Rebuilding the Exterior With Hardie® Siding & Trim
Project Status: Completed
Siding carries two jobs at once. It has to take the daily punishment of weather, and it has to make the house look intentional rather than pieced together over time. At this Fort Washington residence in Montgomery County, Lemus completed a full siding replacement using Hardie® Siding & Trim products from James Hardie.
The project moved beyond surface appearance. Removing the old cladding opened the wall for preparation, flashing review, and careful integration around windows, doors, corners, and transitions. The new exterior was then built as a coordinated system rather than a collection of boards and accessories.
Removing the Existing Siding With Control
The crew worked in planned sections so the wall was not left unnecessarily exposed. Existing siding and associated trim were removed, debris was managed at the work zone, and the underlying surfaces became accessible for review. This created a clean starting point for the new assembly.
Preparing the Wall Behind the Finish
The performance of fiber cement siding depends on a flat, properly detailed base. The exposed wall was prepared before installation, with attention directed to the water-resistive layer and the places where siding meets openings, roof lines, decks, utilities, and other penetrations.
Installing Hardie® Siding & Trim Products
Hardie® Siding & Trim products were installed to create a durable, low-maintenance exterior with consistent reveals and clean alignment. The siding field established the home’s new visual rhythm, while the trim defined corners, openings, and transitions. Good trim work is quiet. It does not beg for attention, but everything looks wrong when it is missing.
Managing Water at Openings and Transitions
Windows, doors, wall penetrations, and roof-to-wall junctions interrupt the siding plane and require precise detailing. Flashing and trim interfaces were integrated so water could drain outward rather than collect behind the finish. These small areas carry a disproportionate share of the wall’s risk.
A Stronger, Cleaner Exterior
The completed exterior renovation gave the residence a more cohesive appearance and a renewed outer layer built for Mid-Atlantic weather. The result is not flashy for the sake of it. It is crisp, durable, and easier to maintain, which is usually the better bargain once the ladders are gone.
Planning new siding for your home? Contact our residential division at GoLemus.com to start your next exterior project.