James Hardie Siding Repair in Candelas, Arvada, Colorado
This siding repair project was completed in June 2026 for a homeowner in Candelas, Arvada, Colorado. The front elevation of the home, above the garage on the side of a dormer, had experienced deterioration of the original TruWood siding. The damage was caused by water wicking from the roof because the original installation did not provide enough clearance between the roofing material and the bottom edge of the siding.
After removing the damaged siding, we inspected the wall assembly. The sheathing and framing were found to be in good condition, and the existing house wrap remained serviceable. A few small openings in the weather barrier were sealed using flashing tape before new siding was installed.
The repair included replacing 14 rows of siding with James Hardie HardiePlank® Lap Siding featuring the CedarMill® texture. During installation, the siding was installed according to James Hardie manufacturer specifications, including proper clearance above the roof to help reduce future moisture-related issues.
Once the siding installation was complete, every joint was professionally caulked, and the homeowner had the entire home painted on-site, creating a seamless appearance that blends perfectly with the existing exterior.
Introduction
Maintaining properly installed siding is essential for protecting homes from Colorado's changing weather conditions. Even quality siding materials can experience premature failure when installation details, such as roof-to-siding clearance, do not meet manufacturer recommendations. This project in Candelas demonstrates how addressing both the damaged material and the underlying installation issue creates a longer-lasting repair.
Customer Problem
The homeowner noticed deterioration in the original TruWood siding located above the garage on the front dormer. Years of water wicking from the adjacent roof caused the lower portion of the siding to swell and deteriorate. Because there was insufficient clearance between the roofing and the siding, moisture remained in contact with the siding longer than intended, eventually leading to visible damage.
Fortunately, once the siding was removed, the underlying wall structure was in good condition. The sheathing and framing showed no signs of deterioration, and the house wrap remained effective with only a few small penetrations that were easily sealed using flashing tape.
Scope of Work
Our repair included carefully removing the damaged TruWood siding while preserving the surrounding exterior finishes. After inspecting the wall assembly, we repaired minor openings in the existing weather barrier using flashing tape before installing new James Hardie HardiePlank® Lap Siding with CedarMill® texture.
The new siding was installed following James Hardie's manufacturer specifications, including correcting the roof-to-siding clearance that contributed to the original failure. We replaced a total of 14 rows of siding, caulked all new joints, and prepared the repair for painting. After installation, the homeowner had the entire home painted, creating a consistent appearance across the exterior.
Materials Used
James Hardie HardiePlank® Lap Siding – CedarMill® texture
Exterior-grade flashing tape
Professional exterior caulk
Exterior paint applied on-site after installation
Project Process
The repair began with the removal of the damaged TruWood siding. Care was taken to expose the underlying wall system without damaging surrounding materials. Once opened, we inspected the framing, sheathing, and weather barrier to determine whether additional structural repairs would be necessary.
The inspection confirmed that the framing and sheathing remained in excellent condition. The existing house wrap was also in good overall shape, requiring only a few small repairs using flashing tape. This allowed the project to move directly into siding replacement without unnecessary reconstruction.
After preparing the wall, we installed fourteen rows of new James Hardie HardiePlank siding. Special attention was given to establishing the proper clearance above the roof in accordance with manufacturer installation guidelines. Every joint was professionally caulked to help provide a weather-resistant finish before the home was painted.
Challenges & Solutions
The primary challenge was correcting the installation condition that caused the original siding failure. Simply replacing the damaged boards without addressing the roof clearance would have left the home vulnerable to similar moisture problems in the future.
By installing the new James Hardie siding according to manufacturer specifications and correcting the roof-to-siding clearance, the repair addressed both the visible damage and its underlying cause. The result is a more durable exterior detail designed to better resist moisture exposure over time.
Results
The completed repair restored the appearance of the home's front elevation while replacing deteriorated TruWood siding with durable James Hardie HardiePlank siding. Because the underlying wall assembly remained in good condition, the project focused on correcting the damaged exterior without requiring structural repairs.
Proper installation practices, including manufacturer-recommended roof clearance, help provide improved long-term performance compared to the previous installation. Once the entire home was painted, the repair blended seamlessly with the surrounding siding, making the replacement virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the exterior.
Benefits to the Homeowner
The homeowner now has a professionally repaired siding system that addresses the original moisture issue while maintaining the home's curb appeal. Benefits include:
Replacement of deteriorated siding with durable fiber cement siding
Proper roof-to-siding clearance following manufacturer recommendations
Preserved sheathing and framing with no unnecessary reconstruction
Weather barrier maintained and repaired where needed
Professionally caulked installation
Fresh exterior paint for a uniform, finished appearance
Increased confidence in the home's exterior protection
FAQs
What caused the original TruWood siding to fail?
The original siding deteriorated because there was insufficient clearance between the roof and the siding. This allowed moisture to wick into the lower edge of the siding over time, leading to swelling and deterioration. Correcting the clearance was an important part of preventing the issue from recurring.
Why was James Hardie HardiePlank siding selected?
James Hardie HardiePlank Lap Siding is a fiber cement product known for its durability and resistance to moisture, insects, and Colorado's changing weather conditions. For this repair, the CedarMill texture provided an appearance that blended well with the home's exterior after painting. Read more about different siding options here.
Was there any structural damage behind the siding?
No. After removing the damaged siding, the sheathing and framing were inspected and found to be in good condition. The existing house wrap also remained in good overall shape, with only a few small holes repaired using flashing tape before the new siding was installed.
Why is roof-to-siding clearance important?
Proper clearance helps prevent moisture from remaining in contact with the bottom edge of the siding. Following manufacturer installation guidelines reduces the risk of water wicking, improves drainage, and helps extend the service life of the siding system.
Can repaired siding be matched to the rest of the home?
Yes. After installing the new siding and completing all caulking, the entire home was painted. Painting the full exterior created a consistent finish that allows the repaired area to blend naturally with the existing home.
Do you provide siding repairs throughout Arvada?
Yes. Arvada Handyman provides siding repairs for homeowners throughout Arvada, including neighborhoods such as Candelas. We evaluate the cause of the damage, inspect the underlying wall assembly, and recommend repairs based on the condition of the home rather than replacing materials unnecessarily.
