House Siding Choices?

[Struts 'N' Stuff Auto]

I have to finish a house.
The owners can't decide on the exterior siding.
It's either Hardiplank or Canexel.
I'd like to hear some Pro's and Cons about both if anyone has installed and has anything good or bad to say about them.

[Hugh Jass]

My wife works for an exteriors company, here is what she says -

She has not heard anything really negative about either one. It really comes down to preference or price point. She says she really has heard nothing but good things about both of them. She also says they both have really informative, user friendly websites. She says not that it means anything, but they do WAY more Hardy installs then they do Canexal. She also says if you wanna see a good sort of side by side comparison, Kettle Valley is about a 50/50 split. She says it really comes down to considering the colours, because thats the main difference she knows of.


Probably not that helpful, but all I know.

[Struts 'N' Stuff Auto]

Thanks for the info.
I just don't like the gaps that have to be left between pieces of Canexel(1/8 to 3/16 inch) and then the need for silicon or covering pieces.
It appears Canexel also has to be painted if cut, whereas the Hardy is a concrete composite and does not need to be painted, and no gaps have to be left for expansion and contraction!
Canexel also is more money, like $1 a square foot more!
Hardyplank is also harder to cut and heavier per length!

I have seen the silicon joints in a 2 yr old house, and I am not impressed with the movement of Canexel, it moves far too much for my liking! Hardy is better again in this area.

Warranty, Canexel is something like 15 years, and Hardy is like 50 years!

I would still love to hear more comments about the products and Pro's and Cons from others.
Thanks.

[crash 99]

Morning Struts!!

Okay....just "grilled" the Bro!
Here's his take: ask if It sounds like I've made a mistake, because I was scribbling notes!!
#1 question: have you ever installed Hardy before? If not...he wouldn't advise it, because it is VERY difficult stuff to work with.
Cons:
Heavy,
Cutting & installing, breaks easily. (* another note just added, child nailing house with a
hardball can break this)
If cutting with a saw, need to wear a dust mask.
If needing to cut for around windows , vents etc, "freaking nasty!"!
If cut ends are exposed will need painting (colour does not go throughout)
**needs some spacing as well.
Needs to be caulked as well
Pros:
Fire proof! (if in an area subject to fires, This is way better.)
Smaller gaps needed.
Longer warranty.
***********************************************************************************
Canexel Cons:
Expansion, ( says caulking, Not silicon)
If cut ends are exposed, need to paint.
Shorter warranty.
Not fire proof
**He hasn't priced it in a while, but "used to be cheaper" ~apparently that has changed?
Pros:
Install friendlier by far.
Not as easily damaged, easier cut, install etc.
Green friendly ( waste wood used to make Canexel)

Not sure if that's any help...but that's his input. Any Questions...feel free to ask...and I'll grill him some more.

[Struts 'N' Stuff Auto]

Morning Crash & Brother
Thanks for the Info!

I have only installed vinyl siding, and have only watched people install Canexel, but not Hardyplank!
How is Hardy held on? Same Nails, but pre-drill holes? or pre-drill and screws?

Yes Hardy might need to be painted for Cosmetic reasons, but Canexel has to be painted after each cut as to not allow rot and deterioration to take place!

Talked with Installers at Black Mtn yesterday and they said they don't leave any real gaps anywhere with Hardy, as to not have to caulk the joints, like you have to deal with, when using Canexel.

And yes I know Hardy is Heavy!
What lengths does it come in, 12 footers as well?

[Hugh Jass]

Hardy is a *bleep* as far as heavy. I don't believe it comes in 12 foot sections because it would be to heavy to carry that way and would just break. I could be wrong on that, but I am pretty sure.

[crash 99]

Morning Crash & Brother
Thanks for the Info!

I have only installed vinyl siding, and have only watched people install Canexel, but not Hardyplank!
How is Hardy held on? Same Nails, but pre-drill holes? or pre-drill and screws?
"Roofing nails...every 16" stud...no pre-drill needed...hand nail them."

Yes Hardy might need to be painted for Cosmetic reasons, but Canexel has to be painted after each cut as to not allow rot and deterioration to take place!
"True!"

Talked with Installers at Black Mtn yesterday and they said they don't leave any real gaps anywhere with Hardy, as to not have to caulk the joints, like you have to deal with, when using Canexel.
"-Not caulked = water leaks {leaky condo sound familiar?} *Bro says to make a call to inquire about voiding warranties if not caulked. {he's not sure..}"

And yes I know Hardy is Heavy!
What lengths does it come in, 12 footers as well?
" Up to 16"....Do NOT go for those. {back to difficulty in handling...} Took Bro 3 guys to pick it up to install so as not to break it"

[Hugh Jass]

And yes I know Hardy is Heavy!
What lengths does it come in, 12 footers as well?
" Up to 16"....Do NOT go for those. {back to difficulty in handling...} Took Bro 3 guys to pick it up to install so as not to break it"

Wow, I am surprised that it comes in that length also. When doing deliveries of the stuff I have a very hard time moving the 10 footers without it breaking, I can not imagine how it could be done in a 16' section. Its not the actual weight that I can't handle, it is that it can't handle its own weight and just snaps in half.

[crash 99]

And yes I know Hardy is Heavy!
What lengths does it come in, 12 footers as well?
" Up to 16"....Do NOT go for those. {back to difficulty in handling...} Took Bro 3 guys to pick it up to install so as not to break it"

Wow, I am surprised that it comes in that length also. When doing deliveries of the stuff I have a very hard time moving the 10 footers without it breaking, I can not imagine how it could be done in a 16' section. Its not the actual weight that I can't handle, it is that it can't handle its own weight and just snaps in half.

LOL!! THAT'S why it took 3 of them !! {YUCK!}

[Struts 'N' Stuff Auto]

Thanks for the Info!

[crash 99]

So..........when the choice is made and the job is completed...are you going to fill us in??