N
Glam Journal

Do you caulk between Hardie planks?

Author

Matthew Perez

Updated on March 18, 2026

Do you caulk between Hardie planks?

Wherever Hardie siding meets a trim board, the company recommends you leave a 1/8” gap between the siding and the trim and apply a 3/8” bead of approved caulking to protect and seal the edge of the siding.

What kind of caulking do you use on Hardie board?

TOM: What you want to use is a silicone caulk because it’s the most permanent one. It’s got good adhesion and expands and contracts. But you are correct that it is very difficult to paint. So what I would tell you to do is to use a colored caulk, to choose the caulk in the color of the siding.

Should fiber cement siding be caulked?

Many professionals, like those at James Hardie, also agree that you should not use caulk on fiber cement siding unless there is no metal flashing underneath. Flashing acts as a waterproofing layer for this type of siding, and caulking will prevent the flashing from doing its job.

Should you caulk the bottom of siding?

Bottom of siding boards should not be caulked While paint does tend to somewhat glue these pieces together, caulking them is never advised and can cause permanent damage.

Does caulking Hardie board void the warranty?

These such areas are called “field butt joints.” In the case of James Hardie’s Color Plus siding, which has a pro-rated 15-year warranty, using caulk at field butt joints will flat out void your warranty!

What caulking is recommended for Hardie board siding?

So, here I am telling you about the best caulk for Hardie siding….Comparison of Our Best Caulk for Hardie String.

ProductTypeWeight
DAP INC 18152Silicone10.1oz
GE Sealants & Adhesives M90015Silicone10.1oz
Dap 18001 Kwik Seal CaulkSilicone5.5oz
Gorilla White 100 Percent Silicone Sealant CaulkSilicone10.1oz

Should Hardie board be caulked?

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. Caulks and Sealants: James Hardie recommends the use of caulks and sealants that remain permanently flexible.

Should you caulk Hardie board siding?

James Hardie DOES NOT recommend using caulk or “H”-jointers for the butt joints of HardiePlank® siding with ColorPlus® technology. James Hardie also DOES NOT recommend applying caulk to the horizontal overlap between siding planks (see Figure 2).

Do you caulk concrete siding?

Vertical trim gap & caulking: Leave a 1/8″ gap between the siding and the trim or other materials to allow for structural movement. Always caulk between the siding and the trim. Do not caulk between siding and any built-in receiving channels located at or around windows.

What is the best caulk for exterior siding?

Exterior silicone caulk
Exterior silicone caulk is the most commonly used type of exterior caulk because of its incredible durability and water resistance. Silicone is also a very flexible material, even after it has cured, making it an ideal option for sealing drafty windows and doors.

Where should you not caulk siding?

The rules about where to not caulk siding are more important than where you can caulk siding. Do not caulk under horizontal siding, between vertical siding, around wood shakes, over nails, or over flashing. Following these rules will ensure that any moisture that makes it behind your siding will have a place to escape.

How much does Hardie board siding cost?

A Hardiplank siding cost around $0.70 to $5.25 per sq. foot. The cost to install a Hardiplank siding will depend on your location and the size of your building or house. In a 129 sq. feet structure, a Hardiplank cement siding will cost $401.98 to $557.53.

How to attach Hardie board siding?

Install the starter strip for the Hardie board siding.

  • Form a piece of plastic strapping into a loop on one end of the strap large enough for sliding the siding into.
  • Slide the end of the first strip of siding into the loop,with the bottom of the siding even with the bottom of the starter strip for leveling.
  • What type of screws to use on hardieplank?

    Blind Nailing. Blind nailing is the preferred installation method for HardiePlank.

  • Face Nailing. Face nailing refers to affixing the HardiePlank on the front — face — of the material.
  • Installation Tips. HardiePlank is not treatable with stain products and it must not come in contact with standing water.
  • Precautions.
  • How thick is Hardie board siding?

    Harsh weather and extreme conditions, including fire, don’t threaten this easily. Our Hardie Board siding guide has more details about this outstanding asset. HardiePlank is thick, with an average thickness of 5/16 of an inch to a quarter inch.