Alright, Great Falls homeowners, let us talk about your James Hardie siding. We all know Montana weather does not mess around. From those very hot summer days to the deep freezes and the wind that rips across the Highwood Mountains, your home's exterior takes a beating. That is why you invested in James Hardie fiber cement in the first place. It is a solid material, engineered to handle climates just like ours in Great Falls. But even the best James Hardie siding needs a little seasonal attention to perform its best and protect your investment in Great Falls.
Understanding Great Falls Weather and Your Siding
Our climate here in Great Falls is what you would call continental, with cold winters and warm summers. January can see average lows around 16°F, while July heats up to average highs of 87°F. We get about 63 inches of snow annually in Great Falls, with February often being the snowiest month, and around 15 inches of total precipitation each year. Winds are pretty consistent in Great Falls, averaging 10 to 13 mph year-round.
What does this Great Falls weather mean for your James Hardie siding? James Hardie fiber cement siding is very durable and resistant to moisture, rot, and pests, which is a big plus in our fluctuating conditions in Great Falls. James Hardie siding is made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. This creates a dense board that does not rot like wood or warp like thin plastic. James Hardie siding is designed to handle surface moisture by absorbing a small amount and then releasing it as things dry out. But "water-resistant" is not "waterproof" on its own. The whole wall system, including proper installation with weather barriers and flashing, is what truly protects your Great Falls home.
When to Schedule Your Siding Project in Great Falls
You might think there is a "perfect" season for installing James Hardie siding in Great Falls, but the truth is, it can be done any time of year. However, different seasons have their good points and bad points, especially here in Great Falls.
Spring (April - May) for Siding in Great Falls
- Pros: Moderate temperatures are generally good for working conditions for James Hardie siding installation. Siding contractors might be less busy than in peak summer for siding projects in Great Falls.
- Cons: Spring can be wet in Great Falls. June is actually our wettest month, averaging 2.7 inches of rain. While James Hardie siding itself is not bothered by getting wet during installation, significant rain can slow down a siding project. We always use proper weather barriers like HardieWrap to protect your home's sheathing if it is exposed during James Hardie siding installation in Great Falls.
Summer (June - August) for Siding in Great Falls
- Pros: Long daylight hours and generally drier conditions (outside of June's rain) mean crews can work efficiently on James Hardie siding. James Hardie fiber cement handles mid-summer heat wonderfully; it does not expand and contract like vinyl siding.
- Cons: This is peak season for siding contractors in Great Falls, so you will want to book early for your James Hardie siding project. Lead times can be three to four months if you want specific dates for your siding installation.
Fall (September - November) for Siding in Great Falls
- Pros: Fall is often considered ideal for James Hardie siding installation in Great Falls. Temperatures are moderate, and the weather tends to be drier than spring. There is less chance of extreme heat or cold affecting the crew's comfort or the James Hardie siding materials. Siding contractor schedules might start to open up a bit after the summer rush for siding projects.
- Cons: Shorter daylight hours mean less work time per day for James Hardie siding installation. Winter weather can start creeping in by late November in Great Falls.
Winter (December - March) for Siding in Great Falls
- Pros: Siding contractors are typically less busy in the winter, so you might get your James Hardie siding project scheduled sooner in Great Falls. James Hardie siding itself is dimensionally stable in cold weather, meaning the material is not significantly affected by the chill. There are even approved caulking products that cure in temperatures as low as 0°F for James Hardie siding.
- Cons: Extreme cold makes James Hardie siding materials more brittle, so careful handling is important to avoid cracking the siding. Snow and ice can cause delays and make the job site more challenging for siding installation. Short days limit work hours. If your Great Falls home is exposed during a cold snap, it can get chilly inside, though proper house wrap minimizes this.
Ultimately, the best time to schedule your James Hardie siding project is when it works for you and your family in Great Falls. We, at Genesis Siding Solutions, can work year-round, planning around weather forecasts and making sure proper James Hardie siding installation happens no matter the season. If you are in a climate like ours in Great Falls, where the thermometer tests your patience, scheduling during a milder winter week can be a smart move for your James Hardie siding. For homes and businesses in Great Falls, Genesis Siding Solutions provides James Hardie siding services.
Protecting Your Investment Year-Round in Great Falls
Once your beautiful James Hardie siding is up in Great Falls, keeping it in top shape does not take a ton of work, but a little regular attention goes a long way for your James Hardie siding.
- Regular Cleaning: Aim to clean your James Hardie siding once or twice a year. Use a garden hose with a low-pressure spray and a soft, medium-bristle brush. Do not use pressure washers, as they can damage the James Hardie siding surface. A mild soap and water solution works great for tougher spots on your James Hardie siding. Always rinse from top to bottom.
- Inspect Caulking: Check the caulking around windows, doors, and trim every 5-10 years. If you see any cracks or gaps in the caulking, get them sealed up. This is important for preventing moisture intrusion behind your James Hardie siding in Great Falls.
- Manage Moisture: Make sure your gutters are clean and draining properly. Overflowing gutters can dump water directly onto your James Hardie siding, leading to issues. Also, make sure your sprinklers are not constantly soaking your James Hardie siding.
- Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and bushes trimmed back from your house. Overgrown plants can trap moisture against the James Hardie siding, scratch the surface, and create pathways for pests.
- Annual Inspections: Consider a professional inspection annually for your James Hardie siding. We can spot small issues before they become big, expensive problems. This is especially important for areas prone to hailstorms, which we definitely get around Great Falls.
James Hardie siding is built to last, often coming with a 30-year non-prorated warranty. By following these seasonal tips and giving it a little love, you will make sure your Great Falls home stays protected and looks fantastic for decades to come with its James Hardie siding. Call Genesis Siding Solutions for James Hardie siding work in Great Falls, MT.