes so far look pretty good. I still have some of the old house to finish in shakes, but not sure of changing product. I have read a lot of posts where contractor think it is junk. I will tend to agree if I see the product degrade on its own. Good luck on your project. Not sure why you screwed the vinyl as that would have just been roofing nailed for ease of removal while still allowing movement.

[JourneyGarden]

Did you look into the fire (embers, sparks) resistance of these products? Just curious, I wonder if James Hardie is more fire resistant due to being partially cement?

[patriciasamsel]

Another YT video warns JH siding shouldn't be installed where it dips below 32 degrees, which I do not understand because I read JH makes different siding for different parts of the country. Do you mind sharing your thoughts on that, and telling us what part of the country you live in? Do you think JH would be suitable for Maryland?

[destroy]

My wife wants to know what kinds overalls you’re wearing. I know, maybe not typical question, hehe

[amyguldan]

Bummer about DK smooth side. We did DK cedar and I can't say enough good things about it. Especially if you live in a place with lots of sun, like us, I think DKs fade warranty is miles above anyone elses.

[Dude]

I have 2007 Hardie (not asbestos) on my house. I now have a second house where the outside needs remediated removal, that why I’m here. My main concern with Hardie is
calcium silicate dust possibly being a hazmat removal in the future. I believe
California already considers non asbestos Hardie to be hazmat removal. I’m certainly leaning towards LP because of this. Does anybody have any thoughts on this?

[jimr]

Compare the cost of the vinyl to J Hardie and LP please.

[libertyvilleguy]

“….installed over an air gap.” What do you mean by that?