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James Hardie

Austin | SoCo | Siding

Complete James Hardie HardiePlank Smooth 8.25" Installation | Professional Asbestos Removal with New OSB Sheathing

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wHAT wE DID

Siding

James Hardie

This comprehensive siding project in Austin's 78704 area involved complete removal of existing asbestos siding and installation of James Hardie HardiePlank Smooth 8.25" fiber cement planks. We added new 1/2" OSB sheathing for enhanced structural integrity and weather protection. The homeowner selected James Hardie's smooth profile for its clean, modern appearance and proven performance in Central Texas conditions including 100°+ summers and severe weather. The project included primed Select Cedar Mill accents and thorough punch-out completion for a flawless finish.

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The Journey

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First Contact

The homeowner contacted Austin Pro through an internet search in April 2023, looking for solutions to their deteriorating siding. During our initial conversation on April 11th, they expressed concerns about the existing material's condition and wanted options that would perform better in Austin's climate. We scheduled a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the full scope of work needed.

Evaluation

Our assessment revealed asbestos-containing siding that required specialized removal procedures. We also found areas where the underlying sheathing had been compromised by moisture over the years. The evaluation process included testing protocols for hazardous materials and detailed measurements for the complete siding replacement scope.

PLanning & Approval

Project approval came through on May 30th, 2023, after the homeowner reviewed material options and installation procedures. We coordinated asbestos abatement permits and scheduled specialized removal crews. The planning phase included vendor coordination with ABC Supply and other material suppliers for the James Hardie products and OSB sheathing requirements.

Installation

Installation began with certified asbestos removal followed by new OSB sheathing installation across the entire exterior. Our crew then installed the HardiePlank Smooth 8.25" siding with precision cutting and proper fastening techniques. The work included careful attention to flashing details and integration of primed Select Cedar Mill accent pieces.

Completion

Project completion occurred in early 2024 with thorough punch-out work including two phases of yard cleanup and detail finishing. The final walkthrough confirmed all James Hardie installation standards were met and warranty documentation was provided. The homeowner was extremely satisfied with the transformation and improved weather protection on April 25th, 2024.

Siding in Austin | Austin Pro

The Challenge: Aging Siding in South Austin

This homeowner in Austin's vibrant 78704 area faced a common problem with their older home: deteriorating siding that no longer protected against Central Texas weather extremes. The existing material showed significant wear from years of 100°+ summer temperatures, intense UV exposure, and the occasional hail storm that defines Austin's climate.

During our initial assessment, we discovered the home had asbestos-containing siding that required specialized removal procedures. The underlying structure needed attention as well, with areas where moisture had compromised the original sheathing over the decades.

Material Selection: James Hardie Fiber Cement

For this South Austin home, we recommended James Hardie HardiePlank Smooth 8.25" fiber cement siding. This premium material choice addressed every concern the homeowner had about durability and maintenance.

Fiber cement siding excels in Austin's challenging climate. The material resists warping, cracking, and fading that plague other siding options under our relentless summer sun. Unlike wood siding that requires frequent painting and repair, or vinyl that can become brittle in extreme heat, HardiePlank maintains its integrity year after year.

The smooth profile offers a clean, contemporary appearance that complements both traditional and modern architectural styles common in the SoCo area. We also incorporated primed Select Cedar Mill accents to add visual interest and texture contrast.

Installation Process: Precision and Safety

This project began with careful asbestos abatement, following all EPA guidelines for safe removal. Our certified crew contained and removed the hazardous material, ensuring complete safety for the homeowners and neighborhood.

Once the old siding was removed, we installed new 1/2" OSB sheathing across the entire exterior. This step proved crucial for creating a solid, moisture-resistant foundation for the new HardiePlank installation. The OSB sheathing also improved the home's overall structural integrity and energy efficiency.

The HardiePlank Smooth 8.25" installation required meticulous attention to detail. Each plank was cut with specialized fiber cement tools to prevent chipping and ensure clean edges. We used James Hardie-approved fasteners and followed precise spacing requirements for optimal weather protection.

Our crew paid special attention to flashing details around windows, doors, and other penetrations. Proper flashing installation prevents moisture intrusion that could compromise the new siding system over time.

Timeline and Project Coordination

The project timeline extended from spring 2023 through early 2024, allowing for proper planning and material coordination. We scheduled the asbestos removal during favorable weather conditions to minimize disruption to neighbors.

Material deliveries from ABC Supply and other vendors were coordinated to arrive precisely when needed, preventing storage issues and keeping the job site organized. The extended timeline also allowed for thorough quality control at each phase.

Punch-out work included detailed yard cleanup and addressing any minor adjustments needed for perfect alignment and finish quality. We completed two separate punch phases to ensure every detail met our standards.

Results: Enhanced Protection and Curb Appeal

The completed installation transformed this South Austin home's appearance while providing superior protection against the elements. The HardiePlank Smooth siding creates clean lines and consistent color that will maintain their appeal for decades.

The homeowner now enjoys reduced maintenance requirements compared to their previous siding. James Hardie fiber cement comes with a comprehensive warranty and requires only periodic cleaning rather than frequent painting or repairs.

Energy efficiency improved significantly with the new OSB sheathing and proper installation techniques. The home stays cooler during Austin's brutal summer months, reducing cooling costs.

Why Austin Homeowners Choose Fiber Cement

Central Texas conditions demand premium exterior materials. Our limestone soil shifts with moisture changes, creating stress on building materials. Cedar pollen coats everything in spring, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F for weeks at a time.

Fiber cement siding handles these challenges better than any alternative. The material won't warp from heat, crack from foundation movement, or support mold growth from humidity. Austin Pro has installed hundreds of James Hardie projects across Central Texas, and the long-term performance consistently exceeds expectations.

For homeowners considering siding replacement, this 78704 project demonstrates the value of investing in premium materials and professional installation. The combination of James Hardie fiber cement and expert craftsmanship delivers protection and beauty that lasts.

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HERE sOME OF THE PROJECT IMAGES

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