HardiePanel® Cladding

Installation Instructions

Simple. Reliable. Durable.

HardiePanel® CLADDING Installation instructions

The product warranty is only valid when the panels are stocked, maintained and installed
according to the installation instructions and local regulations.

1. OVERVIEW

HardiePanel® cladding is a nominally 8 mm thick panel intended as external cladding for residential and commercial buildings in both new build and
renovation. HardiePanel® cladding can be used in a ventilated construction fixed to timber frame, steel frame or masonry walls using corrosion resistant
screws or nails. HardiePanel® cladding may be installed on vertical wall applications only, with or without insulation. Do not install HardiePanel® cladding,
such that they may remain in contact with standing water.

2. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Store flat and keep dry prior to installation. In storage a maximum of 4 pallets can be put on top of each other. Keep away from weather influences.
Products stored outside should be covered with a waterproof covering in addition to the product wrapper to avoid contact with water and dust. Wet
products cannot be installed. Installing wet siding will result in shrinkage at butt joints. James Hardie isn’t responsible for damage caused by improper
storage and handling of the product.

Carry panels on edge by 2-3 persons.

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 3. MATERIALS
3.1. COMPOSITION
HardiePanel® cladding is made of Portland cement, milled sand, cellulose fibres, water and selected additives.

3.2. CHARACTERISTICS
3.2.1. Dimensions

The panels are supplied square and straight according to EN12467 – Level I.
HardiePanel® vertical siding
Length Width Thickness Weight Density
3050 mm 1220 mm 8 mm 11 kg/m2 1300 kg/m3

3.2.2. Textures
HardiePanel® cladding is available in 4 textures:

Cedar Sierra8 Stucco (render) Smooth

3.2.3. Finishes
HardiePanel® cladding is available in 2 finishes:
PrimePlus® : to be painted on site in any desired colour with 100% acrylic paint within 90 days after installation.
ColorPlus® Technology : provides a quality system for multi-coat, factory-applied coating and curing. Available in 21 different colours.

3.3. QUALITY & CERTIFICATION

The production of HardiePanel® cladding is audited 4 times a year by external auditors like BBA. James Hardie complies with the provisions set out in
the Construction Products Directive (CPD 89/106/EU). HardiePanel® cladding product specifications and classifications comply with EN 12467:2004
and 13501-1:2002.

3.3.1 Protective Film

HardiePanel® cladding with ColorPlus® Technology is equipped with a PE film for protection of the surface during transportation and processing.
PE is an environmentally friendly polymer, which can be recycled or disposed of by deposition or burning.

Finishing :
If boards are cut to size on site, cutting edges should be bevelled with sand paper. After trimming the edges must be sealed with Touch-up paint prior to
installation with a small artist brush. Wipe off any excess from the front face immediately.

3.4. SUB-FRAME
HardiePanel® cladding can be installed on timber sub-frames.
Note: Cladding with HardiePanel® panels must always be carried out as a ventilated façade with min 20 mm distance between the cladding and the rear
lining (insulation material). However, in special situations (e.g. high rise buildings) local regulations may demand a larger ventilation gap. Inlet and outlet
openings must have a cross section of at least 100 cm2 /m.

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4. ANCILLARY PRODUCTS
Accessories / tools supplied by James Hardie Accessories / tools not supplied by James Hardie
EPDM Tape Waterproof membrane
To cover vertical joints. Rolls of 20 m, widths of The installation of a breather membrane acting as vapour-permeable
60, 80, 100, and 120mm. water-barrier will be necessary for timber frame buildings or block walls
where the wall is not considered waterproof. This barrier must meet the
requirements of BS EN 13859:2005.
Wooden battens for new build wood frame construction and renovation:
MetalTrim Horizontal Drip Profile • Grade C18 minimum
To cover all horizontal joints. Lenghts of 3 m. • 25 x 50 mm minimum
• 25 x 75 mm minimum on joints
Wooden battens for new build brick walls:
• Grade C18 minimum
• 50 x 50 mm minimum
ColorPlus® Touch-up Paint. • 50 x 75 mm minimum on joints
To touch up cut edges of HardiePanel® cladding
with ColorPlus® Technology. Nails:
Nails of 2.95 x 50 mm of preferably stainless steel.
Diameter head : 6.5 mm
Ventilation grille
HardiePanel® screws Preferably in stainless steel, 25 mm deep or more (ventilation gap)
With (un)coloured head ø 12 mm. A2 austenitic
steel. 4.8 x 38 mm. The screws have a sharp Jig saw
point and a fast cutting thread, which secures a for cut outs
firm fixing with a high pull out value. Saw equipped with HardieBlade® saw blade and HEPA extraction
HardieBlade® saw blade To cut the panels to size.
160, 190, 254 or 310 mm diamant tipped saw
blade to reduce dust production and decrease
wear.

5. CONSTRUCTION
James Hardie does not specify the fastening requirements for the framing to the building and will not take the liability of such structural elements. The
attachment of the framing should be incorporated into the overall building design and should be approved by the responsible parties.

5.1. STRUCTURE
The structural wall to which HardiePanel® cladding is to be fixed, must be of sufficient strength and stiffness to satisfy the requirements of the local
building regulations in its own right under the design dead and live loads. The wall may be of masonry or timber framed construction.

5.2. WATERPROOF MEMBRANE

A waterproof membrane is required if the substrate is not waterproof. Fix a waterproof membrane, as described in section 4, to the outer face of the
structural wall, laid along the wall, with an overlap between the layers of membrane of at least 150 mm. Ensure the waterproof membrane is lapped to
drain any water to the outside of the building. James Hardie will assume no responsibility for water infiltration.

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 6. FITTING HARDIEPANEL® cladding – GENERAL
6.1. PREPARING THE FRAME
The timber battens act as a ventilation cavity between HardiePanel® cladding and the substrate. The top and base of the frame must be finished with a
ventilation grille.

6.2. FIXING HARDIEPANEL® cladding

Prior to installation check if the products are fit for purpose and in accordance with specifications laid down in this document. HardiePanel® cladding is
fixed as per the drawing section. For this installation method the allowable wind load pressures can be obtained in Annex 1.

Do not use aluminum fasteners, staples, or clipped head nails.

PNEUMATIC FASTENING
James Hardie® cladding can also be hand nailed or fastened with a pneumatic tool or Impulse type nail guns. Set air pressure so that the fastener is
driven snug with the surface of the siding. A flush mount attachment on the pneumatic tool is recommended. This will help control the depth the nail is
driven. If setting the nail depth proves difficult, choose a setting that under drives the nail. Drive under driven nails snug with a smooth faced hammer.

Recommendation:
When installing Sierra8,
provide a double stud at
panel joints to avoid nailing
through grooves.

6.3 Installing with external insulation.

The addition of insulation to the external wall construction requires a different application. It is unlikely that standard size timber battens fixed directly to
the wall will provide sufficient room for the required thickness of insulation and rainscreen-ventilated cavity.
Therefore the timber battens should be attached to a metal bracket of the appropriate size to allow for insulation and air gap. The details given in this
document are typical and can be applied to a number of preparatory systems. It is the designer and installers responsibility to ensure that the require-
ments of the specific system employed are followed. James Hardie takes no responsibility in the design or application of said preparatory systems.
The brackets and timber battens should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction. The battens are fitted vertically at 400 mm or
600 mm centres. As with standard timber battens it is important to ensure that the framework is flat in all planes and vertical.
Similarly ensure that the ground clearance required by the local building regulations is maintained. It should be a minimum of 150 mm. The battens must be
securely fixed to the brackets and in turn the brackets to the structural wall as they transfer the wind load applied to HardiePanel® cladding to the structure.
Ensure that the batten selection and fixing meets the local building regulations. Drawings are available at www.jameshardie.co.uk

6.4. SCREWS ON WOODEN SUB-CONSTRUCTIONS – GENERAL

Façade boards are generally installed in a vertical position on a vertical sub-structure. It is however possible to install the boards horizontally. The guide-
lines for fixing are identical, which means the edge distances, corner distances etc. follow the sub-structure. HardiePanel® cladding doesn’t require
pre-drilling. Panels should be placed against the frame with the vertical edges slightly back from the batten centre line.
Screws should be applied by hand using the correct Torx 20 driver bit. Moderate pressure should be applied to the fixing. The head of the fixing should
be driven flush with the surface of the board. Do not over tighten at this may put undue stress on the board. Do not stack panels on top of each an-
other up the façade. Panels can be fixed with an 8mm gap between all adjoining boards; they can however also be butt jointed. The James Hardie®
drip profile can be installed at the horizontal joint to protect the joint. Counter flashing shall be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions.

6.7. CLEARANCES
Install HardiePanel® cladding in compliance with local building regulations requirements for clearance between the bottom edge of the cladding and the
adjacent finished grade. This is typically 150mm.
Maintain a minimum 50mm clearance between HardiePanel® cladding and paths, steps and driveways.

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7. FABRICATION
7.1. SAFETY
As for all other building materials safety precautions must be taken into account. Cutting and drilling are subject to dust development, and proper
precautions must be taken. Dust from fibre cement boards is characterized as mineral dust and EU-approved respirators can be used in conjunction
with following cutting practices to further reduce dust exposures.

Cutting instructions
Cutting should always be done outdoors
1. Position cutting station so that wind will blow dust away from user and others in working area
2. Use one of the following methods based on the required cutting rate:
Preferred Cutting Method
• Dust reducing circular saw equipped with a HardieBlade® saw blade and HEPA vacuum extraction
Acceptable Cutting Method
• Dust reducing circular saw with a HardieBlade® saw blade (only use for low to moderate cutting)
Minimum Cutting Method (for low to moderate cutting only)
• Hand Saw with hardened teeth
• NEVER use a power saw indoors
• NEVER use a circular saw blade that does not carry the HardieBlade® saw blade trademark
• ALWAYS follow tool manufacturer’s safety recommendations
• NEVER use a grinder or continuous rim diamond blade for cutting as they produce too much dust.
When cleaning up dust and debris, NEVER dry sweep as it may excite silica dust particles into the user’s breathing area. Instead, damp debris down with
a fine mist to suppress dust during sweeping, or use a HEPA vacuum to collect particles.

Sanding/Rebating/Drilling/Other Machining
If sanding, rebating, drilling, or other machining is necessary, you should always wear a dust respirator in compliance with local requirements (e.g., EN
149, FFP1) and warn others in the immediate area.

Important Note: For maximum protection (lowest respirable dust production), James Hardie recommends always using “Preferred”- level cutting methods
where feasible. HSE approved respirators can be used in conjunction with above cutting practices to further reduce dust exposures. If concern still exists
about exposure levels or you do not comply with the above practices, you should always consult a qualified industrial hygienist
or contact James Hardie for further information.

For further information, refer to our Material Safety Data Sheet

available at www.jameshardie.co.uk.

7.2 CUTTING
Trimming the panels on site: use normal slow or fast running hand tools or stationary equipment equipped with a HardieBlade® diamond tipped saw blade.
When using fast running tools dust exhaustion must be employed. All HardiePanel® boards may be cut with a circular saw equipped with a suitable Hardie-
Blade® saw blade or a jigsaw equipped with a diamond or TC tipped blade. Sharp edges are made with fast running diamond tipped tools.

NOTE: When using hand power tools the boards should be cut with the rear face uppermost. When using stationary saw equipment the boards should be
cut front-side up (the saw blade must always attack the board from the front side). The periphery speed of the circular saw should be 40-50 m/s. Cutting
depth 10-15 mm beyond the board. Other details such as RPM depend on the diameter blade used.

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 Typical details for HardieBlade® saw blade
Diameter Ø160 Ø190 Ø254 Ø310
Width mm 4 mm 4 mm 4 mm 4 mm
Bore size 20 mm 30 mm 30 mm 30 mm
Rpm 4800 4000 3000 2800

Cut-outs : use a jigsaw or a hole saw equipped with a hard metal, bi-metal or diamond tipped blade. A min 8mm hole is to be drilled at the inner corner
to avoid cracking of the board.

8 mm hole

Cutting

Marking

7.3 FINISHING
Cutting edges should be bevelled with sand paper. After trimming (and/or sanding) the edges must be sealed with touch-up paint prior to installation with
a small artist brush. Wipe of any excess from the front face immediately.

7.3.1 HardiePanel® PrimePlus® cladding

DO NOT use stain on James Hardie® products.
HardiePanel® Primeplus® cladding must be painted within 90 days after installation. 100% acrylic topcoats are recommended. Do not paint when damp
or wet as this will result in the paint not bonding to the product. For application rates refer to paint manufacturers specifications.
Spray application is not recommended.

8. WALL PENETRATIONS
When a penetration in the wall is required, for a pipe or tap for example, form a hole in the panel using a carbide tipped hole saw. Make the hole approx.
8 mm larger than the diameter of the pipe. Seal between the fitting and the edge of the hole with an exterior quality sealant. If the space between the
fitting and the hole is too wide, use a polyethylene foam-backing rod to fill the major part of the gap. The remaining gap should be filled with sealant.

9. LOAD BEARING
HardiePanel® cladding is not intended as a load bearing or shear element in the wall construction. Items required to be attached to the wall should be
supported directly by connections to the structural sheathing and/or framing members, not attached to the siding as the primary load-bearing elements.

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10. CLEANING OF FACADES
10.1 ANNUAL INSPECTION
Environmental impacts may influence the visual appearance of the façade cladding. Therefore, an annual inspection of the ventilation gaps, joints and
fixings is a good idea. Detection and repair of possible damages secure a prolonged lifetime for the façade cladding.

10.2 IMPACT FROM NATURE

The weather and nearby green plants may affect the appearance of the façade cladding. Pollution, dust and leaves from trees, bushes and flowers do all
together have an impact on the façade. HardiePanel® cladding is manufactured from weatherresistant raw materials and will not be attacked by algae,
rot and dry rot.

10.3 CLEANING
HardiePanel® cladding can be cleaned with cold or lukewarm water from a garden hose. Do not use high pressure power washers as this may damage
the coating. If necessary add a mild householdcleaning agent not containing solvents. Always start from the top with well-defined areas. Rinse with plenty
of clean water until the façade is perfectly clean.
Before cleaning full scale, it is recommended to test the chosen cleaning method on a smaller area to make sure it answers its purpose.

10.4 MOSS & ALGAE

Moss and algae growth can be removed with common agents available on the market. Examples are hypochlorite that has no long term effect or benza-
lconiumcloride 2.5% active that has a longterm effect preventing new growth. After wetting the façade with clean water, the agent is applied according
to the supplier’s instructions. Do not leave the agent to dry completely. Rinse with lots of clean water.

10.5 HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING

Do not use high pressure cleaning systems as they may damage the ColorPlus® coating.

HEALTH WARNING – AVOID BREATHING DUST

James Hardie products contain crystalline silica. This mineral is found everywhere in the world – often in the form of sand - and, therefore, commonly used in many construction
products (for example brick, concrete, glass wool and abrasives). The mineral itself is inert, but certain building practices such as drilling, high speed cutting and abrading can
release fine particulate dust which may constitute a health hazard.
Excessive or protracted inhalation of fine particle silica dust can lead to a lung disease called silicosis. There is also some evidence that it may increase the risk of lung cancer if
inhaled for prolonged periods. Smoking may also exacerbate this risk. Like smoking, the risk from fine particle silica dust is time and concentration dependent.

CONTROL:
To suppress or to reduce excessive inhalation of fine particle silica dust the following steps should be taken to protect operatives who work with products containing silica dust:
• During fabrication operate outdoors or in well ventilated space in a separate area if available or away and down-wind from other operatives;
• Use low speed, low dust cutting tools – Score-and snap-knife, HardieGuillotine, HardieBlade fitted to a circular saw connected to a dust extraction HEPA filter vacuum
cleaner (see James Hardie tools).
• When cutting, drilling or abrading always wear a FFP2/3 dust control or full face mask adjusted and fitted in conformity with regulatory recommendations and affixed with
CE marking and/or fully certified to the relevant EN standards if applicable;
• Keep the working environment clean and remove debris as soon as possible; and
• At the end of the operation remove dust from clothes, tools and work area with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner or damp with water to suppress the dust before sweeping.

Remember, James Hardie products are no more dangerous than many other building materials containing crystalline silica sand. We hope through this information to engage in
effective education of the construction industry and build upon the requirements of national health and safety regulations.

For more information, see our installation instructions and MSDS available on www.jameshardieeu.com or call James Hardie.

COMPANY INFORMATION:
James Hardie Europe B.V.
Gustav Mahlerlaan 42
1082 MC Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Customer Service Tel: 0800 068 3103
Customer Service Fax: 0800 917 5424

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 ANNEX 1

FIXING DETAILS

Edge distance
Max fixing Max fixing
Max support distance along distance board
Panel width Wind load distance edges middle Side Top
mm Fixing Pascal mm mm mm mm mm
920 600 600 600
1440 600 400 400
1200 Screw 4.8 x 38mm, Ø 12 mm
1600 400 600 600
20 50
1600 400 400 400
589 600 400 400
1200 Nail 2.95 x 50 mm, Ø 6.5 mm
1079 400 400 400

Disclaimer
The information contained in this publication and otherwise supplied to users of HardiePanel® products is based on James Hardie’s general
experience, best knowledge and belief. However because of factors that fall beyond James Hardie’s knowledge and control, which can affect the
use of the products, no warranty is given or implied with respect to such information. James Hardie’s policy is one of continuous improvement.
James Hardie therefore reserves the right to alter specifications at any time and without notice.

(for renovation construction see drawings on www.jameshardie.co.uk)

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 General arrangement Ground level finishing and ventilation profile

LEGEND
1. HardiePanel® 4. 50mm x 50mm timber batten
2. Masonry wall 5. HardiePanel® ventilation profile
3. T20 Torx Screw 6. 150mm Min.

HORIZONTAL SECTION - movement joint HORIZONTAL z-profile

LEGEND LEGEND
1. HardiePanel® 3. EPDM gasket stapled to batten 1. HardiePanel® 5. 50mm x 50mm timber batten
2. 50mm x 25mm timber batten 4. T20 Torx Screw 2. Masonry wall 6. EPDM gasket stapled to batten
3. Horizontal Z-profile
4. T20 Torx Screw

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HORIZONTAL SECTION - EPDM gasket External corner - HardieTrim®

LEGEND LEGEND
1. HardiePanel® 3. EPDM gasket stapled to batten 1. HardiePanel® 4. T20 Torx Screw
2. 50mm x 25mm timber batten 4. T20 Torx Screw 2. Breather membrane 5. 50mm x 25mm timber batten
3. EPDM gasket stapled to batten 6. HardieTrim®

External corner - L-trim profile External corner

LEGEND LEGEND
1. HardiePanel® 4. 50mm x 25mm timber batten 1. HardiePanel® 3. EPDM gasket stapled to batten
2. EPDM gasket stapled to batten 5. L-trim profile (with 1mm gap to panel) 2. 50mm x 25mm timber batten 4. T20 Torx Screw
3. T20 Torx Screw

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 Internal corner - HardieTrim® Internal corner - EPDM Gasket

LEGEND LEGEND
1. HardiePanel® 4. T20 Torx Screw 1. HardiePanel® 4. T20 Torx Screw
2. Breather membrane 5. 50mm x 25mm timber batten 2. Breather membrane 5. 50mm x 25mm timber batten
3. EPDM gasket stapled to batten 6. HardieTrim® 3. EPDM gasket stapled to batten

Window reveal Window cill

LEGEND LEGEND
1. HardiePanel® 3. T20 Torx Screw 1. HardiePanel® 4. T20 Torx Screw
2. Timber batten 4. L-Trim profile 2. Masonry wall 5. HardiePanel® ventilation profile
3. 50mm x 50mm timber batten 6. 20mm ventilation gap

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Window head Parapet cladding

LEGEND LEGEND
1. HardiePanel® 4. 50mm x 50mm timber batten 1. HardiePanel® 4. T20 Torx Screw
2. Masonry wall 5. HardiePanel® ventilation profile 2. Masonry wall 5. HardiePanel® ventilation profile
3. T20 Torx Screw 6. Ventilation 3. 50mm x 50mm timber batten 6. 20mm ventilation gap

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 GENERAL INFORMATION

SERVICE
If you have any questions regarding HardiePanel® cladding, our staff are ready to assist you with advice and
guidance. Please, ensure that you have the latest version of this publication, by checking that the publication date
corresponds with the downloadable version from our website www.jameshardie.co.uk. In case of doubt, please
contact your local James Hardie® representative.

WARRANTY
Warranty conditions can be commissioned at James Hardie Europe BV.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information including CAD details and test reports are available at www.jameshardie.co.uk

SPECIFIC INSTALLATION
For any installation which is not covered in this manual, please contact our technical service at the number below.

Contact James Hardie

Tel 0 800 068 3103 Post adress

James Hardie Building Products Ltd.
Fax 0 800 917 5424
7 Albemarle Street
Email info.europe@jameshardie.com LONDON W1S 4HQ

www.jameshardie.co.uk

© 05/2013 James Hardie Building Products Ltd. All rights reserved. ™ and ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of James Hardie Technology Ltd.