Siding in Westlake, Austin, TX (July 2024)

Why did this Westlake home need new siding?

The original cladding on this home had taken a beating from years of Central Texas weather. Older exteriors in the 78746 area tend to warp, crack, and let moisture creep in behind the wall. Fiber cement solves that for good.

• The home dates to an era when many Westlake exteriors used softer, less durable materials
• Cedar pollen and humidity had worked into seams and joints over time
• Fascia and soffit boards showed wear and needed fresh paint up to 24 inches
• Old gutters were removed and hauled off per linear foot as part of the scope

What did the crew find once demo started?

When we pulled the old siding, we got a clear look at the wall behind it. That is where a lot of homeowners get surprised, so we planned for it. We installed brand-new 7/16-inch OSB wall sheathing across the affected sections to give the fiber cement a flat, solid nailing base. Skipping that step is a common shortcut that leads to wavy walls and loose panels down the road. Fresh sheathing also tightens up the whole envelope against Austin's wind-driven rain and sudden temperature swings.

• New wall sheathing installed before any siding went up
• Wood garage door jamb legs were rebuilt where the old wood had rotted
• Delivery and materials came through ABC Supply and other local suppliers
• Two yard cleanups and a full punch list kept the site tidy day to day

Why James Hardie fiber cement for this home?

We chose HardiePlank Select Cedar Mill for a few solid reasons. The 8.25-inch reveal gives clean, generous lines that suit a larger Westlake home. Fiber cement will not warp or swell the way wood does when the thermometer climbs past 100 degrees. It also stands up to hail far better than vinyl, which can crack or dent in a spring storm. The Cedar Mill texture keeps a natural wood-grain look without the rot, splitting, or pest problems that real cedar brings in this climate.

• Product line: HardiePlank Select Cedar Mill, primed and ready for paint
• Profile: 8.25-inch board for a bold, even shadow line
• Built to resist Central Texas heat, humidity, and impact
• Comes primed, so paint bonds cleanly and lasts longer

How did we handle the exterior painting?

Once the new siding was set, our painters coated the full exterior with Sherwin Williams SuperPaint. This job went well beyond the walls. We painted fascia, soffit, the porch ceiling, both garage doors, and the front entry door for a unified finish.

• Brick received two coats plus one coat of sealer and primer per square
• A fresh set of shutters was installed and painted, two per pair
• SuperPaint was chosen for strong UV resistance under relentless Texas sun
• Every surface was prepped before coating for lasting adhesion

What were the results?

This Westlake home went from a tired, dated exterior to a crisp, low-maintenance envelope. The siding and paint now work as one system to keep water out and color locked in. The homeowner gets years of easy upkeep and strong curb appeal.

• Full siding replacement paired with a top-to-bottom paint refresh
• New shutters and rebuilt garage door jambs sharpen the front elevation
• A finish engineered to outlast Austin's heat, hail, and pollen seasons