Siding in Maple Run, Austin, TX

Why did this Maple Run home need new siding?

Like many homes in this pocket of southwest Austin, the original siding had aged past its prime. Years of 100-degree summers and spring hail leave older boards cracked, faded, and warped.

• Built in an era when softer siding was standard
• Sun exposure had dulled and dried out the surface
• Small cracks let moisture creep behind the boards
• The homeowner wanted a look that would last decades, not years

What did we find when we inspected the home?

Our evaluation confirmed the exterior was overdue for a full replacement rather than patch repairs. The old cladding had lost its ability to seal out water, and Austin's freeze-thaw swings only speed that decline. Homeowners often try to solve this with paint alone, but paint can't fix boards that are already splitting. We flagged the areas of moisture intrusion early so the new system could start on a clean, dry base. That inspection shaped the whole scope.

• Documented worn boards across the main elevations
• Checked for hidden moisture before ordering material
• Confirmed the wall structure was sound for fiber cement

What materials did we use, and why?

We installed James Hardie HardiePlank in the Cedarmill 8.25" profile. Fiber cement is the right call for Austin because it doesn't feed rot, resist hail poorly, or warp the way older wood-based siding does. The Cedarmill texture mimics real wood grain without the upkeep, and the wider 8.25-inch board gives a cleaner, more modern shadow line. That combination handles cedar pollen season, driving rain, and triple-digit heat far better than what came off the walls. It's a product we trust because we see how it holds up across Central Texas.

• HardiePlank lap siding in Cedarmill grain
• 8.25" board reveal for updated proportions
• Engineered specifically for hot, humid climate zones
• Material sourced through Home Depot and ABC Supply Co.

How did the installation go?

Crews worked on site from April 25 through April 28, 2022, with the siding taking three days before painting followed. Removing old material and installing fiber cement takes care, since the boards are heavier and cut differently than wood.

• Old siding stripped and hauled off
• New HardiePlank fastened and sealed across all elevations
• Seams and transitions detailed for weather resistance
• Exterior repaint layered on once the cladding was set

How did the exterior painting finish the job?

We painted the full exterior with Sherwin Williams coatings after the siding was complete. A quality paint system does more than add color here. It shields the fresh surface from UV fade and locks out moisture between the boards. The tones were picked to blend with the home's existing trim and roofline for a finished, cohesive look.

• Full exterior coat over new fiber cement
• Color coordinated with trim and rooflines
• UV-stable finish chosen for relentless Austin sun