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.
Whether you have recently installed James Hardie fiber cement or are about to install it soon, you’re probably looking for ways to upkeep its pristine condition. Or maybe thinking of ways to make the most of your investment. In such a situation , a reliable warranty can give you peace of mind while protecting your siding and saving money.
In this blog, we will discuss the James Hardie siding warranty in detail.But before we get into the details let’s start with a quick introduction about what James Hardie siding is exactly.
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:
- Highly durable
- Lasts long
- Lasting color
- High-end appeal
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 is an extraordinarily robust siding option. Although it costs higher than many other siding options, the investment is worth it. Once you make the commitment, you will be free of wasting time, money, and energy on frequent maintenance, repairs, and reinstallations. So, it is better to lock in the protection of your house with a James Hardie 50-year warranty.
Different Types of James Hardie Siding Warranty Explained
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 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. Include any additional information that Hardie may need for inspection, along with photos of the affected product. To validate your claim, include photos and the original proof of purchase, such as a receipt or Hardie installation certification.
Experience Longevity and Durability with James Hardie Board from GS Exterior Experts
James Hardie’s warranty only holds if the product is installed 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? Learn more about the James Hardie siding and how we can help!
