FAQs

Trusted Exterior Experts Transforming Your Home.

Siding & Material Choices

What makes James Hardie siding better for North Texas than vinyl or wood?

Unlike wood, fiber cement siding will not rot or attract rodents and pests, and unlike vinyl, it will not melt or crack under the intense Texas heat. It is “Engineered for Climate®” to handle the high humidity and volatile storm seasons common in the DFW Metroplex.

Yes. Hawkins specializes in repairing and replacing sections of the home where leaky siding has caused rot or where critters have chewed through the exterior.

This is Hardie Best Practice. It ensures that Hawkins follows strict installation specifications required to maintain your 30-year non-prorated manufacturer warranty.

Yes, in addition to being a James Hardie specialist, Hawkins installs LP SmartSide, vinyl, and traditional wood siding. If you choose James Hardie, the finish is designed to resist fading, chipping, and peeling, staying vibrant for years without the need for constant scraping and repainting.

Trim & Accents FAQ

These are the essential trim components of your home’s exterior that bridge the gap between your siding and your roofline:

  • Soffit: The material installed on the underside of your roof’s overhang.
  • Fascia: The forward-facing board that runs along the edge of the roof (where gutters are usually attached).
  • Frieze Board: A decorative horizontal trim piece found at the top of a finished wall, right where the siding meets the soffit.

Updating these elements alongside your siding ensures a cohesive look and superior protection. Old wood soffits are often the first place rodents and pests attempt to enter a home. We offer James Hardie trim options that are resistant to rot and pests, ensuring your entire exterior is as durable as your new siding.

Pricing FAQs

How much does James Hardie siding cost compared to other materials?

While the initial investment for James Hardie fiber cement is typically higher than vinyl, it offers superior long-term value due to its durability, lower maintenance requirements, and potential for lower insurance premiums.

Pricing is determined by the total sq footage surface area, the specific product style (such as Hardie® Plank, Shingle, or Panel), and the color collection you choose.

Yes, our comprehensive estimates cover the full scope of the project, including the professional removal and disposal of old materials and any necessary repairs to the underlying structure.

Hawkins prides itself on transparency through the “Hawkins Handshake.” If we discover rot or pest issues during the project, our team will know and we will discuss the repair costs with you upfront before proceeding.

To ensure your consultant can provide the most accurate bid, it helps to have the following ready:

  • Identify “Trouble Spots”: Point out any areas where you’ve noticed peeling paint, soft wood (rot), or holes where rodents might be entering.
  • Think About “Add-Ons”: Since Hawkins provides a single point of accountability, consider if you also need window replacements, new gutters, or a front door upgrade to be bundled into the quote.
  • Browse Styles: Explore different looks like Hardie® Plank (Lap), Hardie® Shingle, or Hardie® Panel (Vertical). You can visit the James Hardie website to see the full collection and find your preferred aesthetic.
  • Clear the Perimeter: If possible, ensure the area around your home’s exterior is accessible so the consultant can perform a thorough measurement and inspection.

Window Replacement & Installation FAQs

How long does the window installation process typically take?

For a standard residential project (10–15 windows), installation usually takes 1 to 2 business days. On average, our crew spends 45 to 90 minutes per window.

●      Timeline Factors: Total window count, current frame condition (e.g., wood rot), and weather conditions.

●      Minimal Disruption: We work one room at a time to ensure your home remains secure and temperature-controlled throughout the day.

  • Glass Replacement (IGU): This is a cost-effective option if your frames are structurally sound but the seal has failed, causing a “foggy” appearance. It is primarily recommended for newer vinyl or fiberglass windows to restore clarity and basic insulation.
  • Full Unit Replacement: This is the recommended route for homeowners with original aluminum windows. If frames are rotting, warped, or drafty, replacing just the glass is a “Band-Aid” fix. A full unit replacement is the only way to achieve maximum energy efficiency, as it replaces the aged seal between the window and the house wall itself.
  • Monthly Savings: Homeowners replacing older, inefficient windows typically see a reduction of 12% to 30% in monthly heating and cooling costs.
  • The “Comfort ROI”: Beyond the utility bill, new units eliminate cold drafts in the winter and the “Oven Effect”, that radiating heat you feel standing near an old window in the summer.
  • UV Protection: Modern Low-E coatings block up to 95% of UV rays, which helps prevent your furniture, rugs, and hardwood floors from fading over time.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: While high-end branded units exist, we focus on general energy-efficient upgrades that provide these savings without the excessive price tag of specialty luxury lines.
  • Original Aluminum: Many older homes have original aluminum frames, which are highly conductive and less energy-efficient than modern materials. Full replacement is usually advised for these.
  • Vinyl and Fiberglass: These materials offer better insulation properties. When these frames are in good condition, they are the best candidates for simple glass-only replacements if a seal fails.

Yes. Strategically, it is the most effective way to protect your home for two main reasons:

  • Proper Flashing: Doing both at once ensures that the window flashing is installed correctly behind the new siding, creating a watertight seal.
  • Protecting Your Investment: Installing windows after new siding is already up often requires removing or adjusting the siding trim, which can lead to accidental damage to the new materials.

Gutters, Painting & More FAQs

1. Can I choose any color for my residential painting project?

Yes! You have complete freedom to choose any color for your home’s exterior. We work with industry-leading palettes to ensure a perfect match. Hawkins Siding & Exteriors offers professional color consultations to help you select a shade that boosts curb appeal based on your home’s architecture and natural lighting.

On average, a standard project takes 3 to 5 days. However, the exact timeline depends on the square footage, the amount of prep work (like power washing or sanding), and local weather conditions. We provide a detailed project schedule during your initial consultation.

Absolutely. We back our craftsmanship with a comprehensive satisfaction warranty. Our painting services include a multi-year warranty against peeling and blistering, while our gutter installations are guaranteed to function correctly to ensure rainwater is diverted safely away from your home.

We use premium 100% acrylic latex paints specifically formulated to withstand the harsh Texas climate. These high-grade paints offer superior adhesion and maximum UV resistance to prevent fading. We typically partner with top-tier brands like Sherwin-Williams to ensure a long-lasting finish.

For most Texas home exteriors, we recommend a Satin finish; it offers a soft luster that hides surface imperfections while remaining easy to clean. For architectural details like trim, shutters, and doors, a Semi-Gloss is preferred to provide a sharp contrast and extra durability.

Our seamless gutters come factory-pre-painted with a durable, baked-on enamel finish. This industrial-grade coating is significantly more resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading than traditional house paint.

Yes, we install high-performance gutter screening systems designed to keep leaves, debris, and pests out of your troughs. Gutter screens are essential for preventing clogs and reducing seasonal maintenance. By installing a guard, you ensure that rainwater flows freely away from your home, protecting your siding from water damage.

A chimney cap acts as a protective shield. It prevents rainwater from entering the flue (which can cause internal damage), keeps out nesting animals, and stops sparks from escaping onto your roof. It is a simple, cost-effective way to extend the life of your chimney system.

Installation & Process

How long does a typical siding installation take?

On average, a siding project can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the project.

During the inspection tear off, we always go above and beyond. We don’t just “cover up” problems. If we discover underlying water damage, compromised insulation, or wood rot in the framing, we address those structural issues immediately. This ensures your new siding is installed over a solid, dry, and secure foundation.

By replacing old, wooden trim and siding with fiber cement, we create a sealed “envelope” around your house. This prevents moisture from seeping into your rafters and keeps rodents and pests from nesting in your attic or walls. During the inspection tear off, we always go above and beyond to ensure every layer of your home’s exterior is protected before the final boards go up.

Yes, it is non-combustible. Because it does not burn easily, it offers an extra layer of protection and may even help lower your home insurance premiums.

No. Because fiber cement is dimensionally stable (it doesn’t expand and contract like wood), it holds paint much longer. You can expect a professional paint job on James Hardie siding to last an average of 10 to 20 years before needing a refresh.

While the manufacturer covers the product, Hawkins provides a 5-year workmanship warranty to ensure the job was installed correctly the first time.

The Ultimate Home Siding FAQ: A Homeowner’s Guide

At Hawkins Siding & Exteriors, we categorize siding into four main material groups. Each offers distinct advantages for durability, maintenance, and aesthetics:

  • Fiber Cement Siding (James Hardie): The industry leader for fire resistance and longevity. It is engineered to withstand the Texas climate without warping or rotting.
  • Engineered Wood Siding (LP SmartSide): Combines the beauty of wood with advanced resins for extreme impact resistance and protection against termites.
  • Vinyl Siding: A versatile, cost-effective, and low-maintenance choice that never requires painting.
  • Traditional Wood Siding: Natural cedar or pine options for a classic, high-end architectural look.

As Elite Preferred James Hardie installers, we provide specialized styles to fit any architectural design:

  • HardiePlank® Lap Siding (Horizontal): The most popular siding in America. It offers a timeless, traditional look with various textures (smooth or wood-grain).
  • HardiePanel® Vertical Siding: Perfect for modern farmhouse styles or contemporary designs. It provides clean, vertical lines that can make a home appear taller.
  • HardieShingle® Siding (Shingle/Shake): Mimics the look of handcrafted cedar shingles. It’s ideal for gables or accent walls to add texture and “Cape Cod” charm.
  • Premium Hardie™ Artisan Siding: The luxury choice. Part of the Aspirational Collection, these extra-thick boards offer deep shadow lines and mitered corners for a high-end, custom-built appearance.

A high-quality installation is a multi-layered system designed to protect your home’s structural integrity. Our process includes:

  • Full Teardown & Inspection: We remove old siding to inspect for hidden rot, water damage, or pest issues in the wall studs.
  • Weather-Resistant Barrier (House Wrap): We wrap the home in a specialized membrane (like HardieWrap®) to prevent moisture from reaching the wood while allowing the house to “breathe.”
  • Advanced Flashing & Taping: We apply waterproof tape and metal flashing around windows, doors, and corners to prevent the #1 cause of home damage: water intrusion.
  • Precision Fastening: Following strict manufacturer specifications for nail placement to ensure your siding stays secure during high-wind events.
  • Trim, Soffit, & Fascia: We complete the look by installing matching or contrasting trim and eaves for a seamless finish.
  • High-Grade Caulking & Sealants: We use flexible, solar-resistant sealants at all joints to handle natural expansion and contraction.

Total Site Cleanup: We perform a thorough magnetic sweep of your property to ensure no nails or construction debris are left behind

New siding is one of the highest-ROI (Return on Investment) home improvements. It improves curb appeal for resale and, when paired with modern house wraps and insulation, significantly reduces energy bills by eliminating drafts and thermal bridging.

We are not just contractors; we are specialists. Holding the James Hardie Elite Preferred status means our work is audited by the manufacturer to ensure your 30-year warranty is fully protected. We focus on transparent communication and master-level craftsmanship for every DFW homeowner.

Door Services FAQs

How do I know if it’s time to replace my exterior doors?

Common signs include visible drafts, difficulty opening or closing the door, moisture trapped between glass panes, or physical damage like warping, rot, or rusting. If your energy bills are rising, your old door may be the culprit.

  • Fiberglass (The “All-Arounder”): This is the most versatile option, offering the premium look of natural wood with zero risk of rot. It is highly scratch-resistant, requires very low maintenance, and can be painted or pre-finished to match your home’s design.
  • Steel (The Economic Choice): Steel is an economical and budget-friendly option. These units are often hollow and are most commonly recommended for utility areas, such as the entrance to a garage, where functional durability is the priority.
  • Wood (The Premium Classic): Wood is the top choice for historical accuracy and unmatched natural beauty. However, it is a high-maintenance material that requires frequent staining or sealing to protect it from moisture and environmental wear.
  • Sliding Glass Doors (The Light Maximizer): Unlike traditional swing doors, sliding glass doors are designed to maximize natural light and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. They are a specialized service focused on enhancing the “flow” of the home while maintaining energy efficiency.
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  • For both entry doors and sliding glass doors, you can tailor the glass to balance privacy and natural light:

    • Glass Configurations: You can choose how much glass is integrated into the door unit with full-light, half-light, and quarter-light
    • Pane & Grid Styles: We offer multiple pane configurations and decorative grids to ensure the new unit matches the style of your home’s existing window openings.
  • To complete your door’s look, we offer a wide range of custom hardware finishes:

    • Complete Sets: You can select matching finishes for handles, locks, and hinges.
    • Aesthetic Coordination: These options allow you to coordinate your door’s hardware with your home’s existing interior and exterior design elements.

Yes. Beyond standard replacements, doors can be customized through the following structural and stylistic configurations:

  • Structural Modifications: Walls can be knocked out to expand openings, accommodate larger door systems, or convert windows into sliding glass doors.
  • Versatile Configurations: Installations include various styles such as 4-panel sliders and French doors.
  • Specialized Focus: All custom work is integrated into the home’s specific siding and exterior

FAQs on Painting, Gutters & More!

Can I choose any color for my residential painting project?

Yes! You have complete freedom to choose any color for your home’s exterior. We work with industry-leading palettes to ensure a perfect match. Hawkins Siding & Exteriors offers professional color consultations to help you select a shade that boosts curb appeal based on your home’s architecture and natural lighting.

On average, a standard project takes 3 to 5 days. However, the exact timeline depends on the square footage, the amount of prep work (like power washing or sanding), and local weather conditions. We provide a detailed project schedule during your initial consultation.

Absolutely. We back our craftsmanship with a comprehensive satisfaction warranty. Our painting services include a multi-year warranty against peeling and blistering, while our gutter installations are guaranteed to function correctly to ensure rainwater is diverted safely away from your home.

We use premium 100% acrylic latex paints specifically formulated to withstand the harsh Texas climate. These high-grade paints offer superior adhesion and maximum UV resistance to prevent fading. We typically partner with top-tier brands like Sherwin-Williams to ensure a long-lasting finish.

For most Texas home exteriors, we recommend a Satin finish; it offers a soft luster that hides surface imperfections while remaining easy to clean. For architectural details like trim, shutters, and doors, a Semi-Gloss is preferred to provide a sharp contrast and extra durability.

Our seamless gutters come factory-pre-painted with a durable, baked-on enamel finish. This industrial-grade coating is significantly more resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading than traditional house paint.

Yes, we install high-performance gutter screening systems designed to keep leaves, debris, and pests out of your troughs. Gutter screens are essential for preventing clogs and reducing seasonal maintenance. By installing a guard, you ensure that rainwater flows freely away from your home, protecting your siding from water damage.

A chimney cap acts as a protective shield. It prevents rainwater from entering the flue (which can cause internal damage), keeps out nesting animals, and stops sparks from escaping onto your roof. It is a simple, cost-effective way to extend the life of your chimney system.

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