exploreparadise2 Posted November 22, 2014 Report Share Posted November 22, 2014 I returned to inspect a house that I inspected seven years ago when it was a year old. The gaps in some the Hardiplank joints have expanded to 1/4" wide, exposing the joint flashing. Some of the planks broke where they were face nailed. My photos from seven years ago show all the joints were tight (no caulk). Discoloration of the siding and wood fascia, and leaking gutters lead me to suspect water intrusion at the wall. Can Hardiplank shrink? There was very little waviness or buckling in the planks. Could a wet wall behind the siding expand and create joint gaps? The temperature difference between inspections was less than ten degrees. Thanks Click to Enlarge 39.53 KB Click to Enlarge 36.42 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted November 22, 2014 Report Share Posted November 22, 2014 Try this: The first inspection was done before the house saw its first summer season. A couple of summers pass and the planks displace sideways slightly because of expansion in summer heat. The 2nd inspection is also in the winter when the gaps are at their widest. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted November 23, 2014 Report Share Posted November 23, 2014 It is abnormal shrinkage for Hardie plank. Could it possibly be from another manufacturere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Amaral Posted November 23, 2014 Report Share Posted November 23, 2014 It could have been relatively damp (the material) when installed, no? They have all sorts of warnings about pre-installation storage for that stuff in regards to this... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Baird Posted November 23, 2014 Report Share Posted November 23, 2014 Do not think this kind can shrink. Any way the frame of the house might have grown? Rafters pushing walls apart or whatever? I have seen some pretty bowed out eaves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob K Posted December 7, 2014 Report Share Posted December 7, 2014 My garage has hardi siding. I live just north of Chicago. I've been watching the material expand and contract over the 16 yrs I've owned it. It's not much but it happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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