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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR HARDITRIMŽ
January 2001


IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO INSTALL AND FINISH HARDITRIMŽ EXTERIOR TRIM IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE BUILDING CODES AND JAMES HARDIE'S WRITTEN APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS, MAY AFFECT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, VIOLATE LOCAL BUILDING CODES REQUIREMENTS, AND VOID THE PRODUCT ONLY WARRANTY.
FASTENING OF HARDITRIM

Fastening instructions are similar for each of these applications. Position nails no closer than 3/4" from the side edges of the trim board, and no closer than 1" from the ends. Space fasteners a maximum of 16" on center.

When installing over lap siding, fasten the trim by nailing through the trim and underlaying siding, making sure to nail on the overlap or high points into framing and/or sheathing. Additional fasteners may be required to ensure that the trim is adequately secured.


TRIM APPLICATION FOR WINDOWS, DOORS & OTHER OPENINGS
Trim, Butt Joint to Siding (Figures 1, 1A, 1B)

In this application, the opening is trimmed out prior to the application of siding (Figure 1).

Leave up to a 1/8" gap between the siding and trim, then caulk (Figure 1A, 1B).

NOTE: It is recommended that flashing be properly installed around all wall openings such as windows and doors. James Hardie will assume no responsibility for water infiltration within the wall.


Figure 1
TRIMMING INSIDE CORNER
Inside Corner Trim Butt Joints (Figures 2, 2A, 2B).

As illustrated, position a single trim board on the wall and secure (Figures 2, 4A).


TRIMMING OUTSIDE CORNER
Corner Trim Butt Joints (Figures 2, 2C, 4B)

As illustrated, position a single trim board on the wall and secure (Figure 2). Allow proper spacing around edges and ends as specified above.

WARNING: AVOID BREATHING SILICA DUST

Product contains Silica. Inhalation of respirable silica dust can cause silicosis a potentially disabling lung disease, and is known to the State of California to cause lung cancer. When drilling, cutting, or abrading product during installation or handling. (1) Work outdoors where feasible, otherwise use mechanical ventilation, (2) Wear a dust mask or, if dust may exceed PEL, use NIOSH approved respirator, (3) Warn others in area. For further information, refer to material safety data sheet or consult employer.

FAILURE TO ADHERE TO WARNINGS, MSDS, AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.

Figure 2

TRIM APPLICATION FOR WINDOWS, DOORS & OTHER OPENINGS
Trim Applied Over Siding (Figures 3 & 4)

The application of siding must be completed prior to the placement of the trim boards. Carefully measure and position the trim, and secure as detailed (Figures 3, 4).

See Fastening Instructions above.

Do not place nails in between lap joints (Figure 4A).

NOTE: It is recommended that flashing be properly installed around all wall openings such as windows and doors. James Hardie will assume no responsibility for water infiltration within the wall.

Figure 3

TRIMMING OUTSIDE CORNER
Corner Trim Over Siding (Figures 4, 4A, 4B)

See Fastening Instructions above.

Do not place nails in between lap joints (Figure 4A).


Band Boards, Frieze Boards, Rakes, & Fascia

Harditrim boards may also be used as band boards, frieze boards, rakes, and fascia.

For band board applications, install Harditrim boards over a wood furring strip with appropriate flashing (Figure 5A). Harditrim for use as rakes is shown in Figure 5.

For frieze board applications with Harditrim boards over previously applied siding, a shim may be required to create an even look (Figures 6, 6A).

For fascia applications, James Hardie recommends 7/16" thick Harditrim board over a wood 2x subfascia (Figures 5, 7).

STORAGE & HANDLING:

Keep material dry prior to an during installation. Store in garage or covered. Protect from dirt and moisture. Carry trim on edge.

CUTTING OPTIONS:

Cutting Options

  • JH recommends MakitaŽ #5044KB 4" or #5057KB 7-1/4" saw with dust collection. Call 800-4MAKITA.
  • HitachiŽ HARDIBLADETM w/4 PCD Diamond Teeth. Call HitachiŽ at 800-546-1666 for nearest dealer.
  • SNAPPER SHEARTM electric or pneumatic hand shear. Call 800-297-7487 for tool information.

    Always wear safety glasses and dust protection when operating power tools.


  • PNEUMATIC FASTENING:

    Harditrim boards can be hand nailed or fastened with the use of a pneumatic tool. Set your air pressure so that the fastener is driven snug with the board surface.

    RECOMMENDED:

    Use a flush mount attachment on pneumatic tool. This will help control the depth that the nail is driven. This will be especially helpful when more than one pneumatic tool is driven off the same compressor.

    FASTENING REQUIREMENTS:

    • Drive fastener perpendicular to siding and framing.
    • Fastener heads should fit snug against siding (no air space). (Fig. A & B)
    • Do not under drive nails (Fig. C)

    Figures A, B and C

    NAIL TYPE:

    Fasteners must be corrosion-resistant, galvanized or stainless steel. Electro-galvanized nails are acceptable for use with James Hardie Siding Products, but may exhibit premature corrosion. James Hardie recommends the use of hot-dipped galvanized nails. James Hardie is not responsible for the corrosion resistance of fasteners.


    CODE COMPLIANCE:

    Harditrim planks may be installed as an equal alternative to conventional trim permitted for use in the 1997 Uniform Building Code, Section 601.5.5; the 1997 Standard Building Code, Section 1404.1; the 1999 BOCA National Building Code, Section 1407.2.2; and the 1995 CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code, Section 703.1.

    James Hardie's seal of approval indicates products recommended for use by James Hardie Building Products.


    Weather-resistive barrier: Use a weather-resistive barrier in accordance with: 1999 BOCA National Building Code Section 1404.3; SBCCI Standard Building Code Section 2303.3; 1997 ICBO Uniform Building Code Section 1402.1; or 1995 CABO One-and Two-Family Dwelling Code Section 703.2.

    NOTE: Many Building Codes exempt the use of weather-resistive barriers over "water-repellent sheathing" or exterior panels classified as "weather-resistive barriers". However, in most cases where a weather-resistive barrier is not used, wind driven rain and snow may penetrate the unprotected wall cavity. Therefore James Hardie recommends the use of "building paper type" weather-resistive barriers with all siding products. James Hardie will assume no responsibility for water infiltration within the wall.



    FINISHING HARDITRIM:

    Patching:
    Dents, chips and cracks can be filled with a cementitious patching compound.

    Cement Patch

    Caulking:
    A high quality, paintable caulk is recommended. For best results use caulks that comply with either ASTM C 834 or ASTM C 920. Caulking should be applied in accordance with caulking manufacturers written instructions. Leave 1/8" gap at trim for caulk. Caulking at butt joints is optional.

    Cement Patch

    Painting:
    James Hardie products must be painted. Harditrim comes with our exclusive Prime PlusTM factory priming system. For best results use a 100% acrylic topcoat(s).* Paint For paint manufacturer's paint specifications, refer to JH Technical bulletin No. S-100.
    *Note: Please refer to paint manufacturers' specifications for application rates.