In the old days the builder would install the trim bring the siding up to it and caulk the corner.
Caulking hardie lap siding.
Deterioration of the caulking in the joint has become a maintenance issue for home owners over time.
The first course of any wall should be installed over a 1 4 lath strip to ensure a consistent plank angle see figure 1.
25 4 mm on overlap no caulk figure 1 figure 2 9.
When james hardie siding products butt into wood based materials a 1 8 gap will allow for expansion and contraction of the wood based product.
Trim boards that sit on top the siding.
This video is about how to like a pro.
Optionally install the lap siding with a maximum 1 8 gap and caulk the joint see detail at right.
Hardie no longer recommends the caulking of any joint in their lap siding colorplus or primed.
Install hardiplank siding with joints butted in moderate contact.
Resistive barrier is required.
Caulking around windows doors eaves and trim edges gives added insurance that leaks will not occur.
Joint flashing butt joint horizontal lap treatment june 2014 james hardie does not recommend caulking butt joints or the horizontal overlaps joint flashing 6 in.
It s also recommended to use a cloth or rag ready to wipe up and smooth excess caulking before it sets on the siding what should never be caulked.
152 4 mm wide 1 in.
Joint flashing is recommended for all hardie lap siding now.
Caulking around windows doors eaves and trim edges gives added insurance that leaks will not occur.