Hardie Shingle Installation
James Hardie Shingle Installation
HardieShingle sidewall panels are designed for vertical wall applications, with a fiber-cement construction to give them extra durability. HardieShingle panels are offered in straight-edge or staggered-edge variants (48” L x 16” H), or for more decorative purposes, a half-round style. Learn more about Hardie Shingle installation below, or call us today with any questions about Hardie Shake siding installation.
Additionally, siding panels are sold individually in a variety of sizes for sidewall that requires less coverage. HardieShingle siding is also available pre-finished in ColorPlus Technology – a multi-coating process that oven-bakes color onto siding to provide better fade resistance to high UV levels. Unlike traditional cedar siding, HardieShingle siding is resistant to moisture damage, such as splitting, warping and rotting.
James Hardie Shingles
HardieShingle siding by James Hardie offers great durability and design for Cape Cod style homes or Colonial Homes. Shingle siding (also known as shake siding) mimics the timeless look of cedar shake and shingles for homes. James Hardie shake siding is easy to install by professionals and are great for dormers, gables, and entire homes.
Different Styles of Hardie Shingles
James Hardie shake siding can be applied in different styles including straight edge panel, staggered edge panel, half rounds, and individual shingles. Straight edge panel siding is a classic installation of clean-lined shingle, whereas staggered edge panel offers a more versatile design. Half round shingle siding is displayed as scalloped-edged shingles. Individual shingles can be used to create a custom look for your home.
Individual Shingle Installation
Similar to traditional wood-shingle siding, HardieShingle siding requires a starter course and starter strip to be used prior to installing an initial group of shingles. Starter strips are used to set shingles at the correct angle, and can be created by tearing 1-1/4” L strips from HardiePlank siding. These starter strips are recommended to be fitted over a water-resistant barrier.
HardiePlank lap siding (8-1/4”) can also be used as a starter course. To assist with installation, use a snapped chalk line 8-1/4” above the bottom edge of the starter strip. The top of the starter course should be situated alongside the chalk line. If a uniform straight edge is preferred, use a straight edge on the bottom of shingles. Once these are in place, install the first course of shingle siding, laying it even with the starter course’s bottom edge.
Individual shingles should not be spaced more than ¼” apart from one another, and gaps in-between shingles should not be within 1-1/2” of the gaps in the course above, or the course below. Shingle widths should be applied in a random pattern for optimal appearance.
For extra strength and corrosion resistance, it is recommended to perform all installations with stainless steel fasteners. For individual shingles being installed on plywood (min. 15/32” thick) or Oriented Strandboard sheathing (min. 7/16” thick), it is recommended to use .091” x .221” x 1.5” siding nails. Nails should be positioned ½” to 1” from the shingle’s side edges, and 8-1/2” to 9” above the shingle’s bottom edge.
HardieShingle siding should be stored flat and kept covered and dry prior to installation.
HardieShingle Panel Installation
HardieShingle Panels are installed by working across the wall from one end to the other. Begin by measuring and cutting the initial panel to ensure that the panel’s end falls over the framing. Next, use a chalk line along the panel’s top edge to create a guide. For straight edge panels, panel edges should be aligned at the bottom to create a uniform straight line.
For the best appearance, bottom edges of the siding and trim should be aligned. The upper section of the rear of the panel should be cut even with the edge of the keyway in any cases where the panel begins at a door or window casing, or a corner board. An 1/8” gap should be left between the siding and HardieTrim board where the two meet.
Next, cut the first panel for the second course, and land it on the stud before the first course’s panel. The cut end can be used to border the trim. Begin the third course using the edge of the panel touching on the stud before the second course. Switch between these three lengths going up the wall in order to create correct placement of shingle keyways. I
f using HardieShingle Staggered Edge panels, create a mark 6” from the top of the installed panel and another at an equivalent height on the other end of the wall, making sure to snap a chalk line in-between the two marks. The top of the next panel course should be aligned with this chalk line. The siding bottom should generally be flush with the bottom of the trim.
When installing HardieShingle panels directly to Oriented Strandboard (min. 7/16” thick), or with 16” or 24” O.C. wood studs, a .083” x .187” x 1.5” ring shank siding nail is recommended. Nails should be positioned ½” to 1” from the shingle’s side edges, and 8-1/2” to 9” above the shingle’s bottom edge.