James Hardie Siding Warranties Explained

James Hardie Siding Warranties Explained
James Hardie backs its fiber cement siding with two distinct warranties: a product warranty on the siding itself and a finish warranty on the ColorPlus coating. Understanding both helps you know what is — and isn't — covered.
Product Warranty
James Hardie's product warranty covers defects in the fiber cement substrate for 30 years on most residential siding products (HardiePlank, HardiePanel, HardieShingle). The warranty is non-prorated for the full term — meaning the same coverage in year 25 as in year 1 — and is transferable to a new owner one time if you sell the home.
ColorPlus Finish Warranty
The ColorPlus finish warranty covers peeling, flaking, and excessive chalking of the factory finish for 15 years on most products. This is separate from the product warranty and applies specifically to the baked-on ColorPlus coating — not to field-applied paint on primed siding.
What the Warranties Cover
- Manufacturing defects in the fiber cement substrate
- Excessive cracking, rotting, or delamination under normal conditions (product)
- Peeling, flaking, and severe chalking of the ColorPlus finish (finish)
What Voids the Warranty
- Installation that does not follow James Hardie's published instructions
- Improper clearance from grade, rooflines, or horizontal surfaces
- Inadequate flashing or weather-resistive barrier
- Field painting ColorPlus siding without proper preparation
- Damage from impacts, settlement, or structural movement
- Failure to maintain required clearances and drainage
Who Honors the Warranty
The product and finish warranties are backed by James Hardie, but proper installation is the installer's responsibility. This is why choosing an installer who follows Hardie's instructions exactly matters — an improper install can leave you with no warranty recourse even if the material itself is sound.
Apex Line Construction installs James Hardie siding to manufacturer specifications throughout Sacramento. Contact us for a free estimate.








