HardieSoffit Panels ®

EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 2019

IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO FOLLOW JAMES HARDIE WRITTEN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE BUILDING CODES MAY VIOLATE LOCAL LAWS, AFFECT
BUILDING ENVELOPE PERFORMANCE AND MAY AFFECT WARRANTY COVERAGE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS WHEN CUTTING AND INSTALLING
THIS PRODUCT MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. BEFORE INSTALLATION, CONFIRM YOU ARE USING THE CORRECT HARDIEZONE® PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS BY VISITING
HARDIEZONE.COM OR CALL 1-866-942-7343 (866-9-HARDIE)

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
STORAGE & HANDLING: OUTDOORS INDOORS
1. Position cutting station so that airflow blows dust away from the DO NOT grind or cut with a power saw indoors. Cut using shears (manual, pneumatic or
Store flat and keep dry and covered prior to user and others near the cutting area. electric) or the score and snap method, not recommended for products thicker than 7/16 in.
installation. Installing siding wet or saturated may 2. Cut using one of the following methods:
a. Best: Circular saw equipped with a HardieBlade® saw blade
result in shrinkage at butt joints. Carry planks on and attached vacuum dust collection system. Shears - DO NOT dry sweep dust; use wet dust suppression or vacuum to collect dust.
edge. Protect edges and corners from breakage. (manual, pneumatic or electric) may also be used, not - For maximum dust reduction, James Hardie recommends using the “Best” cutting
James Hardie is not responsible for damage caused recommended for products thicker than 7/16 in. practices. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation.
b. Better: Circular saw equipped with a dust collection feature - For best performance when cutting with a circular saw, James Hardie recommends
by improper storage and (e.g. Roan® saw) and a HardieBlade saw blade.
handling of the c. Good: Circular saw equipped with a HardieBlade saw blade. using HardieBlade® saw blades.
- Go to jameshardiepros.com for additional cutting and dust control recommendations.
product.
IMPORTANT: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace exposure to silica dust. For construction sites, OSHA has deemed
that cutting fiber cement with a circular saw having a blade diameter less than 8 inches and connected to a commercially available dust collection system per
manufacturer’s instructions results in exposures below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica, without the need for additional
respiratory protection.

If you are unsure about how to comply with OSHA silica dust regulations, consult a qualified industrial hygienist or safety professional, or contact your James
Hardie technical sales representative for assistance. James Hardie makes no representation or warranty that adopting a particular cutting practice will assure
your compliance with OSHA rules or other applicable laws and safety requirements.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
• HardieSoffit® panels may be installed as a soffit or ceiling over either wood or steel 20 gauge (33 mils) minimum to 16 gauge (54 mils) framing complying with the local
building code. See general fastening requirements. Install soffits to nominal 2 x 4 framing members spaced a maximum of 24 inches on center (fig.1), with the long dimension
perpendicular to the rafter or joist framing.
• All edges must be supported by framing. (figs. 3 & 4)
• Install water barriers and air barriers as required by local building codes. James Hardie will assume no responsibility for moisture infiltration.
• Ensure gutters have end caps. Maintain a minimum 1 in gap between end caps and siding & trim (fig.5).
• Install kickout flashing at roof-wall junctions. (fig 6.) Figure 1
• James Hardie Building Products provides installation /wind load information for buildings with a
maximum mean roof height of 85 feet. For information on installations above 60 feet, please contact
JH technical support.

INSTALLATION:
• HardieSoffit panels must be fastened to a solid, nailable substrate venting to outside of
such as a wood 2x subfascia. eave
• Additional framing may be needed to ensure proper fastening. shim
fascia (wood) HardieSoffit
• Soffits can be installed as shown in figure 1. Position the vent holes Figure 2 subfascia vented panel
toward the outside of the eave for optimal airflow.
• 12 in to 24 in wide Vented HardieSoffit panels, provide 5.0 square framing framing siding
inches of net free ventilation per lineal foot. member member
• Alternatively vents can be installed into non-vented soffit.
• If necessary, an insect screen can be installed using construction moderate contact H-jointer
adhesive. Note: net free ventilation will be reduced.

Fastener Positioning
• Position fasteners 3/8 in from panel edges and no closer than 2 in framing framing
away from corners when using soffit greater than 12 in wide (fig. 4) member member
and no closer than 1 in away from corners when using soffit that is
less than or equal to 12 in wide (fig. 3).

Jointing Methods
leave appropriate gap
• Install panels in moderate contact at ends, provide PVC or metal batten and caulk
jointers, battens or leave appropriate gap and caulk (fig 2).

¹For additional information on HardieWrap® Weather Barrier, consult James Hardie at 1-866-4Hardie or www.hardiewrap.com

VENTED SMOOTH | NON-VENTED SMOOTH | VENTED CEDARMILL© | NON-VENTED CEDARMILL©

Visit jameshardiepros.com for the most recent version. SF1204 P1/3 12/19
 HardieSoffit® Panels

Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6

Figure 3 Greater than Maintain a minimum 1 in gap between
12 in Wide Soffit gutter end caps and siding & trim.
less than or equal to Step flashing
12 in Wide Soffit Self-adhering
Figure 5 membrane

Self-adhering
eaves membrane
keep fasteners
2 in away Kickout
from corners flashing
siding
1 in from end of soffit Drip edge
3/8 in from edge of soffit
24” o.c. max.

3/8 in from edge of soffit fascia

1 in min. Housewrap

gutter and end cap

KICKOUT FLASHING
Because of the volume of water that can pour down a sloped roof, one of the most
critical flashing details occurs where a roof intersects a sidewall. The roof must be
flashed with step flashing. Where the roof terminates, install a kickout to deflect
water away from the siding. It is best to install a self-adhering membrane on the
FASTENER REQUIREMENTS wall before the subfascia and trim boards are nailed in place, and then come back
to install the kickout.
• For wood frame construction a minimum 4d common nails spaced 8 in o.c. at
panel edges and intermediate framing members spaced up to 24 in on center are Figure 6, Kickout Flashing To prevent water from dumping behind the siding
suitable in most locations*. and the end of the roof intersection, install a "kickout" as required by IRC code
• For conventional 20ga - 16ga steel frame construction a minimum No. 8-18 x R905.2.8.3 : “...flashing shall be a min. of 4” high and 4” wide.” James Hardie
0.323 in HD x 1 in long ribbed bugle screws spaced 6 in o.c. at panel edges and recommends the kickout be angled between 100° - 110° to maximize water
intermediate framing members spaced up to 24 in on center are suitable in most deflection
locations*.
*Minimum Basic Wind Speed differs by locality. Where specified levels of wind PNEUMATIC FASTENING
resistance are required, refer to applicable Building Code Compliance Reports. James Hardie products can be hand nailed or fastened with a pneumatic tool.
Pneumatic fastening is highly recommended. Set air pressure so that the
Manufacturers of ACQ and CA preservative-treated wood recommend spacer fastener is driven snug with the surface of the siding. A flush mount attachment
materials or other physical barriers to prevent direct contact of ACQ or CA on the pneumatic tool is recommended. This will help control the depth the nail
preservative-treated wood and aluminum products. Fasteners used to attach is driven. If setting the nail depth proves difficult, choose a setting that under
HardieTrim Tabs to preservative-treated wood shall be of hot dipped zinc-coated drives the nail. (Drive under driven nails snug with a smooth faced hammer -
galvanized steel or stainless steel and in accordance to 2009 IRC R317.3 or 2009 Does not apply for installation to steel framing).
IBC 2304.9.5.”

GENERAL FASTENING REQUIREMENTS

Refer to the applicable ESR report online to determine which fastener meets your SNUG FLUSH
wind load design criteria. Fasteners must be corrosion resistant, galvanized, or
stainless steel. Electro-galvanized are acceptable but may exhibit premature corrosion. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT USE
James Hardie recommends the use of quality, hot-dipped galvanized nails. James
Hardie is not responsible for the corrosion resistance of fasteners. Stainless steel
fasteners are recommended when installing James Hardie® products near the ocean, AL
large bodies of water, or in very humid climates.
UNDER OVER SLANT ALUMINUM
Manufacturers of ACQ and CA preservative-treated wood recommend spacer materials DRIVE DRIVE FASTENERS
or other physical barriers to prevent direct contact of ACQ or CA preservative-treated
wood and aluminum products. Fasteners used to attach HardieTrim Tabs to preserva- IF, THEN IF, THEN ADDITIONAL NAIL
tive-treated wood shall be of hot dipped zinc-coated galvanized steel or stainless steel
and in accordance to 2009 IRC R317.3 or 2009 IBC 2304.9.5 WOOD STEEL FACE
CLIPPED
FRAME FRAME NAIL
HEAD NAILS
• Consult applicable product evaluation or listing for correct fasteners type and
placement to achieve specified design wind loads.
• NOTE: Published wind loads may not be applicable to all areas where Local Building
Codes have specific jurisdiction. Consult James Hardie Technical Services if you are
unsure of applicable compliance documentation. COUNTERSINK
STAPLES
• Drive fasteners perpendicular to siding and framing. HAMMER & FILL
• Fastener heads should fit snug against siding (no air space). FLUSH
• NOTE: Whenever a structural member is present, HardiePlank should be fastened with REMOVE &
even spacing to the structural member. The tables allowing direct to OSB or plywood REPLACE
should only be used when traditional framing is not available.
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CUT EDGE TREATMENT

Caulk, paint or prime all field cut edges. James Hardie touch-up kits are required to
touch-up ColorPlus products.

CAULKING
For best results use an Elastomeric Joint Sealant complying with ASTM C920 Grade NS,
Class 25 or higher or a Latex Joint Sealant complying with ASTM C834. Caulking/Sealant
must be applied in accordance with the caulking/sealant manufacturer’s written instructions.
Note: some caulking manufacturers do not allow "tooling".

PAINTING
DO NOT use stain, oil/alkyd base paint, or powder coating on James Hardie® Products. Factory-primed James Hardie products must be painted within 180 days of installation.
100% acrylic topcoats are recommended. Do not paint when wet. For application rates refer to paint manufacturers specifications. Back-rolling is recommended if the siding
is sprayed.

PAINTING JAMES HARDIE® SIDING AND TRIM PRODUCTS WITH COLORPLUS® TECHNOLOGY
When repainting ColorPlus products, James Hardie recommends the following regarding surface preparation and topcoat application:
• Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dust, dirt, or mildew
• Repriming is normally not necessary
• 100% acrylic topcoats are recommended
• DO NOT use stain, oil/alkyd base paint, or powder coating on James Hardie® Products.
• Apply finish coat in accordance with paint manufacturers written instructions regarding coverage, application methods, and application temperature
• DO NOT caulk nail heads when using ColorPlus products, refer to the ColorPlus touch-up section

COLORPLUS® TECHNOLOGY CAULKING, TOUCH-UP & LAMINATE

• Care should be taken when handling and cutting James Hardie® ColorPlus® products. During installation use a wet soft cloth or soft brush to gently wipe off any
residue or construction dust left on the product, then rinse with a garden hose.
• Touch up nicks, scrapes and nail heads using the ColorPlus® Technology touch-up applicator. Touch-up should be used sparingly.
If large areas require touch-up, replace the damaged area with new HardiePlank® lap siding with ColorPlus® Technology.
• Laminate sheet must be removed immediately after installation of each course.
• Terminate non-factory cut edges into trim where possible, and caulk. Color matched caulks are available from your ColorPlus® product dealer.
• Treat all other non-factory cut edges using the ColorPlus Technology edge coaters, available from your ColorPlus product dealer.
Note: James Hardie does not warrant the usage of third party touch-up or paints used as touch-up on James Hardie ColorPlus products.

Problems with appearance or performance arising from use of third party touch-up paints or paints used as touch-up that are not James Hardie touch-up will not be covered
under the James Hardie ColorPlus Limited Finish Warranty.

SF1204 P3/3 12/19

SILICA WARNING

DANGER: May cause cancer if dust from product is inhaled. Causes damage to lungs and respiratory system through prolonged or repeated inhalation of dust from product. Refer to the current product Safety Data Sheet before use.
The hazard associated with fiber cement arises from crystalline silica present in the dust generated by activities such as cutting, machining, drilling, routing, sawing, crushing, or otherwise abrading fiber cement, and when cleaning
up, disposing of or moving the dust. When doing any of these activities in a manner that generates dust you must (1) comply with the OSHA standard for silica dust and/or other applicable law, (2) follow James Hardie cutting
instructions to reduce or limit the release of dust; (3) warn others in the area to avoid breathing the dust; (4) when using mechanical saw or high speed cutting tools, work outdoors and use dust collection equipment; and (5) if no
other dust controls are available, wear a dust mask or respirator that meets NIOSH requirements (e.g. N-95 dust mask). During clean-up, use a well maintained vacuum and filter appropriate for capturing fine (respirable) dust or use
wet clean-up methods - never dry sweep.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including respirable crystalline silica, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

RECOGNITION: In accordance with ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-2273, HardieSoffit® panel is recognized as a suitable alternate to that specified in the 2006, 2009, 2012 & 2015 International Residential Code for One and Two-Family
Dwellings, and the 2006, 2009, 2012 & 2015 International Building Code. HardieSoffit panel is also recognized for application in the following: State of Florida Product Approval FL13265, Miami-Dade County Florida NOA No. 17-0406.06,
U.S. Dept. of HUD Materials Release 1263f, Texas Department of Insurance Product Evaluation EC-23, City of New York MEA 223-93-M, and California DSA PA-019. These documents should also be consulted for additional information
concerning the suitability of this product for specific applications.

© 2019 James Hardie Building Products, Inc. All rights reserved TM, SM and ® Product warranties, safety information and additional installation
denote trademarks or registered trademarks of James Hardie Technology Limited. information are available at jameshardiepros.com