Can you install James Hardie® siding in the winter? Living in New England, winter is a season that sometimes feels like it never ends. But winter is no reason to put off your James Hardie® fiber cement installation!
Installing fiber cement siding in the winter is not only doable, but it can be as successful as any other seasonal install. With experienced James Hardie® siding contractors who follow best practices, your home’s transformation can be achieved efficiently even in the heart of winter! Here’s what to consider and expect during the process.
Can you install James Hardie® in the winter? Yes!
Yes, you can install James Hardie® fiber cement siding in the winter. But what’s the catch?
The only major consideration for successful installation is the outdoor temperature. James Hardie®’s best practice installation guide recommends installing in temperatures above 30 degrees F. Installing in lower temperatures may compromise the siding installation or materials.
Meanwhile, the next consideration is keeping the fiber cement dry at all times. But don’t worry–we’re always thinking ahead of how to properly store the siding with the recommendations of James Hardie®.
How we store James Hardie® materials during installation
We want your new fiber cement installation to turn out exactly as you dreamed about! That’s why we take the extra steps to keep the siding properly stored, so it’s ready to go during installation. The best practice suggestions for storing James Hardie® materials include:
- James Hardie® siding and trim, including ColorPlus® Technology products, must remain in their original packaging. Ideally, they will be stored in a garage, shed, or covered area protected from weather.
- We keep these products on a pallet, elevated from the ground, and never in direct contact with the ground.
- The siding must remain dry at all times before installation. If fiber cement siding gets wet from snow or rain, it may shrink or present problems in weight or flexibility. It may also stain from soluble salts.
- If the siding must be stored outside, we cover it with waterproof material. We protect all scraps, cutoffs, and materials on scaffolding from the elements.
- If products become saturated, lay them flat and allow to dry completely before installation.
Is it a good idea to install James Hardie® in the winter?
For sure! There’s no reason that you should wait until spring for your new exterior upgrade. You can enjoy plenty of benefits of installing fiber cement in the winter, including:
- Enjoy your dream home now! There’s no need to postpone exterior renovations until spring when winter installation is fully possible. Choose any of the 33+ James Hardie® siding colors from our inventory, including the popular Boothbay Blue, Arctic White, and much more.
- Faster installation times. Less busy schedules for James Hardie® contractors can lead to more efficient installations.
- Protect your home from the elements. Fiber cement’s durability makes it suitable for cold weather conditions. Fiber cement’s strong construction allows it to handle cold weather installation. Under the right conditions, it won’t crack or become brittle during installation.
- Always feel cozy in year-round comfort. Enjoy the insulation benefits of fiber cement siding during the winter months.
Don’t forget to increase your home’s efficiency with HardieWrap®
Get the best of both worlds in beauty and performance with HardieWrap®. HardieWrap® works behind the scenes of your fiber cement siding, creating a weatherproof barrier that protects against year-round moisture damage.
Here’s how HardieWrap® protects your home in the winter:
- Installs as a layer under your James Hardie® siding
- Shields your home from snow and rain, preventing water infiltration.
- Helps maintain consistent internal temperatures, enhancing energy efficiency.
- Allows moisture vapor from inside the home to escape, reducing condensation risks.
- Resists tearing and damage in low temperatures, maintaining its protective qualities.
Feeling inspired? We’re James Hardie® siding contractors who install in the winter
So, can you install vinyl siding in the winter? By now, you should feel confident that fiber cement siding is possible during the winter season. To see how your home will look with new Hardie® siding for FREE in 3D, be sure to contact us today for an (also free) in-home design consultation. We’re New England’s go-to roofing and siding contractors that offer quality, energy efficient products. We install windows, too!
