More specifically, should the batten boards be caulked along the edge to seal the gaps (and to make it better/cleaner looking in general)? The installers for some reason, caulked the north and south side of the homes, but not the east and west sides (I think one resource did the north/south sides and the other two did the east/west sides). I looked through an official James Hardie install guide and it specifically lays out the guidelines of where to and where not to caulk.... but makes zero mentions if you are installing battens and what to do to those.

I was talking to the sales guy when he swung by after the project was complete and mentioned it to him. He says there was probably a reason for that but didn't know.... but could see the wheels turning in his head trying to come up with something. I still have a walkthrough with the Project Manger in a few days and will bring it up to him, but would not like to get taken advantage of because they are too lazy to do it. Or maybe they have legit reasons to do it on two of the four sides.

FYI - This company is an official James Hardie installers with pretty good reviews on Google. I'm just not sure if the I got a lazy crew, I'm being too picky, etc. Thanks in advance!

Need to side my 12x16’ studio I’ve built myself. Applying on top of zip panels. Want a board and batten style.

I can’t find smooth LP panels, only textured. Though I’m told they’re available by some.

One place tells me they sell TruWood panels that are smooth, but I can’t find anything on TruWood’s website that says they offer it.

Then there’s Hardie Panels. I love the look but the increased cost, difficulty in pickup and installation (I,e., cant do it myself), and the dust makes me hesitant.

Can anyone help point me in the right direction? I have an 8’ rear wall and a lean to roof leading to a 10’ front wall if that’s important.