HardiePlank siding provides an attractive and long-term durable alternative to wood cladding; however, like any home exterior it may become damaged over time.
Understanding how to replace hardiplank siding is vital if you want your home to remain looking its best. This article will take you through all the necessary steps in order to restore damaged surfaces.
Remove the Damaged Planks
Hardie plank siding is an economical and long-term solution for protecting homes against the elements. While it may become damaged over time, repairs are easily carried out to avoid water infiltration and extend its lifespan.
Begin by determining what needs replacing. Next, head out to your local building supply store and gather up all necessary supplies. It may be advantageous to plan this task during an overcast day in order to prevent soap residue drying out on the siding and making removal more challenging.
Use a thin edge of a flat pry bar to carefully slip under the lower edge of the first siding strip that needs to be replaced, moving slowly in order to avoid additional damage to underlying and adjacent sections of siding.
Clean your hardieplank siding once every 6-12 months using a garden hose with soft brush attachment or wet cloth and be wary of using power washers as these may damage the siding.
Fill the Cracks
Cracked siding should be filled with high-grade putty to stop water and pests from entering, keeping them at bay. Most home improvement stores carry quality putty that matches your hardieplank siding’s color for this task.
Caulking originally used in installation can also be reused to seal off areas where moisture may enter the wall cavity, though if you aren’t an experienced installer of fiber cement siding it’s advisable to hire one for these repairs as poor craftsmanship could void your warranty and cause more problems down the line.
Siding made from this material doesn’t attract pests like wood does, meaning no expensive damage from woodpeckers or termites will arise. Furthermore, its materials such as sand and cellulose don’t drain scarce resources like timber does.
Caulk the Seams
James Hardie offers a touch-up kit designed specifically to caulk seams of new siding installations, and should use this product when caulking its seams. This product contains an edge coater and concealer designed to make nail heads easier to cover. Your contractor should also ensure they use hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel nails – anything else could rust over time and stain the siding surface over time.
HardiePlank siding is popular with many homeowners because of its eco-friendliness. It doesn’t contain endangered species of wood and production does not emit toxic materials, plus its cellulose fibers do not attract pests such as termites or woodpeckers. Furthermore, the material’s strength and durability ensure it can withstand hurricane-force winds while providing your home with ample protection from weather elements. Furthermore, HardiePlank fiber cement siding is considered an upscale material and will allow you to recoup most of its initial investment when selling off the home later.
Paint the Area
Hardieplank siding should add value and last for many years when properly maintained, cleaned, painted, and caulked. If its original vibrant hue has faded or developed an unsightly chalkiness over time, however, then now may be the time for repainting.
To get the most from your siding, select high quality exterior acrylic latex paint and hire an experienced painting professional to apply thick coats quickly and evenly for a factory-like finish.
Most fiber cement siding leaves the factory pre-primed, so you may only require minor touch up to your trim. It is important to use caulk specifically designed for fiber cement siding and your trim for maximum seal and moisture protection, before painting over the area completely – doing this prior to winter can ensure it stands up well against cold temperatures and snowfall as well as prevent further oxidation, one of the leading causes of paint deterioration.