FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Hardie siding rattling in wind

badlybent | Posted in General Discussion on December 16, 2007 07:17am

We’re building a house that calls for shingles on the gable ends and dormers, with lap siding on the rest of the house. Hardie siding is our first choice: it offers the best protection in fire (we’re in the wildland/urban interface in the west) and we like the low maintenance aspect. Our concern is wind. It’s windy here, VERY. Sustained winds of 60 MPH are common this time of year, with gusts to 85-90. We’re afraid that the shingles will rattle, since they can’t (?) be face-nailed. I’ve got a couple of questions around this issue. Is there a way to install Hardie Shingles that would work in a high wind area? Are the panels better than the individual shingles in this sort of application? Would cedar shingles work better? Is there any other type of siding (say, maybe Hardie board and batten) that would offer a different profile and work well in wind? Has anybody had problems with Hardie siding rattling in wind?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    DDay | Dec 16, 2007 07:50pm | #1

    I only have experience with the hardie lap siding but I seriously doubt you would have problems with rattling. The siding is so stiff, if installed correctly it would not move. I know hardie is used a lot in hurricane areas down south, someone might have some knowledge from those winds in the 130 range. If you had any concern, you could put a few dabs of caulk behind them. Only dots, don't do a continuous bead and create a drainage issue.

    If you have not looked into them, the hardie shingles are very expensive, I've heard they're around $400 per sq.

    1. badlybent | Dec 16, 2007 08:54pm | #2

      Yeah, expense is a consideration, and we have looked into it. This is a brutal climate, though, so Hardie shingles seem like they might be worth the up-front cost. Everything that can rattle around here will. I lie awake at night and listen to the various sounds the bunkhouse (read "shack") we're living in now makes. The garage doors bang, windows whistle, the dryer vent opens and shuts, siding creaks (antique barn siding, in this case), and so on. I heard a rumor (unverifiable) that a neighbor's garage door imploded on a recent windy night. We're talking SERIOUS wind. The caulk sounds like it might help in the short run--but what happens down the road when it dries up?

      1. Jim_Allen | Dec 16, 2007 09:04pm | #3

        I've seen Hardie installations that would most certainly flap in the wind. They were improperly nailed. The most common nailing mistake is to place the nail too high up on the hidden plank. This results in a loose installation that will flap in the wind. The installers do this because they are trying to make sure that their fasteners won't be exposed but they get too sloppy with their placement to effectively hold the siding tight.Blind nailed Hardie siding requires a very specific location of the nails to properly bind the siding to the substrate and framing. In your case, I would require a wider headed nail than normal and also require that the fasteners be placed in every framing member. I'd ask for the exact specifications of the nailing pattern be written in the contract.The reason I'd be requesting that is because I attended a Hardie installation seminar and was told that fastening to the sheathing satisfies their warranty. Your conditions are considered "high wind" conditions and you need to be a little more demanding than "meet warranty requirements". Hardie may have some high wind warranty requirements that I don't know about. Maybe others will chime in. Repeat for emphasis: get the exact nailing pattern, including fastner specs and location, in writing. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

        1. badlybent | Dec 16, 2007 09:22pm | #4

          Thanks for your input. We will certainly contact Hardie as to nailing patterns, fasteners, etc. We'll most likely be putting this siding up ourselves (we're GC's, building our own house this time around). We've got experience with Hardie-plank--it's the shingles that are new to us, and the @#$%ing wind. Also, being new to town, we don't know who to ask for advice. Folks at the various lumber yards haven't been overly helpful.

          1. Jim_Allen | Dec 16, 2007 09:41pm | #5

            Please, I don't want to steer you wrong. I thought we were talking about 8" lap siding. I don't have any experience with Hardie shingles but I suspect that the same ideas would apply. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

          2. MikeSmith | Dec 16, 2007 10:42pm | #8

            we've done about 10 installations.... all blind nailed...

             no flapping

            if i were concerned, i'd increase the lap

            say... go with 5.5" exposure instead of  6"

            we use a 1 3/4" HDG Maize roofing nail for all our blind nailing, and we hand finish any that look suspect

            we also snap ( mark ) all our stud locations so we attempt to make our nailing fall on studs  ( 16" )Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          3. Jim_Allen | Dec 16, 2007 11:06pm | #9

            Mike, I pondered the suggestion to decrease the exposure. I then remembered that it yielded unsatisfactory results for me when I attempted your suggestion on various applications where I needed to adjust the exposures on lap siding. The steeper angle caused the gap at the bottom of the siding to increase and gave it a look that seemed to indicate that it wasn't well nailed. Your suggestion merits a little experimentation. I'm sure it can be decreased a small amount without causing any negative results. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

  2. WayneL5 | Dec 16, 2007 09:53pm | #6

    I had Hardie shingles on a home in upstate New York.  Though we do not get winds over 60 mph or so, the shingles never rattled.  Recently I moved into a spec home in another location.  Of the dozens of homes and apartments I've lived in throughout my life this is the first home (believe it or not) that has vinyl siding.  One of the things I noticed very early on is that vinyl is the noisiest siding of any I've ever experienced.

    1. Jim_Allen | Dec 16, 2007 10:02pm | #7

      Vinyl allows wind to get behind it and it can grab loose bits of Tyvek and make it buzz in a very annoying fashion. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

  3. alwaysoverbudget | Dec 16, 2007 11:08pm | #10

    i think hardi is a great siding and in your case the fire resistantance would make it my #1 choice. i  would think about doing the 8.25 on a  6-6.5 exposure or the 12" on maybe a 9.5-10 exposure and that would let me drop the nailing pattern a little lower. i was thinking someone sells a screw to put up hardi also that would tighten it down!  also  you could face nail it maybe  every 4' and dab a little caulking on it. larry

    if a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?

  4. [email protected] | Dec 16, 2007 11:14pm | #11

    Absolutely avoid wood shingles and shakes if you are trying to build fire resistant. 

    Also, please fill out your profile so we know where you are. 

    In the high wind a board and batten approach might actually work better as a means of attaching the siding. 



    Edited 12/16/2007 3:20 pm ET by Jigs-n-fixtures

    1. badlybent | Dec 17, 2007 01:15am | #13

      We're in lovely, windswept, Livingston, Montana. It doesn't rain a lot here, so wind driven moisture is not our biggest concern. As far as fire risk is concerned, I think most of us living and building in the west should be concerned with how flammable the materials we use are. That is the number one reason why we're looking at Hardie. I wouldn't be surprised if fire insurance becomes a big issue out here. We'll be using a metal roof, also.

      1. ANDYSZ2 | Dec 17, 2007 01:51am | #14

        You know the foam board between the runners may be a bad idea with fire possibly melting or igniting it.

        What does code say about your installation methods?

        ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

        REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

         

  5. ANDYSZ2 | Dec 17, 2007 12:21am | #12

    If I was dealing with that much wind I would be concerned mostly with water driven in the cracks.

    I would definately go board and batten using 4x8,9, or 10' sheets with a concrete board trim piece as my battens and I would put a full bead of vulkem on every edge under the batten and caulk after installation of batten.

    I would also run nailers horizontally with a 1' gap which I would fill with foam board and then a rain screed before putting on the panels.I would lay out my nailing pattern so that all fasteners are hidden behind battens.

    ANDYSZ2

    WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

    REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

     

  6. fingersandtoes | Dec 17, 2007 04:57am | #15

    Since seeing a post by NEXTLEVEL I have started using deck screws to secure Hardieplank siding. It snugs up the overlaps and eliminates waves. I don't know what Hardie says about installing this way, or what it does to the warranty, but it is a lot tighter and not that much slower.

  7. larrainez | May 19, 2013 07:26pm | #16

    Yes.... siding rattles in the wind

    We have just build a high quality modular home, and we have Certainteed lap siding, (cement board siding like Hardie).   It DOES rattle in the wind.   We are also in the west and have terrible winds, like you have reported, and just this afternoon when standing in our master bedroom, you could hear the freight train sound of the siding rattling on the side of the house.   We haven't closed on the house yet, nor moved in, but this is a problem tha twe need to get rectified.    If we had it to do over again, we would STUCCO the house.   We had stucco on the last home and had no issues.

    1. semar | May 27, 2013 11:47pm | #17

      Hurraahhh for stucco.

      Never  had a problem with that exterior finish. Qiet, no firehazard problem, longlasting

      It is a timeless fashion.

  8. ranchello | Oct 26, 2023 02:25pm | #18

    I have some sort of cement siding on a duplex that I bought and it rattles SO loudly in the wind I cannot sleep in the bedroom. I'm wondering what anyone would suggest as a remedy? Someone in this thread mentioned using Vulkem caulking for another reason but I'm wondering if caulking on the underside of each siding board would hold and help?

  9. [email protected] | Oct 26, 2023 05:56pm | #19

    I would most definitely get someone that is certified to install Hardie siding and a representative from the company will in fact come out to check the process that way you made sure you get your warranty. I'm sure you're getting the pre-painted.siding and remember any cuts have to be sealed with the paint Hardy sells it to match I just finished doing 35 square and there seems to be no problems. Just make sure you caulk around your windows and doors and gabel ends and most definitely they make sure they hit the studs

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build

Self-installing an HVAC system requires a lot of thought and planning.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data