Previously Todd Thackray wrote:

 We are having a Lane Williams remodel done and have specified Hardipanel in a rainscreen application.  The contractor is balking at the prospect, in particular when it comes to painting.  Spraying would leave a stripe on the vapor barrier at each panel gap, and he doesn't like the idea of pre-painting before installation.  It would involve a lot of staging on a small site and he is also worried about dirt and damage on the finish. 

I found some pre-painted Hardipanel on the website: Jame Hardie.  Any thoughts on using this product?

Here is a link to the project: Coop15.

I'm hoping to get a much less expensive installation than Cembonit, but still have the same look and durability.

Hi Todd,

Love the design! Of course, we have similar taste choosing Coop15 for architecture.  I think I've seen your design pics at their office. 

We also considered doing Hardie panel, but decided to stick with Cembonit since we really wanted to avoid having to ever paint the house.  I looked at that James Hardie site...do they panels really come pre-painted or just primed?  Our previous house had Hardieplank siding and it came primed a dingy beige color, but had to be painted.  It's quality siding and the paint held up well over 5 years.  Still, we're excited about using the cembonit and the distinctive look it makes.

Your contractor's concerns are valid ones.  You may need to consider the added time and labor it would take to pre-paint and install the Hardie panel vs. cembonit or other siding.

Have you started construction yet? Best of luck!

Julie