Predictika · Fiber cement siding orders

An AI sales agent's siding order, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent prepares an order for HardiePlank lap siding from the public James Hardie product and installation documents: the product zone, plank width, finish, exposure, framing, nailing method, fasteners, topcoat and clearances. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of those published rules and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.

Scope: James Hardie HardiePlank lap siding on flat vertical walls: product zone, plank width and finish, exposure, framing, fasteners, topcoat and clearances. See everything this validator covers

This validator models HardiePlank lap siding orders using the public James Hardie specification sheet and installation instructions, not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Product zone and finish — HZ5 and HZ10 products against the location zone, the plank widths made in each finish, and the finish warranty stated on the order.
  • Plank width and exposure — the listed maximum exposure for each width (4.0 to 10.75 in.), the coverage per 12 ft plank, and the coverage and length stated on the order.
  • Framing and fastening — wood, steel or OSB framing, stud spacing up to 24 in., blind or face nailing, the listed fastener type and length for each, OSB thickness and face nailing limits on OSB.
  • Topcoat and clearances — paint within 180 days on primed product, acrylic topcoats, clearance to ground, above flashing and at the gutter, and the rule against caulking the flashing gap.

Any HardiePlank lap siding order on a flat vertical wall is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: prices (James Hardie publishes no price list, so this validator produces no price build-up), other James Hardie products, trim, soffit and panels, and local code. Assumptions: the HZ10 installation sheet gives the fastener tables and the HZ5 quick-start sheets do not, so the HZ10 fastener rules are applied to both products; face nailing and foam sheathing thicker than 1 in. go to a person.

The AI sales agentBuilds the siding order from the builder's request and says it is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

7 scenarios in 3 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
Plank widths, finishes and zonesOnly with care
A matrix of seven widths, two finishes and two product zones to keep in step with the documents.		Each width, finish and zone is checked together on every call.
Fastener type and length by framingOnly with care
A lookup of fastener and length for each framing and nailing method, with banned types on top.		The listed fastener and length are looked up and compared on every call.
Maximum exposure from the plank widthOnly with workarounds
A lookup table plus an extra rule comparing the exposure on the quote with it.		The maximum exposure is computed from the width and compared with the quote.
A stated figure that disagrees with the documentsOnly with workarounds
Stated coverage, length and warranty are separate fields and each needs an extra rule against the published value.		Each stated figure is part of the request and is compared with the published figure on every call.
A choice the documents allow but prefer againstOnly with workarounds
Rules know pass or fail; a preference such as blind over face nailing has to be built as a special rule.		It goes to a person as needs approval, neither passed nor blocked.
Every problem returned in one answerOnly with workarounds
Rules tend to fire as the order is saved or a step is completed, so a rep often fixes one error and meets the next.		All findings come back together, whatever order the choices arrived in.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the quote; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1The exposure of 6.25 in. is more than the maximum exposure of 6.0 in. for this plank width (1-1/4 in. minimum overlap).
2The exposure of 7.0 in. is more than the maximum exposure of 6.75 in. for this plank width (1-1/4 in. minimum overlap).
3The exposure of 11.0 in. is more than the maximum exposure of 10.75 in. for this plank width (1-1/4 in. minimum overlap).
4This plank width is made primed only in this product zone, so a ColorPlus finish is not available for it.
5HZ10 product is made for HZ10 locations; installing it outside an HZ10 location voids the warranty.
6HardiePlank lap siding may be installed on flat vertical walls only; it is not for fascia, trim or sloped surfaces.
7The studs are spaced 25 in. on center; HardiePlank needs wood or steel studs spaced 24 in. on center at most.
8Direct fastening to OSB needs sheathing at least 7/16 in. thick; the quote has 0.375 in.
9Aluminum fasteners, staples and clipped-head nails must not be used with HardiePlank.
10The fastener on the quote is not one of the fasteners listed for this framing and nailing method.
11The fastener is 1.0 in. long; the listed fastener for this framing and nailing method is 1.25 in. long.
12The fastener is 1.25 in. long; the listed fastener for this framing and nailing method is 1.5 in. long.
13Face nailing is for areas where the building code requires it for high wind; blind nailing is the preferred method, so a person should confirm the code requirement.
14When face nailing to OSB, planks must be no more than 9-1/4 in. wide; the quote has 12 in. planks.
15When face nailing to OSB, fasteners must be 12 in. on center or closer; the quote has 14 in.
16Stain, oil or alkyd paint and powder coating must not be used on James Hardie products.
17James Hardie recommends 100% acrylic topcoats; a person should confirm that the paint is acceptable.
18Primed product must be painted within 180 days; the quote plans 181 days.
19The siding clearance to the ground is 5.5 in.; it must be at least 6 in. (USA).
20The gap above flashing is 0.125 in.; it must be at least 1/4 in.
21The gap between the siding and flashing must not be caulked.
22The clearance at the gutter is 0.5 in.; it must be at least 1 in.
23The quote states a plank length of 16 ft, but HardiePlank lap siding is listed in 12 ft lengths.
24The quote states a 50 year product warranty, but the listed HardiePlank product warranty is 30 years (non-prorated).
25The quote states a 15 year finish warranty, but primed product has no ColorPlus finish warranty.
26The quote states a 25 year finish warranty, but the listed ColorPlus limited finish warranty is 15 years.
27The quote states 7.0 sq ft of coverage per plank, but a 12 ft plank at the quoted exposure covers 6.0 sq ft.
28Foam sheathing of 1.5 in. is thicker than the 1 in. covered by the installation sheets read here; a person should check the James Hardie foam installation bulletin.
29The exposure of 9.0 in. is more than the maximum exposure of 8.0 in. for this plank width (1-1/4 in. minimum overlap).
30The siding clearance to the ground is 3.0 in.; it must be at least 6 in. (USA).

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. Framing and fastening: An apartment block order for 300 planks on steel studs spaced too far apart, with a screw that is too short

    
The agent's request. Please quote 300 HardiePlank lap siding planks, 7-1/4 in. wide, HZ5 product for an HZ5 location, primed finish, at 6 in. exposure, on steel framing with studs 30 in. on center, blind nailed with 1 in. wafer-head screws. The order states 6 sq ft of coverage per plank, a 30 year product warranty. Clearance to the ground is 6 in.. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Stud spacing over 24 in.. The studs are spaced 30 in. on center; HardiePlank needs wood or steel studs spaced 24 in. on center at most.
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  • Fastener shorter than listed. The fastener is 1.0 in. long; the listed fastener for this framing and nailing method is 1.25 in. long.
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2. Framing and fastening: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 300 HardiePlank lap siding planks, 7-1/4 in. wide, HZ5 product for an HZ5 location, primed finish, at 6 in. exposure, on steel framing with studs 24 in. on center, blind nailed with 1.25 in. wafer-head screws. The order states 6 sq ft of coverage per plank, a 30 year product warranty. Clearance to the ground is 6 in.. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 300 plank(s) 7.25 in. wide, listed maximum exposure 6.0 in., total coverage at that exposure 1,800.0 sq ft; the listed product warranty is 30 years.
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3. Product zone and finish: A ColorPlus order for an HZ5 location using the HZ10 product in a narrow plank

    
The agent's request. Please quote 200 HardiePlank lap siding planks, 5-1/4 in. wide, HZ10 product for an HZ5 location, ColorPlus finish, at 4 in. exposure, on wood framing with studs 16 in. on center, blind nailed with 2 in. siding nails. The order states 4 sq ft of coverage per plank, a 30 year product warranty and a 15 year finish warranty. Clearance to the ground is 6 in.. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • HZ10 product in a non-HZ10 location. HZ10 product is made for HZ10 locations; installing it outside an HZ10 location voids the warranty.
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  • ColorPlus not made in this width. This plank width is made primed only in this product zone, so a ColorPlus finish is not available for it.
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4. Product zone and finish: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 200 HardiePlank lap siding planks, 5-1/4 in. wide, HZ5 product for an HZ5 location, ColorPlus finish, at 4 in. exposure, on wood framing with studs 16 in. on center, blind nailed with 2 in. siding nails. The order states 4 sq ft of coverage per plank, a 30 year product warranty and a 15 year finish warranty. Clearance to the ground is 6 in.. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 200 plank(s) 5.25 in. wide, listed maximum exposure 4.0 in., total coverage at that exposure 800.0 sq ft; the listed product warranty is 30 years.
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5. Face nailing and clearances: A coastal house order for 450 planks with face nailing, low ground clearance, a caulked flashing gap and the wrong stated coverage

    
The agent's request. Please quote 450 HardiePlank lap siding planks, 8-1/4 in. wide, HZ10 product for an HZ10 location, ColorPlus finish, at 7 in. exposure, on wood framing with studs 16 in. on center, face nailed with 2 in. 6d nails. The order states 8 sq ft of coverage per plank, a 30 year product warranty and a 15 year finish warranty. Clearance to the ground is 4 in. and the gap at the flashing is caulked. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Ground clearance under 6 in.. The siding clearance to the ground is 4.0 in.; it must be at least 6 in. (USA).
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  • Flashing gap caulked. The gap between the siding and flashing must not be caulked.
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  • Stated coverage differs from length times exposure. The quote states 8.0 sq ft of coverage per plank, but a 12 ft plank at the quoted exposure covers 7.0 sq ft.
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  • Face nailing needs a code requirement. Face nailing is for areas where the building code requires it for high wind; blind nailing is the preferred method, so a person should confirm the code requirement.
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6. Face nailing and clearances: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 450 HardiePlank lap siding planks, 8-1/4 in. wide, HZ10 product for an HZ10 location, ColorPlus finish, at 7 in. exposure, on wood framing with studs 16 in. on center, face nailed with 2 in. 6d nails. The order states 7 sq ft of coverage per plank, a 30 year product warranty and a 15 year finish warranty. Clearance to the ground is 6 in.. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • Face nailing needs a code requirement. Face nailing is for areas where the building code requires it for high wind; blind nailing is the preferred method, so a person should confirm the code requirement.
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  • Order summary. 450 plank(s) 8.25 in. wide, listed maximum exposure 7.0 in., total coverage at that exposure 3,150.0 sq ft; the listed product warranty is 30 years.
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7. Face nailing and clearances: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 450 HardiePlank lap siding planks, 8-1/4 in. wide, HZ10 product for an HZ10 location, ColorPlus finish, at 7 in. exposure, on wood framing with studs 16 in. on center, blind nailed with 2 in. siding nails. The order states 7 sq ft of coverage per plank, a 30 year product warranty and a 15 year finish warranty. Clearance to the ground is 6 in.. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 450 plank(s) 8.25 in. wide, listed maximum exposure 7.0 in., total coverage at that exposure 3,150.0 sq ft; the listed product warranty is 30 years.
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent prepares an order for HardiePlank lap siding from the public James Hardie product and installation documents: the product zone, plank width, finish, and more. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of those published rules and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.
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  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
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  3. The agent says. Please quote 450 HardiePlank lap siding planks, 8-1/4 in. wide, HZ10 product for an HZ10 location, ColorPlus finish, at 7 in. exposure. The order states 8 sq ft of coverage per plank, a 30 year product warranty and a 15 year finish warranty. The rest of the request is on screen.
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  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
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  5. Blocked, with three findings and one approval, all in one answer. The siding clearance to the ground is 4.0 in.; it must be at least 6 in. (USA). The gap between the siding and flashing must not be caulked. The quote states 8.0 sq ft of coverage per plank, but a 12 ft plank at the quoted exposure covers 7.0 sq ft.
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  6. The validator returned three blocking findings and one approval in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the quote are checked against each other.
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  7. What this shows: for fastener type and length by framing, a rules-based CPQ is error-prone for this.
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  8. Now the agent resubmits.
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  9. The corrected request. It changes the clearance to ground to 6 and the stated coverage per plank to 7 sq ft. It removes the flashing gap caulked.
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  10. It calls the validator again.
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  11. Not blocked, but held for a person.
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  12. The three blocking findings are cleared; one approval remains for a person: face nailing needs a code requirement.
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  13. The agent resubmits once more.
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  14. The revised request. It changes the nailing to blind and the fastener to siding nails.
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  15. It calls the validator once more.
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  16. This time the validator clears it.
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  17. The earlier finding is cleared.
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  18. Four problems caught in one call, fixed in two passes, and a clean quote. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer. Now you can try the other scenarios yourself.
    19.