Moisture, failing seams, and rot behind old siding are more common in Clark County than most homeowners realize. Left Coast Exteriors installs James Hardie fiber cement siding as a Preferred Contractor: the right product for this climate, installed right.
James Hardie Preferred Contractor
Clark County's climate is deceptively demanding on exterior cladding. The combination of high annual rainfall, extended periods of humidity, temperature swings between wet winters and dry summers, and the moss and organic growth pressure that comes with tree canopy and shade means that wood siding and most vinyl products have a shortened useful life here. Vinyl can look fine for years, then fail suddenly when UV exposure and thermal cycling finally cause it to crack, gap, or pull away from trim, and when it does, it often reveals moisture damage that had been hidden underneath.
James Hardie fiber cement was specifically engineered for high-moisture climates. The HardieZone product system (which is what we install) is formulated for Pacific Northwest conditions, with a composition that resists moisture absorption, doesn't swell or contract with humidity, and won't rot under any climate conditions this region produces. It also holds paint dramatically longer than wood: James Hardie's ColorPlus factory-applied finish carries a 15-year limited warranty against peeling, cracking, and chipping, which means years of zero exterior painting maintenance.
The durability comparison is stark over a 30-year period. Vinyl needs replacement in 15–20 years in challenging Northwest exposures. Wood needs repainting every 5–7 years and is vulnerable to rot throughout its life. James Hardie fiber cement, properly installed with a moisture barrier system and sealed trim details, routinely outlasts both, and carries a 30-year limited warranty on the product itself. When you factor in the elimination of painting cycles and the near-zero maintenance requirement, fiber cement is the economically rational choice for a long-term homeowner in Clark County.
We'll tell you what your siding actually needs, not the option that generates the largest invoice.
James Hardie's HardieZone system means the product you get is specifically formulated for the Pacific Northwest climate zone, not a generic product adapted for the region. As a Preferred Contractor, we're trained and certified in proper installation technique, moisture barrier integration, and sealed trim detailing that makes the warranty valid and the performance real.
HardiePlank is James Hardie's flagship product and the most widely installed fiber cement siding in North America. Available in smooth or wood-grain texture, it replicates the clean, traditional look of painted lap siding without any of the maintenance requirements. Factory-primed or ColorPlus factory-applied finish; resistant to moisture, pests, fire, and rot. In Clark County and the broader Vancouver metro, it's the right choice for the vast majority of whole-home reclads: durable, proven, and backed by a 30-year limited warranty.
HardiePanel delivers the board-and-batten or vertical panel aesthetic without any of the rot risk that comes with wood. It's grown significantly in popularity in Clark County as new construction and whole-home reclads have trended toward that transitional farmhouse and craftsman modern style. HardiePanel installs alongside HardieTrim battens to create clean shadow lines and a contemporary exterior profile. Available in the same texture and color options as HardiePlank, and fully compatible as part of a mixed-application installation.
HardieShingle delivers the character of hand-split cedar shakes without the rot, splitting, and repainting cycle that real cedar demands in a wet climate. It's the right choice for craftsman-style, traditional, and cottage homes where the texture of a shingle profile is part of the architectural character. Often used as a full-coverage option on two-story homes or as accent material on gables, dormers, and half-story transitions. Lower maintenance than real cedar, excellent moss and moisture resistance, and available in smooth or staggered-edge profiles.
Preferred Remodeler is Hardie's highest contractor certification: it requires verified installation training, background checks, and sustained customer satisfaction scores. It's what unlocks the extended ColorPlus warranty and the workmanship warranty that only certified contractors can offer their customers.
The Pacific Northwest is moisture-aggressive. When we remove failing siding, we inspect every inch of the sheathing for rot, mold, and moisture damage before installing a single new panel. If we find a problem, we fix it properly, so your new Hardie siding goes onto a solid substrate and lasts the full 30 years it's rated for.
James Hardie designates different installation requirements for different climate zones. Southwest Washington and Portland Metro fall in HZ10, the most demanding zone. We install to HZ10 standards by default, including proper clearances, flashing integration, and moisture management details that non-certified contractors routinely skip.
A siding replacement is a whole-exterior project. Here's how we manage it from the first visit to the final coat of caulk.
We inspect the full exterior: existing siding condition, trim details, window and door integration, flashing, and any visible moisture intrusion concerns. We look for soft spots and probe areas of concern. You get a complete picture of what you're working with before we quote anything.
We walk you through the James Hardie product options: profile, texture, and color. If you're using ColorPlus factory-applied finish, we show you the color palette and help you work through a selection that complements your roof, trim, and neighborhood. You'll know exactly what you're getting before we order anything.
We handle permit applications with the applicable jurisdiction in Clark County or Portland Metro. Once approved and materials arrive, we schedule your installation window. Whole-home siding projects typically take 3–7 days depending on square footage, complexity, and repair scope.
Old siding comes off completely. We inspect the sheathing for any moisture damage and address repairs before new material goes on. A proper weather-resistive barrier is installed over the full exterior. This is not optional and is not skipped to save time or money. Flashing is set at all penetrations, windows, and doors before siding begins.
James Hardie fiber cement is installed to manufacturer specifications and HardieZone installation guidelines, the requirements that keep the warranty valid. All trim, corner boards, and caulk joints are finished to a paint-ready standard. Site is cleaned daily throughout the project and completely at completion.
For a typical single-story Clark County home in the 1,500–2,000 sq ft range, a full siding replacement runs 3–5 days. Two-story homes or homes with significant trim complexity, dormers, or gable ends will run closer to 5–7 days. If we discover moisture damage in the sheathing during demo that needs repair before siding goes on, that can add time. We flag it immediately and give you an updated scope. We don't rush fiber cement installation; proper nailing patterns, laps, and caulk details matter for the warranty to be valid.
Yes, full siding replacements in Clark County require a building permit. The permit triggers an inspection that confirms the weather-resistive barrier was properly installed before siding went on, which is actually in your interest as a homeowner, since it creates a record that the work was done to code. We handle the permit application process as a standard part of every siding project. Never hire a siding contractor who says permits aren't necessary for a full re-side. That's either ignorance or an attempt to cut corners that leaves you exposed.
Installed costs for James Hardie fiber cement siding in Clark County typically range from $9–$15 per square foot depending on the product (HardiePlank vs. HardieShingle), finish (factory-primed vs. ColorPlus), accessibility of the home's exterior, and whether any sheathing repairs are needed. Total project costs for a full home re-side range widely. A modest single-story home might be $18,000–$28,000, while larger or more complex homes will be higher. We provide complete, itemized written estimates so you know exactly what you're approving before any work begins.
Partial replacements are possible and sometimes the right approach, particularly when failure is isolated to one elevation or one material type (for example, replacing wood siding on the north-facing wall while the vinyl on other sides is in reasonable condition). The practical consideration is that matching existing material precisely is often difficult, especially if the existing siding is older or discontinued. We'll give you honest guidance on whether a partial replacement makes sense for your situation or whether whole-home replacement is the better investment. We never push scope beyond what the project actually warrants.
James Hardie provides a 30-year limited transferable warranty on the fiber cement product itself against defects. ColorPlus factory-applied finish carries a separate 15-year limited warranty against peeling, cracking, and chipping. These warranties are only valid when the product is installed by a certified contractor following HardieZone installation guidelines, which is exactly how we install it. As a Preferred Contractor, we also provide our own installation workmanship warranty. If you ever have a warranty issue, we handle the communication with James Hardie on your behalf.
Yes. We offer flexible financing through third-party lenders with terms from 12 to 84 months and 0% intro APR options for qualified buyers. A full James Hardie siding replacement for a typical Clark County home typically ranges from $18,000–$35,000 depending on square footage, profile choice, and substrate condition, but financing makes the monthly cost more approachable than most homeowners expect. Ask your project consultant about current programs when you receive your estimate.
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"Our house had been painted so many times the wood underneath was barely holding anything. Left Coast did the full demo and found soft sheathing on the north side. They documented it, gave us a repair scope and cost on the spot, and got approval before proceeding. The HardiePlank installation is beautiful and I haven't touched the exterior since. Three years in and it looks exactly the same as the day it was installed."
"We went with HardiePanel vertical siding and it completely transformed the look of our home. Left Coast walked us through the board-and-batten layout options and helped us pick a color combination that worked with our roof. The install team was meticulous. The seams are tight, the trim is perfectly finished, and they left the site clean every single day. We've already had three neighbors ask who did the work."
"After years of dealing with rot on our cedar siding and painting it every five years, we finally made the switch to HardiePlank. Left Coast Exteriors handled the whole project: permit, removal, moisture barrier, installation, and the finished caulk details. The crew was on time every day and clearly knew what they were doing. It's been eighteen months and I haven't done a single thing to the exterior. That alone was worth the investment."
Financing Available
Siding replacement is one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make. We offer flexible financing so you can stop patching failing siding and get the 30-year solution your home actually needs.
James Hardie siding adds measurable resale value and often recoups 75–80% of project cost at sale.
Financing offered through third-party lenders. Subject to credit approval. Ask your project consultant for current terms and available programs.
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