IL License Number: 104.017181
IL License Number: 104.017181
CASE STUDY – MARCH 2026
June Kuszynski first noticed the sound. A sharp, rhythmic clapping which seemed to come from somewhere inside the house. At first, she assumed it was coming from upstairs, but the true source was revealed when she stepped outside.
Along the side wall of her Hoffman Estates home, the siding panels were visibly shifting with each gust of wind, opening gaps wide enough to fit a hand through.
When she called Holda Construction, Mariusz was instantly reassuring. “We see this kind of problem almost every day,” he explained. The two scheduled an appointment for an inspection, and our crew was quick to follow up.
The photos June texted us suggested around $500 worth of work. A few panels re-nailed, problem solved.
But before that number became a quote, our lead foreman, with Holda since 2015, drove to Hoffman Estates to see the wall himself. The findings proved more than a simple exterior repair.
Every single panel had been installed the same way: nails landing in the OSB sheathing (the flat board between the siding and the structural framing) instead of in the 2×4 studs behind it. And this didn’t just happen on one or two panels: it continued through all of them. James Hardie does allow nailing into OSB, but only with a specific fastener designed for that application: a shorter nail with a different head size than the one used for stud attachment. The original crew didn’t use that nail. Seven years of wind on the poorly attached boards told the rest of the story.
This failure pattern shows up on newer homes more than most homeowners realize. New construction crews move fast, and some nail into the OSB because it holds on day one. However, James Hardie weighs 2.3 lbs per square foot and, even with the correct OSB-specific fastener, stud attachment is more reliable long-term. With standard nails in sheathing alone, panels shift across years of wind and seasonal movement: slipping out of place, and then clapping.
There was a second finding: between the siding and the concrete foundation, there was no flashing. James Hardie requires a minimum of six inches between ground and the bottom of the siding, and their guides state that the manufacturer takes no responsibility for water damage if the water-resistive barrier isn’t properly installed. In Chicago’s freeze-thaw climate, proper drainage is essential. Snow sits at the base of Illinois walls for months. Without flashing, water works beneath the siding and into the plywood, creating invisible damage which builds year after year.
These findings led to a revised scope and revised price: $1,500.
The repair included:
As Mariusz explained during the project, the choice of a stainless steel fastener is especially important in repair situations. While James Hardie requires corrosion-resistant fasteners, typically hot-dipped galvanized, this standard is often sufficient for hidden (blind) nailing.
In this case, however, all fasteners were face-nailed and therefore exposed to the elements. Even properly manufactured galvanized nails can develop corrosion over time if the protective coating is compromised. Using stainless steel eliminates that risk and provides long-term durability, particularly in climates influenced by moisture and temperature variation.
As part of the consultation, Holda also provided an option to replace the entire side wall.
June chose to go with the repair over replacement, since the siding was still in good condition.
The crew arrived the following morning, and the project was completed in one day.
Approximately 150 stainless steel nails were installed, each driven perpendicular to the siding and into structural framing, in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Flashing was installed at the base of the wall, and all necessary caulking was completed.
Since the repaired wall was not visible from the street, an optional painting service was discussed to create a uniform appearance. June declined the additional work, since the area is hidden.
Final Walkthrough and Additional Detail
At the conclusion of the project, Mariusz conducted a final walkthrough with June.
During the inspection, he identified cracked caulking around the window frames—an issue that had not been part of the original request. The crew addressed and sealed all window frames before completing the job, with no additional cost.
According to James Hardie specifications, these joints are required seal points and play an important role in preventing water intrusion.
The siding panels that had previously moved with each gust of wind were now securely anchored to the structural framing.
A seven-year-old installation issue, hidden beneath the surface, was identified and corrected in a single day.
This repair was effective because the siding material itself remained in good condition.
James Hardie siding carries a 30-year non-prorated warranty, and the HZ5 product line is designed specifically for climates like Chicago. At seven years old, the siding still had substantial useful life remaining.
The issue was not the product, but the installation method.
Fill out the form below to get started!
📞 FREE Consultations (Call or Text):
847.847.2883
Are You Facing Something Similar?
Call or text Mariusz at (847) 847-2883. He’ll come to the house, look at the wall, and tell you exactly what he sees — whether that’s a $1,500 repair or something else entirely.
Guides project planning and key homeowner decisions. Sets standards and approves final deliverables.
Coordinates scheduling, materials, permits, and day-to-day communications.
Leads the crew on site; directs daily work; manages walkthroughs and quality control.
Siding installations.
Siding installations.
Gutter and downspout installations.
Gutter and downspout installations.
Full roof replacements.
