Hardie VL Plank installation - Butt joints in vertical cladding and sealing cut ends query

[andeebee]

My builder sold me on the idea of Hardie VL Plank as a means to cover my extension, so I went for it as it does seem to give a clean modern look used on many new builds these days.

I didnt know they hadnt used the system before, otherwise I probably would have thought twice about my decision, with my house being the training run.

I am having the cladding running vertically, my choice. I have an over hang and it was supposed to follow this, however the overhang cladding was wood and it ended up running parallel to the house, but thats another story.

 

Where some of the lengths of plank have been cut, they make a butt joint. My query is , is this an acceptable method for continuing a run. All the brochures of course show seamless runs of continuous planks. I did find a guide on using butt joints and it advised using some flashing underneath.

Just curious to your opinion.

Also the guides all talk about sealing the cut ends. I have noticed quite a few ends that are not sealed. What is the downside of this if not sealed/painted.

 

Also this section by the door has been ripped out of a plank and then joined with a butt joint. The upper section is not supported by the rail that supports those sections to the left and it meets a not straight rip cut with a butt joint.

I dont think its right, but again welcome your opinion and feedback.

 

Also the section on the left under the trim you can see unsealed ends, this continues along this trim, you can see the bare cement through the holes in the trim.

 

Can a section be replaced easily, or does the whole side need to come off to get to the problem board?

 

Edited 11 hours ago by andeebee

[Mr Punter]

It is best to seal all the cuts with their touch up paint but I think it is more for aesthetics than durability.  With a butt join it would be best to have factory finished ends and join on a support.