5 min read · Hardie
Replacing a few boards in an existing Hardie installation means matching ColorPlus that's aged for years to new ColorPlus that hasn't. The matching is harder than people expect. Here's the framework.
Why exact matching is honestly difficult
ColorPlus naturally fades over UV exposure — typically subtle but real. New ColorPlus board next to weathered ColorPlus shows visible difference. The shade and intensity have shifted on the existing; the new is at factory color. Time will narrow the gap but not eliminate it.
How to order matching color
Identify the existing color from project documentation if available. If unknown, ColorPlus color samples can be compared against existing boards. Order the same ColorPlus color code; the new boards will be at factory color when delivered.
How much shift occurs over time
First 5 years: subtle fade; new vs. weathered may be visually similar at moderate viewing distance. 5-15 years: noticeable shift; new boards look distinctly newer. 15+ years: substantial shift on heavily-exposed elevations; new boards stand out. The shift varies by color (dark fades faster) and exposure (south/west fades faster).
Aging direction over time
Some colors fade lighter (cool colors lose saturation). Some fade slightly warmer (warm colors hold saturation but soften). ColorPlus formulation is engineered to fade gracefully rather than dramatically; the shift is real but not jarring.
Closing the gap after repair
New boards installed next to weathered boards will be visibly newer. Over 1-3 years of California sun, the new boards age partway toward the existing. The gap narrows substantially but doesn't fully close.
Aesthetic approaches when match isn't possible
Localized replacement with intentional contrast: paint the repaired area to match the existing instead of relying on ColorPlus match. Whole-elevation repaint: paint the entire elevation in matching field paint to eliminate the mismatch. Accept the mismatch: on rear or less-visible elevations, the visible difference may be acceptable.
Field paint over ColorPlus repair
Painting new ColorPlus boards to match weathered ColorPlus eliminates the visible difference. The factory warranty is replaced by field paint warranty; the ColorPlus benefit is lost on those specific boards. Trade-off worth considering on visible elevations.
Repair vs. partial re-side math
When repair-match issues are substantial (visible elevations, substantial board replacement), partial re-side (full elevation) sometimes serves better than spot repair. Whole-elevation new ColorPlus has at least consistent color, even though it doesn't match other elevations.
Sierra Siding's approach to repair color match
Honest expectations upfront — visible difference is real and unavoidable. We work with you to choose the best approach: ColorPlus match, painted match, full elevation, or accept visible repair. The decision is yours based on visibility and tolerance.
Hardie color match approaches for repair
| Approach | Visual outcome |
|---|---|
| ColorPlus match with weathered | Visibly newer; narrows over years |
| Field paint repaired area to match | Better visual match; loses ColorPlus warranty |
| Whole-elevation repaint | Consistent elevation; cost of broader paint |
| Accept visible repair | Most economical; aesthetic compromise |
| Partial re-side full elevation | Best visual; broader scope |
Key takeaways
- Exact color match between aged and new is impossible
- Time narrows the gap but doesn't close it fully
- Field paint over new boards can eliminate visible difference
- Visible repair location affects decision
FAQ
Quick Answers
Quality contractors are upfront; salespeople promising 'invisible repair' are usually overstating.
Sometimes the right answer; sometimes too much scope for the problem.
Sources
Authoritative references
External links to government, code, and manufacturer sources. Sierra Siding is not affiliated with these organizations; references are provided for verification.