What to Expect During a James Hardie Siding Replacement: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Utah Homeowners

Replacing your home’s siding is one of the most transformative exterior upgrades you can make. It boosts curb appeal, increases property value, and protects your home from Utah’s unique climate challenges. And when you choose James Hardie siding, you’re choosing one of the most durable, beautiful, and climate-engineered materials on the market.

But most homeowners have no idea what actually happens during a siding replacement project. What does the timeline look like? What should you expect from a professional crew? How is the home protected during the process? How disruptive is it?

This guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish so you know exactly what to expect when upgrading your home with James Hardie siding.

Why James Hardie Siding Is the Gold Standard in Utah

Utah’s weather is unpredictable. The Wasatch Front can experience intense UV exposure, dry heat, sudden storms, high winds, and heavy snowfall all in a single year. Materials expand, contract, and wear down quickly if they aren’t engineered for these conditions.

James Hardie fiber cement siding is widely considered the best siding product for Utah because it offers:

• Dimensional stability through extreme temperature swings
  

• Superior resistance to moisture and water intrusion
  

• Protection against warping, cracking, peeling, and fading
  

• Engineered performance based on climate zones
  

• A long lifespan with minimal maintenance
  

• Excellent fire resistance
  

• Premium, timeless curb appeal
  

When installed correctly, Hardie siding can last decades and continue looking beautiful with very little upkeep. But proper installation is key. That’s why choosing the right contractor matters as much as choosing the right product.

The James Hardie Siding Replacement Process

Here is what Utah homeowners can expect, step by step.

1. Initial Consultation and Design Selection

Your siding project begins with a consultation that includes discussion of:

• Your home’s architectural style
  

• Your preferred colors and finishes
  

• Whether you want lap, board and batten, shake, or a blend of styles
  

• Trim options
  

• Budget and financing options
  

• Any existing issues such as water damage or outdated flashing
  

For most homeowners, the design stage is the most exciting part. Hardie’s color and style options are extensive, and the right combination can dramatically elevate the look of your home.

2. Pre-Project Inspection

Before installation begins, a detailed exterior inspection ensures that no hidden issues—like rot, water penetration, or structural weaknesses—will interfere with the installation. Professional contractors also inspect:

• Soffits and fascia
  

• Window trim
  

• Roof-to-wall transitions
  

• Existing flashings
  

• Gutter positions
  

• Any previous installation mistakes
  

This step sets the foundation for a clean, long-lasting installation.

3. Site Preparation and Home Protection

High-quality contractors take the time to prepare your property properly. This includes:

• Protecting landscaping and flower beds
  

• Covering walkways and concrete
  

• Moving outdoor furniture and grills
  

• Putting protective materials around windows
  

• Ensuring vehicles and valuables are clear of the work area
  

Preparation minimizes disruption and ensures your home and property stay safe.

4. Removal of Old Siding

Once everything is protected, the crew carefully removes the existing siding. This stage often reveals issues beneath the surface such as:

• Hidden rot
  

• Improper flashing
  

• Water damage
  

• Insect damage
  

• Poor ventilation choices
  

• Incorrect installation by previous contractors
  

The best contractors document everything they find and communicate clearly with the homeowner before making repairs.

5. Repair of Underlying Structure

Any discovered issues must be repaired before the new Hardie siding is installed. Repairs may include:

• Replacing damaged sheathing
  

• Correcting framing issues
  

• Installing new moisture barriers
  

• Improving ventilation paths
  

• Updating outdated or incorrect flashings
  

A clean foundation is crucial for Hardie siding to perform as intended.

6. Installation of Weather Barriers and Flashing

A continuous weather protection system is essential in Utah’s climate. This stage includes:

• Installing new house wrap or moisture barrier
  

• Sealing around windows and doors
  

• Adding kickout flashings
  

• Ensuring correct roofline transitions
  

• Installing proper drainage planes
  

Hardie’s installation guidelines must be followed precisely to ensure warranty coverage and long-term weather performance.

7. Hardie Siding Installation

This is where the transformation truly takes shape. The crew installs:

• Hardie siding panels
  

• Trim boards
  

• Corners
  

• Soffit material
  

• Fascia transitions
  

• Accent pieces and architectural details
  

Each piece must be measured, cut, and fastened according to Hardie’s specifications. Proper spacing, correct fasteners, sharp lines, and clean transitions make the difference between a high-quality exterior and one that will develop issues later.

8. Painting or Touch-Up Work (If Needed)

If you select prefinished ColorPlus siding, little to no painting is required. If you choose primed Hardie boards, the finishing crew:

• Applies professional-grade exterior paint
  

• Ensures color uniformity
  

• Adds a weather-sealed finish
  

• Makes detailed touch-ups around trim and transitions
  

ColorPlus is extremely popular in Utah because of its UV resistance and long-lasting finish.

9. Cleanup and Final Walkthrough

A professional crew performs a detailed cleanup that includes:

• Removing all debris
  

• Magnet sweeping the yard for nails
  

• Cleaning dust from windows
  

• Removing protective coverings
  

• Leaving the job site as clean as possible
  

Then comes the final walkthrough, where the contractor reviews:

• The installed product
  

• Warranty details
  

• Maintenance recommendations
  

• Any remaining questions
  

This ensures your siding looks perfect and performs exactly as intended.

How Long Does a Hardie Siding Replacement Take?

Most single-family homes in Utah can be completed within:

7 to 14 days, depending on:

• House size
  

• Design complexity
  

• Amount of repair work needed
  

• Weather conditions
  

• Crew size
  

Larger or more customized projects may take a bit longer.

How Much Does a James Hardie Siding Replacement Cost in Utah?

Hardie siding is a premium exterior product, and its pricing reflects its long-term durability and beauty. Costs vary based on:

• Style (lap, board and batten, shake)
  

• Trim choices
  

• Accent pieces
  

• Material mix
  

• Soffit and fascia work
  

• Underlying repairs
  

• Roofline complexity
  

Homeowners can expect Hardie siding to cost more upfront than vinyl but far less across the lifespan of the home due to its durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance needs.

Why Choosing the Right Installer Matters More Than Anything

Hardie siding is only as good as the crew installing it. Incorrect installation can void warranties, lead to water damage, or create long-term structural issues. Many installers cut corners, ignore Hardie specifications, or subcontract all their work to the lowest bidder.

Choosing the right installer ensures your siding performs at the level Hardie engineered it to.

Why RGS Exteriors Is the Best Choice for Hardie Siding in Utah

This is the expanded section you asked for — and it will be included in every blog going forward.

RGS Exteriors isn’t just another contractor that installs siding occasionally. It is one of Utah’s most trusted exterior specialists, with a reputation built over seven decades of delivering consistently exceptional craftsmanship.

Here is what sets RGS apart:

Generational Expertise and Stability

RGS has been serving Utah homeowners since 1955. Companies don’t survive four generations by accident. They survive because they do things the right way, take care of their customers, and stand behind every job.

James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor Status

This is the highest certification Hardie awards. It means RGS follows Hardie’s exact installation standards, receives ongoing training, and consistently delivers high-quality work.

Specialized, Highly Trained Crews

RGS does not rely on random subcontractors. Their installers are trained, experienced specialists who understand the details that most contractors overlook.

Detail-Driven Craftsmanship

From clean corner seams to precise flashing to sharp trim lines, RGS is known for obsessing over the details that protect your home and elevate its appearance.

Premium Materials, No Shortcuts

RGS uses the best materials available. Their projects include high-quality flashings, moisture barriers, custom metalwork, and finishing details that extend the lifespan of the home.

Utah-Specific Knowledge

RGS understands the Wasatch Front climate, from winter moisture to high UV exposure. Their installation methods are built for long-term performance in Utah’s conditions.

Clear Communication and Transparent Proposals

Homeowners receive detailed, easy-to-understand proposals outlining materials, scope, timelines, and warranty coverage. No surprises. No hidden fees.

Industry-Leading Workmanship Warranty

RGS protects every project with a ten-year workmanship warranty, far exceeding the standard in the industry.

A Culture of Integrity and Customer Care

RGS is a family company with values centered around honesty, reliability, and treating customers the way they would want to be treated. That culture shows in everything they do.

When you want the best results, you hire a company that takes craftsmanship personally. That company is RGS Exteriors.

Ready to Transform Your Home With James Hardie Siding?

Schedule your free, no-pressure consultation today with a team you can trust. RGS Exteriors will walk you through every step of the process, provide expert design guidance, and deliver a final result built to last for decades.

Visit RGSExteriorsUtah.com
Call (801) 997-6610
Request your free quote today.