I have been asked to accompany many buyers on home inspections before they purchase. I have built homes in Iowa for over 45 years and never installed Hardiplank. My question and concern is the butt joints that are open and without a siding joint installed. Many homeowners on your forum have ongoing problems with this exact issue. I read one today that said HP and Vulcam had Vulcam 106 as a sealer for the joints. I have used Vulcam for years and there is no way that will look good. Caulking is verty seldom the answer because very few cartpenters can installed it right. In Iowa caulking becomes a yearly maintenance headache. I would caution the buyer on puchasing this home without some expert opionion on installation of Hardiplank in Iowa. Thank You in advance, Mike
