Custom Built Home Cement Board Siding Problem
3/10/2020 at 6:29:04 PM
Our house was built in 2014 and has cement board siding. The budget was approved by our builder, who is well respected and has all credentials, etc. They did a terrible job on the siding, to the point that it was noticed while it was still going up. The assured us that it would get patched and repainted (not what we wanted). The issue was that it was fastened incorrectly and the weight of the boards and the poor job have created panels that buckle, crack, peel, and pop out their fasteners. As the job was coming to completion and we moved in, we repeatedly noted the siding and it kept getting put off. The 1st deficiencies list had it noted as did the second...nothing happened (except more panels got damaged). I have emailed and texted them every spring and summer for the past 5 years and we keep getting put off. They finally agreed to meet today and are telling us we have to pay to get it re-installed because our original budget was so low, they had no choice but to do it poorly. They agreed to the budget and we believed them. The house cost about 700,000 to build and our architect fees were another 100,000. This is a tough pill to swallow - do we have any recourse, should we hire a lawyer, and/ or should we get quotes on our own to have it done properly rather than relying on them. Any insight would be appreciated.
3/11/2020 at 9:26:18 AM
James Hardie cement board much like any other higher end siding product requires a 3/8 rainguard envelope to be installed correctly.In different zones thermo insulation rigid insulation is added to the sheathing for code r values.In a proper installation furring strips ranging from 4 inches wide to a minimum of 3/8 of a inch are installed every 16 inches screwed to the wall studs.The issue with modern construction is that if the house is improperly framed than everything because harder to correct to plumb and square.For instance if the outside framing walls are not plumb square or on center it becomes a difficult siding installation if the product is installed directly to the exterior wall.With a furring strip proper installation you can correct any framing inconsistencies by shimming or moving the furring strip to the correct stud location.Proper strength graded fasteners must be used to ensure tensile strength of not only the softwood weight but the siding product also.This goes for any installation over I.C.F also.The problem you are occurring could be from fasteners not grabbing proper structure causing bowing and sagging which could also lead to Wind load issues.Non nail-able substrates should also be strapped with furring for this application to ensure proper fastening applications.It could also be from over driving fastener position that could cause the cement board to pop from under tensile pressure.It would be difficult to remedy to resecure with proper fastners after finding stud location. Unfortunately also in new construction most companies only offer a 3year warranty and manufacturers warranty would not apply if installed incorrectly.All manufacturers state in all applications that proper code and installation standards must be followed or it does void warranty this includes James Hardie/Maibek/Timberthane.The only recourse for remedy in regards to re-installation would be relief through the courts although it is very time consuming but also would fall under the installation companies liability insurance.
8/30/2020 at 6:57:49 AM
Hello
I agree with Jason, well said
I recommend that you contact the manufacturer and have them come do an inspection, this will also give you some peace of mind as well as documentation for the courts
Good luck
Duane
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