Replacing tile hung exterior on bay windows with Hardie® Plank cladding in Bournemouth
The Existing Condition and Client Brief
This solid 1930s detached family home in Bournemouth is a classic example of British inter-war housing. The home features prominent, two-story canted bay windows—a recognisable hallmark of the era designed to maximise natural light—set against a traditional mix of red brick and roughcast render.
Originally, the exterior featured traditional hanging tiles separating the ground-floor and first-floor bay windows, as well as below the bays. Over the decades, these tiles had become heavily weathered, brittle, and tired-looking, with some slipping or missing entirely. The customer’s primary goal was a complete visual transformation. They wanted to modernize the tired façade with a sharp, contemporary finish that significantly elevated the home’s curb appeal, all while respecting the classic wide proportions and architectural lines of their 1930s property.
Solution - Evening Blue Hardie® Plank Weatherboard
Following a comprehensive site assessment, James Hardie® Plank weatherboard cladding was specified to replace the problematic hanging tiles.
Fibre cement cladding is the ultimate modern upgrade for traditional tile-hung bays. It provides a flawless, overlapping aesthetic but offers vastly superior durability. To create a striking contrast against the original red brick and roughcast render, the customer selected the vibrant Evening Blue finish. This provided a beautiful, contemporary twist that enhanced the property’s curb appeal without detracting from its inter-war heritage.
Project Quick Facts & Specifications
- Location: Bournemouth
- Service Type: Hanging Tile Removal and Exterior Cladding Installation
- Quality Assurance: Hardie® Plank Preferred installer
- Core Materials: Hardie® Plank Fibre Cement Cladding (Colour: Evening Blue)
- Substrate Preparation: Complete removal of existing hanging tiles, old battens, and debris
- Key Benefits: Zero-maintenance, wind and weather resistant, UV-stable colour retention
- Hardie® Plank Product Warranty Product Warranty: 15 Years
- Workmanship Guarantee: 10 Years
The Material Consultation
During the consultation, we discussed the vulnerability of traditional hanging tiles, especially in coastal areas like Bournemouth where driving rain and wind can easily dislodge them. By demonstrating the strength of Hardie Plank—which is engineered from advanced fibre cement—the customer was assured that their new bay window cladding would never rot, warp, crack, or blow off. The Evening Blue colour was chosen from the James Hardie ColourPlus™ range, guaranteeing a fade-resistant finish that never requires repainting.
Installing the HardieⓇ Plank Cladding System
The installation began with the careful removal of all the existing hanging tiles. As fully licensed waste carriers, we adapt our waste management to the size of the job—in this case, rather than taking up space on the customer’s driveway with a skip, we transported the old materials back to our dedicated yard for disposal. Upon exposing the substrate, we thoroughly assessed the cavity. The existing insulation was found to be sufficient and in excellent condition, so the customer opted to retain it. We then prepared the structural exterior by installing a high-quality breather membrane alongside a new treated timber batten framework. The Evening Blue Hardie® Plank weatherboards were then expertly fitted, integrating the necessary ventilation strips to ensure proper system airflow, and finalized with matching external trims for a sharp, seamless finish.
The Final Result
The transformation instantly refreshed the 1930s property, replacing the degraded, dusty hanging tiles with clean, sharp architectural lines.
The Evening Blue Hardie® Plank perfectly complements the original red brickwork and white uPVC window frames, delivering a standout aesthetic. Most importantly, the customer now benefits from a high-performance, weather-tight exterior envelope around their bay windows that requires absolutely zero maintenance or painting for decades to come.
Hardie® Plank Cladding – Key Questions
What is Hardie® Plank made from?
Hardie Plank is manufactured from high-quality fibre cement—a unique composite of cellulose fibre, Portland cement, sand, and water. This makes it incredibly strong, fire-resistant, and entirely impervious to rot and pests.
Is Hardie® Plank better than traditional hanging tiles?
Yes. Traditional tiles are brittle, heavy, and prone to slipping or cracking over time, especially in high winds. Hardie Plank is securely screwed into a timber subframe, meaning it will never rattle, dislodge, or blow off, providing superior weather protection.
Will the Evening Blue colour fade in the sun?
No. James Hardie® cladding features proprietary ColourPlus™ Technology. The colour is baked directly into the boards at the factory, making it highly resistant to UV fading, chipping, and peeling. It never requires repainting.
Is this system low maintenance?
Absolutely. Fibre cement cladding is a true “install and forget” product. Unlike timber or render, it only requires an occasional wash with a garden hose to keep it looking brand new.