While many home improvement projects can be done by yourself to save money, there are some that you ought to leave to the professionals. When it comes to James Hardie Board siding, you need a certified contractor to get the job done.
Stateline Exteriors is home to James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractors, meaning our standards never drop below perfection. Contact us today, and let’s schedule a time to update the siding on your home.
What Is a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor?
As a home siding manufacturer that specializes in fiber cement siding, James Hardie is committed to providing products that protect and elevate homes. The company guarantees proper product installation by contractors with Elite Preferred status, who are trained, knowledgeable, and held to the highest standard.
Hiring a preferred contractor ensures long-term benefits and full warranty coverage. James Hardie conducts random installation audits to maintain high standards and requires contractors to have proper licensing, bonding, and insurance. Additionally, customer feedback is regularly collected to guarantee contractors maintain exceptional service.
Why Should I Hire a Certified Contractor for James Hardie Installation?
While anyone can install James Hardie Siding, it is not recommended. Installation requires special materials and expensive tools to get the job done right. Additionally, the siding is heavy and nearly five times thicker than regular vinyl siding; therefore, if improperly installed, you risk damaging the siding, leading to expensive repairs down the road.
When you hire a certified contractor for siding installation, you can rest assured that the job will be done exactly as intended. It is also required for the contractor to have liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 for each occurrence, protecting the homeowner financially if something were to happen during installation.
A few other reasons to hire a certified James Hardie contractor include the following:
Your Siding Will Be Installed Correctly
James Hardie Elite Preferred contractors have a vast knowledge of the products at hand and are trained on best practices for installation. Their sales approach is professional, and they ensure a 30-year limited, non-prorated, transferable warranty that backs their installation. This means homeowners can have peace of mind knowing their investment is in trustworthy hands.
Contractors Have the Right Tools
If you don’t have an extensive tool collection, you might not possess all the tools required for installing fiber cement siding. To correctly install James Hardie siding, you would need, at the very least, an:
- Air Compressor
- Cordless Drill
- Circular Saw
- Jigsaw
- Caulk Gun
- Safety Materials
Purchasing all these tools can be expensive, especially if you aren’t planning on using them again. Additionally, you may not know the proper usage or safety techniques for each tool. Instead, it makes more sense to hire a contractor who owns and knows how to operate all the necessary tools for the project.
The Siding Is Too Heavy to Install Yourself
Many homeowners think that installing fiber cement siding is similar to installing vinyl siding, but this is not the case. James Hardie’s siding is almost five times thicker than vinyl siding and weighs nearly 2.5 pounds per square foot.
While the thickness of Hardie boards makes them highly durable, it also makes them challenging to install. For efficiency, a team of two or more workers is required to complete the installation–not just one person.
Special Materials Are Required for Proper Installation
Along with the siding boards and the many tools needed for the installation, several additional materials, such as felt, nails, caulk, flashing, and paint, are required for the job.
Instead of searching for the appropriate materials, hiring a certified James Hardie contractor is best, as they possess the necessary materials and supplies, ensuring that your installation will be handled correctly.
Your Warranty May Be Voided
A nice benefit of purchasing James Hardie siding is the warranty that comes with it. If you have your siding installed by certified contractors, you will gain access to a 30-year warranty. However, installing James Hardie Board siding yourself can quickly void any warranty you have.
Therefore, for the warranty to be valid, you must maintain your siding, as it does not cover:
- Inadequate storage, shipping, handling, or installation
- Incorrect installation of studs and other accessories
- Neglect, abuse, or misuse of the product
- Damage caused by flawed design
- Damage caused by water infiltration
- Peeling or performance of third-party paint, stains, or coatings
4 Tips for Finding the Right Home Siding Certified Contractor
If you want to guarantee proper installation, warranty coverage, and cost-effectiveness, hiring a certified contractor for siding installation is the best option. But who do you hire? Here are four tips for finding the right contractor for your James Hardie siding installation:
1. Do Your Research
When looking for a contractor, it is important to research every potential candidate thoroughly. One way to verify a contractor’s credentials and reputation is by contacting your local Consumer Affairs Office or Better Business Bureau. These organizations provide valuable information about local contractors, including licensing, certification, complaint history, and customer reviews.
By inquiring, you can make informed decisions about which contractors to consider versus which ones to avoid, as you want to ensure you’re working with a company that can meet your needs.
2. Ask for Referrals
If you have friends, families, or neighbors who have recently had a James Hardie siding replacement, ask who they recommend for the job. You should also read local companies’ Google Reviews or other places where past customers have left testimonials or comments. If you find a consistent flow of positive reviews, you may have found the right installation contractor for you.
3. Get Multiple Estimates
To find the right contractor, you should meet with at least three licensed contractors and ask each of them to provide you with written estimates for the siding installation. This will help you compare costs and choose an installer that meets your budget. Once you have selected a contractor, you should double-check that the estimate is accurate so you are not hit with any additional payments or hidden fees later on.
4. Check All Licensing and Insurance
To protect yourself and your property, make sure that the contractor is licensed and insured. Knowing that the contractor meets all requirements and is fully covered will give you peace of mind in case of any accidents or damage.
Are you looking to hire a James Hardie-certified contractor for your fiber cement siding installation? Contact Stateline Exteriors at 816-4-HARDIE and speak to our James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractors in Kansas City.
