Siding in Balcones, Austin, TX

Why did this Austin home need new siding?

The original cladding had taken a beating. Years of 100-degree summers and spring hail had left it faded, cracked, and pulling away in spots. Homes in this part of Austin often date to the 1980s and 1990s, and their first-generation siding rarely survives that long in good shape.

• Sun exposure had bleached and chalked the old boards
• Moisture had crept behind failing seams near the base
• The homeowner wanted a material that would outlast the next round of hail

What did we find during the inspection?

When we walked the exterior, the trouble was worse up close than from the curb. Old siding along the shaded north side showed the early softness that signals moisture damage, while the sun-facing walls had gone brittle. Limestone-heavy soil around the foundation also kept the lower courses damp longer after rain, which speeds up decay on wood-based products. That combination made a full replacement the honest call rather than a patch job. Fiber cement solved both problems at once because it does not feed rot and does not warp in heat.

What materials did we use, and why?

We went with James Hardie HardiePlank fiber cement lap siding for the whole home. Fiber cement is engineered for climates exactly like ours, and Hardie builds its Texas product for heat and humidity swings.

• HardiePlank lap for the main wall field, a clean traditional look
• Baked-on factory finish to resist Austin's harsh UV
• Non-combustible fiber cement, a real plus in dry Hill Country summers
• Coordinated trim and caulking with Sherwin Williams products

Cedar pollen season is another quiet reason fiber cement wins here. The dense, smooth surface wipes clean far easier than rough wood, so the yellow-green dusting that coats Austin every winter rinses right off.

How did the installation go?

Our crew completed the tear-off and new install in a single day on October 2, 2023. That pace comes from planning the layout and staging materials before anyone touched the wall. Fiber cement is heavy and precise work, so a tight crew and good prep matter more than speed alone.

• Full removal of the old cladding down to the sheathing
• Fresh weather barrier before any new board went up
• Proper gap and flashing details at trim and penetrations
• Materials sourced through local suppliers including ABC Supply

What were the results?

The home came out clean, straight, and built for the long haul. The new HardiePlank exterior resists the heat, hail, and moisture that wore down the old siding, and it needs little more than an occasional rinse. The project fell in the $25k–$30k range for a complete replacement.

• A uniform, modern finish that suits the neighborhood
• Far lower upkeep than the wood-based material it replaced
• Backed by James Hardie's fiber cement product warranty