If you have James Hardie fiber cement siding, or are planning to install it, it helps to know exactly what the warranty covers and for how long. Here is a plain breakdown of James Hardie’s US warranty terms. First, a quick note on what the product is.
It’s a type of fiber-cement siding composed of wood pulp, cement, and cellulose fibers. As a result of its sturdy and appealing character, it is becoming increasingly popular. Fiber cement resists rot and is not a food source for termites. James Hardie backs its siding, trim boards, and soffit with a 30-year non-prorated substrate limited warranty.
Some of the advantages of James Hardie include:
- Non-combustible under ASTM E136
- Will not rot or attract termites
- Factory-applied ColorPlus® finishes with no repaint cycle
- Dimensionally stable through freeze-thaw
With that review, let’s get back into James Hardie siding warranty information.
James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding Warranty
James Hardie backs all Hardie fiber cement siding, trim boards, and soffit with a 30-year non-prorated substrate limited warranty. Non-prorated means the coverage does not lose value over the term. The warranty is transferable once, to the first subsequent owner.
Siding finished with ColorPlus® Technology carries a separate 15-year limited finish warranty covering peeling, cracking, and chipping. This warranty covers both paint and labor, though the labor reimbursement is reduced after the first year and steps down across the term.
Note that the substrate warranty covers the product only and does not include labor. Coverage also depends on the siding being installed and maintained according to James Hardie’s published instructions, which is why installer selection affects whether your warranty holds. If you later repaint, James Hardie specifies 100% acrylic paint and proper surface preparation. More on painting Hardie board.
James Hardie costs more than many other siding options, and the 30-year non-prorated substrate warranty is a large part of what you’re paying for. It’s an unusually long term to be covered without the value stepping down.
Different Types of James Hardie Siding Warranty Explained
James Hardie covers different products for different terms, and they run separately rather than as one blanket warranty. Here’s what applies to each part of the system.
- Hardie® Siding, Trim, and Soffit – Covered by a 30-year non-prorated substrate limited warranty, transferable once.
- HardieTrim® Boards – Covered by a 15-year limited product warranty.
- ColorPlus® Technology Finish – Covered by a 15-year limited finish warranty against peeling, cracking, and chipping, including paint and labor on a reducing scale.
To learn more about specific products, check out the James Hardie siding warranty PDF for each.
How to File a James Hardie Warranty Claim
The James Hardie substrate warranty covers manufacturing defects in the product. It does not cover storm damage, impact damage, improper installation, or normal wear. Hail and wind damage are usually handled through your homeowners insurance rather than a manufacturer’s warranty, so if your siding is damaged in a storm, contact your insurer first. Reporting deadlines with carriers are often short.
For a suspected product defect, notify James Hardie in writing within 30 days of discovering the problem. Include the location and nature of the issue, photographs of the affected product, and your original proof of purchase or installation documentation. Confirm current claim requirements on James Hardie’s warranty information page before filing.
Experience Longevity and Durability with James Hardie Board from GS Exterior Experts
James Hardie’s warranty only holds if the product is installed according to their published specifications. As a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, we install to those requirements on every project, which is what keeps your coverage intact.
Planning a siding project? Contact GS Exterior Experts, and we’ll walk you through what’s covered before you commit to anything.
