Rain Screen Behind Hardiplan Lapp Siding

For single family construction james hardie recommends installing a 90 efficient drainage plane or a 3 8 inch air gap i e.
Rain screen behind hardiplan lapp siding. Rainscreen between flat to wall siding and the water resistive barrier as a best practice. Detailing a rain screen wall furring strips space the clapboards away from the wall creating a vent space that helps to dry the back of the siding. A predictable rainscreen air gap behind fiber cement sidings like hardie plank and hardie shingle adds durability to the exterior. Mti s corrugated lath strip creates a capillary break that prevents entrapped water and promotes airflow to dry out the siding and substrate.
James hardie s installation instructions do not specify a rainscreen for hardieplank on any type of construction. In most jurisdictions including alberta a rainscreen system is not required for james hardie lap siding. The air space behind the shingles allow moisture that soaks in the front of the shingles to dry to the backside as well as the front. Tips for durable fiber cement exteriors.
Off the wall surface. To rainscreen or not to rainscreen if you are worried about the hardi product breaking which can happen you might see if you can find lp smartside siding in your area. The devil is in the details in this case the air intake and flow behind the skirt board. It is a much tougher product and easy to install.
We re using benjamin obdyke home slicker a plastic mesh matrix that spaces siding about 1 4 in. Layered tar paper and flashings behind the furring strips create what is called a drainage plane which alone would protect the house from water even ifthere were no siding. It kind of seems that they should spec furring strips for both. Corrugated lath strip crea.
An air gap between the siding and sheathing. James hardie recommends that you consult with your design professional if you have questions regarding. Sidings like hardie board lp smartside and natural cedar benefit from a rainscreen air gap between the siding and the housewrap.