Hardie plank siding materials provide homeowners with a cost-effective option that protects their homes from water, fire and pest damage.
Walling can add aesthetic beauty and complement the architectural features of their home, yet may become damaged from weather damage over time, thus necessitating regular cleaning to maintain its look and functionality.
Damaged Planks
James Hardie fiber cement siding is an extremely long-lasting and resilient product, but it still needs to be protected from damage. Like wood and vinyl, Hardie board can crack or rot over time and become susceptible to fire or heavy weather damage if exposed. However, once damaged it must be repaired quickly in order to avoid further issues.
To repair damaged planks, first clear and prepare the area where you will replace the plank. Make sure there is sufficient room to work within this space without furniture or rugs obstructing. Secondly, cut a new piece to fit into the damaged area by using either a circular saw or jigsaw as you make cuts – being careful to not damage neighboring planks while doing this step.
Apply a thin coat of patching compound around the edge of the new section with a putty knife or trowel, and sand it to match its surroundings using medium-grit sandpaper. After the patching compound has set, paint over it using exterior acrylic paint in colors and finishes similar to what surrounds it.
Peeling Paint
Hardie board siding is an effective, long-term material that’s resistant to moisture damage. Over time however, wear and tear may appear; such as cracks, chips, or deep scratches exposing its underlayer and detracting from your home’s appearance.
If the paint on your hardie plank siding has started peeling, replacing it is simple and can be accomplished quickly. First, prepare the damaged area by cleaning and sanding to ensure a smooth finish.
Once the hole has been repaired and sanded down, use primer and color-matched paint to restore its look.
Hiring a professional to replace your siding can ensure a proper job is completed. A reputable company will offer a detailed quote for the project as well as handling all necessary paperwork for you, while possessing all the tools and equipment needed for timely completion of this task.
Water Damage
Water damage to siding is one of its chief foes. Even when constructed to resist rain or moisture infiltration, compromised layers may absorb it and allow moisture into its core causing rot or mold growth.
Repairing this damage is relatively straightforward; just a few simple steps can save your exterior from becoming an expensive problem.
First, clean the area thoroughly to eliminate any dirt or debris that has accumulated over time. For best results, use a garden hose equipped with low pressure and soft bristles, in combination with an appropriate garden hose nozzle to do this task without risk of causing any harm or causing lasting damage to the surroundings.
Once the area has been cleaned and disinfected, it’s time to patch. Apply a thin coat of patching compound over any damaged areas; allow to dry completely; and sand with medium-grit sandpaper so as to achieve an uniform look with surrounding Hardie board panels.
Now is the time to paint over the repaired area to cover any imperfections, making sure to use caulk and paint designed specifically for siding for optimal results.
Fire Damage
James Hardie planks are designed to withstand any climate, yet may still show signs of wear and tear over time. If this occurs, repairs can easily be made and restored back to their original appearance.
As always, prioritise safety when working with any material. Dust particles produced can be harmful if inhaled; make sure you wear eye protection and a mask when cutting panels or using the nailer.
Before applying a patching compound, clean the damaged area using a brush or cloth to remove loose debris and create an even surface. After you sanded with medium-grit sandpaper to even out your surface and achieve an attractive match against your siding, sand it again to achieve an even surface that matches other parts of your siding.
Once the patched area has been sanded, you should prime and then paint using exterior acrylic paint that matches its color and finish – being sure to follow manufacturer recommendations when priming and painting.