FAQ

Yes, but indirectly. Hardie^® fibre cement boards have a low thermal conductivity of approximately 0.23 W/m·K, which offers modest thermal resistance. Their contribution to thermal performance is enhanced when:

• Installed as part of a ventilated rainscreen system, reducing thermal bridging

• Combined with external insulation

• Used in conjunction with airtight membranes and proper detailing

While Hardie^® cladding itself is not a primary insulator, it plays a key role in protecting insulation layers, enhancing airtightness, and supporting energy-efficient wall systems.

Hardie^® Panel and Hardie^® Plank are made from fibre cement, which has limited combustibility and carries a Euroclass A2-s1,d0 fire rating under EN 13501-1. This means:

• They will not ignite when exposed to direct flame

• They do not contribute towards a fire. This can give precious extra time to evacuate — and emergency services more time to respond.

• They are suitable for use on buildings where high fire resistance is required, including multi-storey residential and commercial facades

However, the overall fire rating of your external wall depends on the complete wall build-up—including insulation, sheathing, and internal linings. Hardie^® cladding contributes significantly, but it must be part of a compliant system.

Yes—when installing Hardie® Panel or Hardie® Plank on timber frame or masonry walls, a breather membrane is required if the substrate is not considered waterproof. This membrane must be:

• Vapour-permeable to allow moisture escape from the wall

• Water-resistant to prevent rain or condensation ingress

• Compliant with BS EN 13859:2005, the European standard for water-barrier membranes

For installation on steel or aluminium subframes, the need for a membrane depends on the wall’s waterproofing and local building codes. Always ensure a ventilated cavity of at least 20 mm behind the cladding to meet European best practices.

Our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices extends to the development of products that last longer, require less maintenance, and contribute to energy efficiency.

Hardie® cladding is made of sustainable raw materials, including sand, cellulose fibre, Portland cement, and water (which is recycled up to four times during the manufacturing process). In addition, is has been designed at a lower density compared to traditional materials, while being optimised for the European climate, which means also less material is used in production, leading to a low global warming potential of the products. Our products all have a dedicated EPD based on the newest standards.

Hardie® cladding is also highly durable and resistant to water, wind, fire, and other damage, making it a sustainable choice for decades to come.

James Hardie invented fibre cement cladding because of its unparalleled longevity and quality over traditional timber cladding. It's water resistant and doesn't attract pests, reducing the need for ongoing repair. It's even non-combustible and fire resistant.

Hardie® cladding is made of fibre cement which is made up of a few simple ingredients: sand, water, cellulose fibre, and Portland cement, which is a mixture of limestone, clay, and gypsum. James Hardie’s formulation includes proprietary additives that enhance the performance of the product.

Yes. Fibre cement is impervious to termites, rodents, and other pests.

• Annual inspection of joints, ventilation gaps, and fixings

• Cleaning with mild soap and water (no pressure washers)

They have an anticipated life expectancy of decades and are backed by a 15-year warranty.

Hardie® Plank

• Thickness: 8 mm

• Weight per m²: 11.2 kg/m²

• Density: ~1300 kg/m³

• Thermal Conductivity: 0.23 W/mK

• Thermal Resistance: 0.035 m²K/W

• Tensile Strength (dry/wet): >10 MPa / >7 MPa

• Linear Expansion: ≤ 0.05 %

• Fire Classification: A2-s1,d0

• BBA Certification: Certificate No. 04/4147

Hardie® VL Plank

• Thickness: 11 mm

• Weight per m²: 13.6 kg/m²

• Density: ~1300 kg/m³

• Thermal Conductivity: 0.23 W/mK

• Thermal Resistance: 0.048 m²K/W

• Tensile Strength (dry/wet): >15 MPa / >11 MPa

• Linear Expansion: ≤ 0.05 %

• Fire Classification: A2-s1,d0

• BBA Certification: Certificate No. 04/4147

James Hardie offers a full suite of trims and accessories:

MetalTrim™ Profiles: External corners for Hardie® Plank (21 colours)

NT3® Trim: Fibre cement trims for internal/external corners (Arctic White, Sail Cloth, Midnight Black)

VL Plank 2-Part Corner Trim: Concealed corner system for VL Plank (8 colours)

Starter & Ventilation Profiles: Ensures proper kick-out and airflow

EPDM Tape: Protects timber battens behind joints

Seal Edge Coating: Seals cut edges and minor surface damage

Hardie™ Plank Screws: Stainless steel screws for visible or concealed fixing

Hardie™ Clip: Reinforcement for overlap boards in high wind zones

• Minimum 20 mm cavity behind cladding

• 10 mm air inlet/outlet at base and roofline

• Use ventilation profiles to prevent pest ingress

• Installed horizontally or vertically using a concealed fixing system

• Boards interlock via tongue-and-groove

• Screws or nails are placed through the tongue for a clean finish

• Installed in horizontal overlap, vertical hit-and-miss, or open joint styles

• Fixed with nails or screws to timber or metal battens

• Gecko Gauges or starter profiles help maintain consistent lap spacing & guarantee ease of installation

Yes. Use Hardie^™ Seal Edge Coating for sealing cut edges. This is available in the whole standard JH colour range. This should not be used to repaint small areas of the coloured surface.

• Hardie® Plank: 21 colours in Cedar and Smooth textures

• Hardie® VL Plank: 8 colours in Cedar texture

It’s a multi-coat, baked-on finish that provides:

• Fade resistance (up to 30% better than site-applied paint)

• Low maintenance

• Durable, chip-resistant surface

Hardie^® fibre cement boards are moisture-resistant, rot-proof, and dimensionally stable. They won’t swell, crack, or warp due to humidity or precipitation.

Yes. Both profiles are A2-s1,d0 fire rated. They are non-combustible and suitable for use in all building types.

These are fibre cement tiles designed for residential buildings. Both offer a look similar to natural wood with increased durability and fire resistance.

• Hardie^® Plank: Traditional overlapping weatherboard with visible fasteners

• Hardie^® VL Plank: Tongue and groove boards with hidden fasteners for a sleek and modern look

Hardie® planks

• Profile: Overlay

• Fastening: Visible screws or nails

• Thickness: 8 mm depth

• Dimensions: 3600 × 180 mm (150 mm visible)

• Weight per plate: 7.weight: 4 kg

• Texture: 1: Smooth, cedar

• Available colours: 21

Hardie® VL Plank

• Profile: Wood Plank: tongue and groove

• Fastening: Hidden screws

• Thickness: 11 mm Thickness

• Dimensions: 3600 × 214 mm (182 mm visible)

• Weight per plate: 10.weight: 5 kg

• Texture: 1: Cedar

• Available colours: 8

• Use cold/lukewarm water and mild, solvent-free cleaners

• Avoid abrasive tools like steel wool

• For chalk stains or algae, use vinegar solution

Yes, but ensure the subframe is directly anchored to the load-bearing structure. Use max. 400 mm fastener spacing and increase dead load by a factor of 2.5 for static calculations.

Yes. A minimum 20 mm ventilation cavity is mandatory. Ventilation openings must be provided at the top and bottom of the façade and around windows and doors.

Yes. Use Hardie^™ Blade for clean cuts and minimal dust. Always cut outdoors or with dust extraction. Use Hardie™ Seal on cut edges to prevent moisture ingress.

Panels must be stored dry, flat, and covered. Avoid stacking more than 5 pallets and ensure vertical alignment of pallet supports. Damp panels must not be installed.

Hardie^® Panel is designed for long-term durability, with resistance to moisture, frost, pests, and fading. Minimal maintenance required. Backed by a 15-year warranty.

Yes. It carries an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), is eco-1 certified by ecobau Switzerland, and contributes to green building certifications. Its lower density reduces transport emissions and installation energy.

No. Hardie^® Panel uses a high-performance surface coating, offering:

• Enhanced UV resistance

• Easier touch-up and maintenance

• Greater design flexibility for textures and metallics

• Density: ~1300 kg/m³

• Weight: 11.2 kg/m² (8 mm) / 13.7 kg/m² (11 mm)

• Thermal Conductivity: 0.23 W/mK

• Thermal Resistance: 0.035 – 0.048 m²K/W (depending on thickness)

• Flexural Strength (⊥ fibre): 14.0 – 18.0 MPa (depending on variant)

• Flexural Strength (‖ fibre): 8.5 – 12.5 MPa (depending on variant)

• Modulus of Elasticity: 5100 / 6200 N/mm² (depending on variant)

• Linear Strain: ≤ 0.05 %

• Impact Resistance: Category I (11 mm only)

• Fire Classification: A2-s1,d0

Hardie^® Panel (11 mm) achieves Category I impact resistance as defined by European Assessment Document 090062-00-0404.
This rating applies to the first 1.5 m of wall height in high footfall areas and includes both soft and hard body impact scenarios.
Suitable for public buildings, schools, and commercial façades.

James Hardie offers a full suite of accessories for seamless installation:

• MetalTrim™ Profiles: 3000 mm aluminium trims for corners and seams, available in matching colours

• Standing Seam Trims: Design accents in Anthracite Grey and Midnight Black (others on request)

• Colour-Matched Screws: For timber subframes (A2 stainless steel)

• Rivets: Stainless steel rivets for metal subframes (aluminium and steel)

• Seal Edge Coating: For protecting cut edges and ensuring long-term durability

• EPDM Tape: UV-resistant tape to protect timber subframes from moisture

• Centralising Tool: Ensures concentric drilling in metal subframes (for rivets)

• Fixed Point Sleeves: Aluminium sleeves for centric insertion of rivets

• Hardie™ Saw Blade: Diamond-tipped blades for clean cuts and reduced dust

Hardie^® Panel supports multiple installation approaches:

• Visible Fixing (Face Fix): Colour-matched screws or rivets for a bold, industrial aesthetic

• Concealed/Secret Fixing (Rear Fix): Undercut anchors and brackets for a clean, uninterrupted surface

• Rainscreen Façade Systems: Fully compatible with ventilated systems for moisture control and thermal performance

• Horizontal or Vertical Orientation: Panels can be installed in either direction to suit design intent

Note: Horizontal framing should be avoided as it can block rear ventilation.

Hardie® Panel façade boards are available in multiple dimensions and thicknesses:

• Standard size: 3048 × 1220 × 8 mm (all variants)

• Enhanced impact resistance & concealed fixing: 3048 × 1220 × 11 mm (all variants except Smooth Sand)

• Optimised for pre-cutting: 2438 × 1220 × 8 mm and 2438 × 1220 × 11 mm (Hardie® Panel and Hardie® Architectural Panel Metallics only)

Trim 5 mm from each edge for optimal squareness and alignment.

Its lower density makes it easier to handle and install, reducing structural load and simplifying subframe requirements—without compromising durability or impact resistance.

Absolutely. Hardie Panel® is ETA-certified, CE-marked, and compliant with EN 12467 for fibre cement boards.
Note: Local certifications may be added as required.

• Hardie® Panel – Natural fibre cement texture

• Hardie® Architectural Panel – Brushed Concrete or Smooth Sand textures

• Hardie® Architectural Panel Metallics – Six metallic colours with natural fibre cement texture

• Standard Colour Range: Arctic White, Light Mist, Cobblestone, Grey Slate, Anthracite Grey, Midnight Black

• Metallics Collection: Silver, Gold, Copper, Steel, Bronze, Gunmetal

• Custom Colour Service: Choose from RAL or NCS systems for bespoke façade expression

Hardie® Panel is a large-format fibre cement façade board available in natural fibre cement (smooth), textured, and metallic finishes. It’s ideal for ventilated rainscreen systems and contemporary architectural applications.

Yes. Hardie® Panel is classified as A2-s1,d0, meeting stringent fire safety standards for mid- and high-rise buildings.

Use corrosion-resistant screws or nails designed for fibre cement boards. Hardie® Plank: stainless steel nails or screws; Hardie® VL Plank: screws for interlocking system.

Yes, both Hardie^® Plank & Hardie^® VL Plank can be nailed to the timber sub frame with a nail gun.

HardiePlank: 20–50 mm from edges, fix at every batten (600 mm centres). VL Plank: fixings hidden in tongue-and-groove joint.

Yes, maintain 1–2 mm expansion gaps at butt joints and seal cut edges with ColourPlus^™ touch-up paint.

No, fix to battens or approved subframe system only.

Use Hardie Blade™ saw blade or Hardie™ Guillotine for clean cuts and minimal dust.

Yes, coat all cut edges with Hardie™ Seal or touch-up paint.