A siding warranty provides peace of mind, protecting your investment against defects and installation errors. However, certain installation mistakes or oversights can void the warranty, leaving you responsible for costly repairs. At Hawthorn Home Exteriors, we ensure that our siding installations meet or exceed manufacturer requirements to keep your warranty intact.
In this guide, we’ll cover what voids a siding warranty, the importance of proper installation, and how you can avoid costly mistakes.
Installation Mistakes That Void a Siding Warranty
One of the most common reasons siding warranties become void is improper installation. Manufacturers like James Hardie provide specific guidelines that must be followed. If these instructions are ignored, your warranty may no longer be valid. Below are the most critical installation requirements:
1. Clearance Specifications
James Hardie has strict clearance requirements that must be met to prevent moisture damage. These include:
- Roof Lines: Siding and trim must be at least 2 inches above rooflines to prevent water infiltration.
- Ground Level: Siding should be at least 6 inches above grade (soil, mulch, or landscaping) to avoid moisture buildup.
- Hard Surfaces: There must be a 2-inch clearance above patios, driveways, concrete, decks (composite or cedar), or any finished flooring.
If these clearances are not maintained, moisture can become trapped, leading to rot, mold, and structural damage—issues that are not covered under the warranty.
2. Flashing and Seam Protection
Flashing is an essential part of a durable siding installation. Without proper flashing, water can seep behind the siding, causing damage that voids your warranty. Here’s what needs to be done:
- Flashing Placement: James Hardie does not specify a required flashing material, but it does require a secondary layer of protection behind every seam.
- Best Practice for Protection: At Hawthorn Home Exteriors, we use color-matched aluminum flashing behind every seam. This extra step ensures that moisture doesn’t penetrate the structure.
James Hardie’s lap siding comes in 12-foot-long pieces, which means seams are inevitable. Because Hardie’s material doesn’t expand or contract like other siding, these seams can be butted together tightly—but without flashing behind them, water infiltration can still occur, leading to warranty issues.
3. Incorrect Window and Door Clearances
Many contractors who are unfamiliar with James Hardie products—or those looking to cut corners—often fail to follow clearance guidelines around windows and doors.
- Siding should be properly spaced above window and door frames to allow for expansion and proper water drainage.
- Incorrectly installed trim can allow water to seep behind the siding, which leads to rot and voided warranty coverage.
If a contractor installs Hardie siding without following these clearance rules, it can void your warranty immediately.
Common Installation Shortcuts That Void a Warranty
Some contractors rush through installations, missing key steps that can impact the validity of your siding warranty. Here are some shortcuts to watch out for:
- Skipping proper flashing installation
- Not maintaining required clearances
- Using non-approved fasteners
- Failing to prime or seal cut edges of the siding
If your siding is installed incorrectly, your warranty won’t cover any resulting damage, and you could face costly repairs down the line.
Environmental and Structural Factors That Affect a Warranty
Even if your siding is installed correctly, certain external factors can impact your warranty:
- Natural Disasters: Damage from earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and fires is typically not covered.
- Structural Movement: If your home’s foundation shifts, causing damage to the siding, it won’t be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Improper Home Maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance, such as cleaning or sealing, can lead to warranty exclusions.
How to Keep Your Siding Warranty Intact
To ensure that your siding warranty remains valid, follow these steps:
- Hire Certified Contractors: Always work with experienced professionals like Hawthorn Home Exteriors who understand James Hardie’s installation guidelines.
- Follow Maintenance Guidelines: Keep your siding clean, inspect for damage, and perform necessary repairs promptly.
- Keep Installation Records: Document all work done, including receipts, installation details, and warranty paperwork.
- Avoid Unauthorized Modifications: Any unauthorized repairs, painting, or modifications can void your warranty. Always consult with the manufacturer or your contractor before making changes.
In Summary
Understanding what voids a siding warranty is essential to protecting your investment. Issues such as improper installation, lack of flashing, failure to maintain clearances, and unauthorized modifications can all lead to a voided warranty.
At Hawthorn Home Exteriors, we specialize in installing James Hardie siding correctly, ensuring that you receive the full benefits of your warranty. If you want siding installed the right way, contact us today.
