Is Hardie plank water resistant?
Sarah Garza
Updated on May 23, 2026
Its resistance to the elements makes it fit seamlessly into almost any climate. Hardie siding is waterproof, fire resistant, and pest and insect resistant, which means that not only will the siding last, but it will protect the interior of your home for longer, without warping or breaking.
What happens if Hardie plank gets wet?
If Hardie is installed too close to these surfaces, there is a chance that the paint will start to bubble and peel. This happens because the boards are wet almost all the time, and the water in the board will start to expand and contract as the temperature changes.Does Hardie board soak up water?
You see, Hardie is great at resisting moisture when intact, but once the inside of the material is exposed to water, it soaks up and holds moisture better than almost any siding on the market.Does fiber cement siding absorb water?
2. Fiber Cement Absorbs Moisture. Absorptive claddings like fiber cement can hold moisture, leading to panel damage, rot, and even mold problems.Is Hardie board rot resistant?
And the answer is a resounding NO! James Hardie® siding, unlike wood or vinyl siding, will not rot, warp, or burn. HardiePlank® is a fiber cement based siding, so it's impervious to water, termites, woodpeckers, and any other animal you can think of.3 Common Installation Issues with James Hardie Siding
Does mold grow on Hardie board?
It is highly susceptible to mold and mildew. Hardie Plank has many seams and the seams must be sealed or water can infiltrate behind the siding. It can crack and if it does, you must tear the whole wall down in order to replace just one plank. It also is not maintenance free and requires painting every 10 years.Can Hardie board be used outside?
HardieBacker boards are recognized as non-combustible, when tested according to ASTM E 136. Can I use HardieBacker cement board in an exterior application? HardieBacker cement board may be used in some exterior applications, download the installation guide for more details.Is fiber cement board waterproof?
Fibre cement cladding is very durable because it is water resistant and does not rot, warp or crack. It is also resistant to termites, woodpeckers and other pests.What are the disadvantages of fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement board has all the benefits of other sidings with few disadvantages. Installation of fiber cement board siding is costly. Labor costs are higher because fiber cement requires more manpower to deliver and install. Cost can be two to three times higher than aluminum or vinyl siding.Will cement board rot outside?
In sharp contrast, cement backer board does not rot, warp, grow mold, or deteriorate when subjected to water.What causes Hardie board to crack?
Improper handling - The boards—especially long ones—should be supported at both ends when moved. Fiber cement planks are floppy until secured on the wall and holding only in the middle or transporting over a shoulder will cause a dramatic sag at both ends. The stress can cause a crack at the center of a board.Does Hardie board break easily?
Hardie siding is waterproof, fire resistant, and pest and insect resistant, which means that not only will the siding last, but it will protect the interior of your home for longer, without warping or breaking.Can you pressure wash Hardie plank?
The manufacturer recommends that you do not pressure wash your Hardie siding. The hard spray of water from the power washer can damage the surface of the siding. In fact, pressure washing fiber cement siding is one of the only ways you can damage this durable type of siding.How long will Hardie plank siding last?
With the proper care, your James Hardie fiber cement siding will outlast its 30-year warranty. It can even last up to 50 years if cared for properly.Is Hardie Plank better than wood?
Hardie® siding is available in a texture that has the classic, natural appearance of cedar, while providing you with more benefits. Unlike wood, James Hardie fiber cement is specifically formulated to better resist the damaging effects of sun, moisture, extreme temperatures, pests, and fire.Is hardiplank cheaper than wood?
Fiber cement sidingFiber cement averages around $3-4 per square foot, making it a little more affordable than cedar. Because it is a heavy material requiring more manpower, the installation can involve a larger crew and cost more than other materials.