James Hardie Siding

We purchased the James Hardie Color Plus product to put on our free-standing garage. After it was installed, we felt the color didn't look right. It was like a really bad, cheap primer paint with a chalky finish. We filed a claim with JH after months of waiting and constantly having to call them back. They finally sent out a JH representative to look at it. He was very vague about what he thought was wrong, but said he would send a report of his findings back to the company.

After more waiting (this had been going on for about five months by now), JH said we had a problem that was not covered by their warranty. They called it efflorescence, which is caused by the product getting wet before installation. Accordingly, this means that someone left it lying in the rain before installation. It's an outdoor product; and it wasn't left in the rain during installation. Furthermore, I checked consumer reports review of this product and they tested it in the harshest climates in the country. This company is not honest, and wants to get rid of any claims they receive from their customers. This 'efflorescence' thing seems to be their go-to phrase to get rid of you. We also had one of their installation managers come and look at it; and he said something was wrong with the finish, probably from the factory; but JH won't listen to their own employees.

In June 2006, we built our house with Hardie Plank ColorPlus siding. This product carries a 15 yr warranty on the finish. In 2009 it began fading. Then in August 2010, we filed an official warranty claim with photos and all and waiting for over 1 month. Then when we pushed the issue, we got a denial of the claim for a reason called "efflorescence" which would happen if the product is exposed to water! It is siding on the outside of the house!

We appealed the denial and heard nothing for two months. And then I called our installer who got other people involved locally who were affiliated with the product company. These people actually came out to the house and were appalled at the condition of the siding in less than 4 years. They then filed an additional warranty claim on our behalf in January and they work for James Hardie. I only know the man's name is Jordan. We have been waiting for about 5 weeks and I have called to inquire and am told that "someone from Valspar and Hardie have to come out together and their schedules have to be coordinated". So we still wait. I do not feel that this situation will be resolved. The initial denial of the claim has been judged ludicrous even by their own company rep here locally.