How to install HardiPlank weatherboards?

Question

Hi,I am looking to install James Hardie 4200 x 230 x 7.5mm FC Woodgrain HardiPlank Weatherboard to my upstair veranda wall. I have similar one installed for my downstairs before I purchased. I would like to make similar appearance and at the time of install I want to add some insulation behind weatherboard.

I am looking for some guidance in installing the above product. For your reference here I am sharing pics. I would really appreciate your assistance in this regards.

First 3 pictures with black scribble the area I want to cover with weather board. 4th pic shows the downstairs existing weatherboard as above mentioned product.

house is a 2 story Queenslander.

Height of the wall 3123 mm

width between each vertical studs (as per pics 56mm

Thank you so much

Kind regards

Sri

EricL · Answer

Hello @srik

I understand your preference to the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/james-hardie-4200-x-230-x-7-5mm-fc-woodgrain-hardiplank-weatherboard_p0716249

due to its woodgrain finish. But this panel is designed more for horizontal installation not vertical installation. The

https://www.bunnings.com.au/james-hardie-3000-x-1200-x-9mm-3-6sqm-axon-133-grained-cladding_p0710679

on the other hand, is similar in features to the woodgrain panels that you have. Although not an exact match, it can be installed vertically and has a shiplap joining system very likely similar to the timber panels you have on your other wall. I've done a thorough search and could not find a matching panel either in timber or composite materials. The spacing between the woodgrain features is very unusual. My best advice would be to go with the Axon for ease of installation.

It will probably be necessary to alter or modify the existing frame that you have. Additional timber framing and noggings will need to be added in order to comply with the Axon Cladding Installation Guide. Please note that your home must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC), which sets mandatory standards for weatherproofing, fire safety, and structural integrity. While you can DIY some cladding types, you must adhere to manufacturer instructions and NCC standards.

Because you are not yet very familiar with the cladding installation process, I propose getting an assessment and a quote from a licensed builder. You can then ask them about the process and if you feel that it is quite involved, you at least have an idea of how much the job will cost.

Here is a link to the James Hardie Axon Demonstration Installation Video - How to Install Axon Cladding – Tools, Components, Design Considerations and Installation Process.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

srik · Answer

Dear Jacob,

Thank you so much for quick and detailed response.

I am looking to install vertical 4th pic you mentioned is reference (down stair existing cladding) to what I want to upstair to cover the cavity area (black scribble areas). They look more like

https://www.bunnings.com.au/james-hardie-4200-x-230-x-7-5mm-fc-woodgrain-hardiplank-weatherboard_p0716249

but not look like

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/home/leaving?allowTrusted=1&target=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bunnings.com.au%2Fjames-hardie-3000-x-1200-x-9mm-3-6sqm-axon-133-grained-cladding_p0710679

.

my next question is can I use existing vertical wooden structures as studs and lay panel and nail on to the vertical wooden structure (the one I placed in black box in the pic) or do I need to create parallel studs or in other words do I need to frame the cavity ? hope this make sense what I am trying to ask. I am very novice to all this but try to DIY with some guidance Please excuse my query is silly and doesn't make sense. I try to explain my query to the best of my ability. I would really appreciate your assistance.

Thank you

Kind regards

Sri

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @srik,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

The first thing I am going to note is that weatherboard is a cladding that runs horizontally, whereas the fourth image shows vertically running cladding which is likely

https://www.bunnings.com.au/james-hardie-3000-x-1200-x-9mm-3-6sqm-axon-133-grained-cladding_p0710679

.

Just to clarify, were you after vertical lines or horizontal lines?

If you are after vertical lines, then Hardiplank is not the cladding you are after, Axon is.

Whichever cladding you are looking to use, the installation process will be guided by an official document produced by James Hardie. For Hardiplank, it can be found in the External Cladding Technical Specification. For Axon, it can be found in the Axon Cladding Installation Guide.

These documents define what fixings need to be used, the quantity and spacing of those fixings, the framing requirements and any other details such as painting, jointing or flashing required for an installation to be compliant and warrantable.

The main thing we'll need to double check regardless of which cladding you use is that you can fulfill the fixing requirements with the current framing. If not, then additional framing will need to be added prior to moving forward.

Once the framing has been checked and modified, you can install insulation in the cavity. As bulk fill insulation needs to sit comfortably without being compressed, which means the depth of the cavity is important to note. The height and width are also important, but you can cut an insulation batt to size, but you can't remove thickness from them. There are 75mm thick options such as this

https://www.bunnings.com.au/earthwool-r2-0hd-wall-batt-75mm-x-580mm-x-1160mm-13-46m-20-pack_p0810593

as well as 90mm options such as

https://www.bunnings.com.au/earthwool-r2-7-shd-soundshield-wall-batt-90mm-x-580mm-x-1160mm-6-7m-10-pack_p0810977

.

When insulation is installed, a house wrap material such as

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ametalin-1370mm-x-30m-vapourtech-brane-vhp-vapour-permeable-wall-insulation_p0811065

should be installed over the outside of the framing prior to installing your cladding. House wrap acts as a continuous barrier against wind and bulk water that gets past the cladding. Without it, wind can move through small gaps in the structure and reduce the effectiveness of your cavity insulation. Insulation works best when it sits in still air, so once air starts moving through it, its thermal performance drops noticeably. House wrap will prevent this, so it is definitely worth adding.

After this, you will install your cladding following the installation guide for your specific cladding.

This should definitely get you started, but please reach out for further guidance if you require it.

Jacob