Let’s be honest—siding isn’t something most homeowners daydream about (unless you’re really into fiber cement, which… no judgment). But when your old siding starts warping, cracking, or making your house look like the “before” photo in a home makeover show, it’s time to do something about it.
That’s where James Hardie siding comes in. It’s durable, gorgeous, and doesn’t throw a tantrum every time the weather changes. But what does it actually take to get this stuff on your house? Is it a messy, drawn-out ordeal? (Spoiler alert: not when we’re involved.)
Let’s walk through the process—step by step—so you know exactly what to expect when you upgrade your home’s exterior with James Hardie siding.
Understanding the Value of James Hardie Siding
James Hardie isn’t just any siding. It’s tough, stylish, and basically timeless. It’s engineered to resist fire, moisture, pests, and the kind of fading that makes your house look tired before its time.
And it doesn’t just perform well—it looks good. Like, “your neighbors might ask for your contractor’s number” good. Plus, it checks all the boxes: great for curb appeal, low-maintenance, and totally HOA-friendly. Win-win-win.
Why Professional Siding Installation Matters
Fiber cement siding isn’t like sticking peel-and-stick tiles in your kitchen. It’s heavy, dense, and has to be installed with very specific techniques to live up to its full potential. Do it wrong, and you risk voiding the warranty—or worse, inviting water damage that could cost you big time.
That’s why it’s so important to work with professionals who not only know what they’re doing, but have the credentials to back it up. At Presidential Exteriors, we’re proud to be a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor—a designation that reflects our specialized training, attention to detail, and commitment to getting the job done right the first time.
Our Step-by-Step Process to James Hardie Siding Installation
At Presidential Exteriors, we like to keep things simple, streamlined, and drama-free. Here’s a look into our siding installation process:
1. Prep
We start by removing the old siding (good riddance) and prepping the surface. That includes trimming the sheathing, applying house wrap for extra protection, and marking the stud locations so everything lines up perfectly.
2. Measure Twice, Cut Once
Precision matters. We take detailed measurements and pre-cut the panels using pro-grade tools that would make your average toolbox blush.
3. Flash It Right
We install metal flashing above windows and baseboards to keep water out—because water belongs in your glass, not behind your walls.
4. Siding Goes Up
We start from the bottom with a starter strip, then install the siding panels with staggered joints for a clean, polished look. We add flashing between panels to seal the seams tighter than your favorite pair of jeans after Thanksgiving dinner.
5. Trim Things Out
Once the siding’s up, we install trim to bridge the gap between the siding and the wall. Then we seal everything up with caulk so it’s watertight and looks sharp.
6. Clean Up & Final Check
No one wants to be left with a construction zone. We clean up like we were never there and walk through everything with you to make sure you’re 100% happy before we call it a day.
A Process You Can Rely On with Professional Installation
We know home projects can be stressful—but siding installation shouldn’t be. Presidential Exteriors is here to make the process easy, transparent, and (dare we say?) enjoyable.
From your first call to the final walkthrough, our team keeps you in the loop. We answer questions, explain what’s happening, and show up when we say we will. And with our lifetime workmanship warranty, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected for the long haul.
So, if your home’s ready for a serious glow-up, James Hardie siding installed by Presidential Exteriors is the way to go. Want to see how it would look on your home? Let’s talk siding.
