Beautiful James Hardie siding and trim can make any home stand out and shine with personality. Their strong fiber cement makeup means you’ll enjoy lasting performance—but it also means you need to plan carefully if you want to attach something to your siding.
If you desire to hang Christmas lights, outdoor lighting, house numbers, security cameras, or decorative items on your exterior, follow these steps to do so successfully, while protecting your investment and warranty in your Hardie® siding.
How to Hang Items from Hardie Siding Successfully
Because Hardie siding and trim are so sturdy, you will need to do more than simply hammer in a nail like you would do with wood. Here’s what to do:
Gather the Correct Tools for the Job
Get started by gathering everything you need for success before you begin to work on the project. Review all the tools to see if they can handle fiber cement (not all can do so). Some handy tools include a nail gun, a power drill designed for fiber cement, a carbide drill bit, cement board screws or nails specifically made for use with fiber cement, hangers that attach to siding, adhesive hooks, and caulking to fill any gaps.
Consider What You’re Hanging, and Purchase Supplies Accordingly
What you plan to attach to your Hardie siding and trim should dictate what you buy.
If you’re installing Christmas lights, look on the packaging to be sure they’re made for use with fiber cement. Use special clips that attach the lights without damaging siding. It’s also wise to invest in LED lights, which are energy-efficient and less of a fire hazard than incandescent bulbs
If you’re hanging décor, adhesives designed for Hardie siding will work better than regular glue. Clean the surface of your siding first, so that the adhesive attaches smoothly and securely.
Take Proper Safety Precautions
Whenever working with fiber cement boards, screws, and nails, it’s important to wear sturdy safety equipment. Wear gloves designed for carpentry work to protect from sharp edges, and use eye goggles to keep your eyes safe from dust and debris as you work.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines for Drilling
James Hardie offers specific recommendations for how to make holes in its products that you should follow to protect your warranty. Because Hardie siding and trim is made of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose, it is best to use masonry bits for drilling small holes. For larger holes, a carbide-tipped hole saw is a good choice. Purchase a tool that’s specifically designed for cutting fiber cement.
Invest in Hanging Materials Designed for Fiber Cement
The average nail or screw won’t be strong enough to penetrate Hardie boards; if you try to use them, they could cause damage. Instead, look for nails or screws that specifically say they are made for use with fiber cement boards.
Better yet, use hangers or adhesive hooks, which can be attached and removed without damaging your Hardie siding. These are the best solution for hanging items without having to penetrate fiber cement surfaces.
Drill a Hole and Caulk Before Hanging Items
Follow the proper order of getting your siding ready to hold attachments. First, mark the spots where you want to drill holes or attach adhesives with a carpenter’s pencil. Measure to make sure spacing is even, and everything is positioned properly. Then, drill a pilot hole to help avoid any accidental cracks in your siding.
Attach Your Lights, Décor, or Cameras with Care
Once holes are drilled, drive in nails or screws straight (not at an angle), and stop when the head is slightly below the siding’s surface. Caulk over nail holes to prevent moisture intrusion. If you use adhesives or hangers, set them carefully in place. Finally, hang the lights, décor, or cameras so they are set securely against your siding. Congrats—you’re done!
Love Your Siding for Years to Come with the Expert Guidance of Smart Exteriors
You deserve to enjoy a beautiful Kansas City home that delivers lasting performance and value. And our trusted local team at Smart Exteriors is here to help you achieve your vision. Whether you have questions about caring for new Hardie siding that we’ve installed, or whether you’re ready for upgrades to refresh your exterior, we do the job right the first time, with materials built to last.
Start dreaming of the possibilities by browsing our gallery of completed projects—and envision your home upgrades coming to life.
