We are in the process of new home construction. We thought we wanted the fiber cement product Hardy board but have been told that it has very detailed instructions for installing to get any warranty covering. Also, am wondering about the overlapping. We were told the only attachment is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch from top under overlap but nothing to secure the bottom portion to prevent weather/bugs/etc from getting under overlap. Was told to check CanExcel because of overlap locking system. Any thoughts from experienced home owners or installers? Home is in extreme weather, windy and cold/hot.

I have had two homes with Hardy board, and I really like the product for its durability and sound insulation. Of course, I haven't had to install any of it, but watching the crew that did some painting for me last year replace 2 runs, it didn't appear to be difficult at all. I know nothing at all about CanExcel and can't offer an opinion.

CanExcel, Hardi, siding like many other sidings have their own drawbacks.
Using Hardi board siding in my opinion is the right way to go. Most of the higher end homes in our area use this stuff. We use it on our addition work we do. If your worried about install. Contact the manufacture for listings of certified installers in your area that will properly install it and provide you with the warranty assurance your looking for.

I just finished 8" lap Hardie install. When this stuff first arrived in my driveway I thought I would return it all. Seemed whimpie (flexible). Was especially worried because going over 1" foam. After getting some of it up I changed my mind. We made sure all nails hit studs and once a few nails go in the stuff stiffens up even though bottom not nailed. If you look around you can find a few places where it doesn't lay perfectly flat but I don't think its a big deal.
Also used some of their 16"x48" shingle panels & they look really good.
Shadow lines concern some folks but all depends how much time you spend staring at your siding.

This is to "Stumped": Did you install your HardieShingle in the winter? If so, did you have problems with brittleness? We are using Canexcel siding but are considering the HardieShingle for gables so wanted to know how well it held up to cold weather installations. It is also VERY windy here in the winter - another issue.