James Hardie
NT Windows
Austin | Cain Harvest | Siding & Windows · Sep 24
Complete James Hardie HardiePlank Cedar Mill Installation | Energy-Efficient NT Windows Executive Series Replacement
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4.9 Rating
Complete James Hardie HardiePlank Cedar Mill Installation | Energy-Efficient NT Windows Executive Series Replacement
The homeowner chose James Hardie HardiePlank Select Cedar Mill 8.25" fiber cement siding to replace aging exterior materials that couldn't withstand Austin's intense summer heat and frequent hail storms. Our crew installed new 7/16" OSB wall sheathing before mounting the primed HardiePlank, ensuring optimal structural backing and moisture protection. The cedar mill texture provides authentic wood grain appearance without the maintenance headaches of natural wood in Central Texas conditions. The project concluded with a professional Sherwin Williams Super Paint application that bonds perfectly with fiber cement substrates.
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The window upgrade addressed energy efficiency concerns common in Austin's demanding climate, particularly during 100°+ summer days when cooling costs soar. NT Windows Executive Series vinyl replacements feature advanced Low-E/366 glass technology with argon gas fill, creating superior thermal barriers that reduce heat transfer and UV penetration. The 50/50 split design maximizes natural light while maintaining structural integrity against wind loads typical in Central Texas. Our installation team completely removed the old windows and properly sealed each opening, eliminating air infiltration points that previously compromised the home's energy performance.
The homeowner found Austin Pro through an internet search in May 2024, specifically looking for contractors experienced with James Hardie siding and energy-efficient window replacements. Our initial phone conversation on May 21st focused on their concerns about rising energy costs and the deteriorating condition of their home's original exterior materials.
Our assessment team visited the property in late May to evaluate both the existing siding and windows. We documented wear patterns typical of 1990s construction, including compromised window seals and siding that showed significant weathering from Austin's intense UV exposure and temperature extremes.
The homeowner approved our comprehensive proposal on June 3rd after reviewing material options and energy efficiency projections. We finalized product selections including the James Hardie cedar mill texture and NT Windows Low-E glass package, with the project moving into our active scheduling phase the same day.
Installation crews began work in late May with systematic removal of existing materials and installation of new OSB sheathing. The siding and window installation progressed through summer months, with all field work completed by August 9th including the final Sherwin Williams paint application.
Final project walkthrough occurred on August 9th, with the homeowner expressing satisfaction with both the appearance and immediate comfort improvements from the new windows. The project was officially closed on September 12th after final invoicing and warranty documentation were completed.
North Austin's Cain Harvest neighborhood features many homes from the 1990s construction boom that are now reaching the point where major exterior updates become necessary. This particular homeowner contacted Austin Pro in May 2024 after recognizing that their original siding and windows were no longer providing adequate protection against Central Texas weather extremes.
Our evaluation revealed typical issues we encounter in Austin homes of this vintage. The existing siding showed significant wear from repeated exposure to 100°+ summer temperatures, afternoon thunderstorms, and occasional hail events that are part of life in Central Texas. The windows had lost their energy efficiency over decades of thermal cycling, contributing to higher cooling costs during Austin's extended summer season.
The homeowner prioritized durability and energy performance over lower-cost alternatives. Given the home's exposure to cedar pollen, limestone dust, and intense UV radiation, we recommended materials specifically engineered for harsh climates.
For the siding replacement, James Hardie HardiePlank Select Cedar Mill 8.25" became the clear choice. This fiber cement product withstands temperature swings that would crack vinyl or warp wood alternatives. The cedar mill texture provides authentic wood grain appearance without requiring the constant maintenance that natural wood demands in Central Texas humidity and heat.
The windows selection focused on maximum energy efficiency. NT Windows Executive Series vinyl replacements with Low-E/366 glass package and argon fill offer superior thermal performance. The 50/50 split configuration balances natural light with structural integrity against the wind loads common during Texas thunderstorms.
Work began in late May with complete removal and disposal of existing materials. Our crew installed new 7/16" OSB wall sheathing across the entire exterior, providing fresh structural backing and eliminating any moisture-damaged areas from the original construction.
The James Hardie installation required precise attention to manufacturer specifications. Each piece of 8.25" Primed Select Cedar Mill HardiePlank was properly gapped and fastened to accommodate thermal expansion. The primed surface preparation ensured optimal paint adhesion for the final coating system.
Window installation occurred simultaneously with siding preparation. Each NT Windows Executive Series unit was carefully measured, sealed, and integrated with the new wall assembly. The Low-E/366 glass package with argon provides dual benefits: reduced heat gain during summer months and improved insulation during Austin's brief but sometimes surprisingly cold winter periods.
The final phase involved complete exterior painting using Sherwin Williams Super Paint, specifically formulated for fiber cement substrates. This premium coating system bonds chemically with the HardiePlank surface, creating a protective barrier against UV degradation, moisture penetration, and color fading.
Sherwin Williams Super Paint contains advanced resins that maintain flexibility through temperature cycles while resisting the chalking and peeling common with lower-grade exterior paints. The homeowner selected a color that complements the neighborhood aesthetic while providing maximum longevity in Austin's challenging climate.
The completed project, finished in September 2024, dramatically transformed both the home's appearance and performance. The James Hardie siding provides 50-year durability with minimal maintenance requirements beyond periodic cleaning. Unlike wood siding that requires regular staining or painting, this fiber cement system maintains its appearance and protection for decades.
The NT Windows Executive Series replacements immediately improved interior comfort and energy efficiency. The Low-E/366 glass technology blocks up to 95% of harmful UV rays while allowing beneficial natural light. Argon gas fill between panes creates an additional thermal barrier that reduces cooling loads during Austin's extended summer season.
The project timeline stretched from initial contact in May through final completion in September, with the bulk of installation work occurring during summer months. This scheduling allowed the homeowner to immediately benefit from improved energy efficiency during peak cooling season.
All material disposal was handled professionally, with fees covering proper removal of both old siding and window materials. The comprehensive approach ensured no construction debris remained on the property.
This siding and window combination addresses the specific challenges that Central Texas homeowners face. The James Hardie fiber cement resists insect damage, won't rot in humid conditions, and maintains structural integrity through hail storms that would dent or crack other materials.
The NT Windows energy package provides year-round benefits. During summer, the Low-E coating reflects heat while argon fill reduces thermal transfer. During winter, these same features help retain interior warmth, contributing to consistent comfort and energy savings throughout the year.
Homeowners in similar North Austin neighborhoods should consider this type of comprehensive exterior upgrade when their 1990s-era materials begin showing wear. The investment in premium materials pays dividends through reduced maintenance, lower energy costs, and improved home value in Austin's competitive real estate market.
Austin Pro crafts exteriors that not only captivate but also promise steadfast protection and reliability, embodying the vibrant spirit of Austin in every facade. Your home's exterior is its silent storyteller and first impression; let us help it speak volumes without uttering a word.
