Hardie Plank siding, manufactured by James Hardie Corporation, combines cellulose fibers, Portland cement and sand in its composition for an authentic wood appearance compared to vinyl alternatives. Its texture also mimics that of actual wooden surfaces for an enhanced visual experience.
Step one of preparing walls involves stripping away existing siding, before proceeding to install trim materials and a moisture barrier.
Removing the Existing Siding
If you want to transform the appearance of your home without spending a lot of money, consider replacing its current siding with Hardie Plank siding. Not only will it give your house an updated appearance and protect it against harsh weather conditions such as high winds but it will also offer better insulation against colder climates.
Installing siding may seem simple enough, but for optimal results it’s wise to enlist professional assistance who have experience dealing with different kinds of siding. Doing this will ensure a quality repair that withstands weather elements as well as knocks from soccer balls, tree branches or careless people.
Before beginning your project, it will be necessary to remove existing siding and prepare walls for its installation. You will need a pry bar and hammer for this step; additionally you must cut through any nails holding old boards in place using either an oscillating tool with metal cutting blade or wrapping duct tape around the end of a hacksaw blade with metal cutting teeth to do this job effectively.
Preparing the Walls
Professional contractors have the experience needed to install fiber cement siding that will stand up against weather, soccer balls, tree limbs and other impacts, so their expertise should not be taken lightly when doing the job yourself. But even if you choose this route, make sure you prepare the walls correctly so that its durability won’t be compromised by unprepared walls – or else!
Caulking around trim edges, eaves, windows, and doors is recommended in order to prevent moisture intrusion and rot from taking hold. When selecting your caulk brand make sure it says ‘permanently flexible” or ‘permanently expandable” for best results.
Fiber cement siding can withstand many of the same threats to woodpeckers and termites that plague other materials, while not attracting woodpeckers or termites themselves. Furthermore, its non-rot properties make it suitable for high winds without damage from high velocity winds. If you are considering upgrading your siding to fiber cement, contact BELDON for more information about its products and services – they have years of experience helping homeowners enhance their homes with hardieplank siding!
Cutting the Boards
When cutting siding, use either a circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade or a jigsaw. Always wear safety glasses, a dust mask and gloves when cutting as this project will generate much dust. A sander or grinder may also help smooth rough areas.
Fiber cement does not attract pests like woodpeckers or termites, eliminating costly pest treatments. Furthermore, its cellulose is nontoxic and will not produce hazardous fumes.
Once your siding installation is complete, caulking can help prevent moisture intrusion into the wall cavity and thus water damage and mold growth. Make sure you choose an exterior-grade caulk which remains permanently flexible. Rinse off your siding biannually using a garden hose and rinse with garden-grade cleaner; or have it professionally inspected regularly by professionals to make sure its in great shape.
Installing the Boards
Hardie Plank siding is an ideal choice for anyone seeking high-quality exterior solutions that add both curb appeal and value to their home. Its baked-on ColorPlus technology resists fading to help keep homes looking fresh and appealing over time.
Before installing hardiplank siding, it is crucial to inspect its underlying materials for damage or moisture intrusion and make repairs as required. Furthermore, it would be wise to disconnect any gutters or downspouts that exist before beginning this task.
Installing fiber cement siding requires several specialized tools. To get the job done right, a circular saw is needed to cut your siding to length, as well as some form of cutting blade (miter saw or fiber cement shears are often sufficient). A level is useful for double-checking work and ensure boards remain straight over time. Finally, nail guns provide essential assistance during installation and trimming processes.
Face or coil nails are ideal for siding applications, and pneumatic coil nailers designed specifically for this application will greatly speed up and ensure that all nails are set flush against board edges.