Hardie plank siding is an attractive exterior wall cladding choice that provides both durability and weather resistance, but can become damaged over time due to exposure.
Materials used in lap siding include cellulose- and cement-based materials that feature deep embossed wood grain effects for an eye-catching wood grain finish. Furthermore, fire resistance makes this choice fireproof as it increases home value.
Identify the Damage
James Hardie fiber cement siding is one of the most durable products available on the market, being resistant to weather, fire, insects and more. However, proper installation must take place for it not to sustain moisture damage and fail over time.
Moisture damage often arises from improper installation or sealant techniques, but can also stem from issues like poor landscaping or outdated gutter systems that allow rainwater to directly flow onto sheathing underneath siding panels.
Opting for high-quality paint products is another crucial element in protecting Hardie Plank siding from moisture damage, especially if you intend on touching up damaged areas with touch-up paint touch-ups. Otherwise, these touch-ups could end up fading faster than the original hue on Hardie Plank itself! Additionally, try not overpainting damaged areas so as to avoid creating “chicken pox”-style patches of color; successful color matches require carefully blending patch into surrounding area colors.
Remove the Damaged Boards
Hardie Plank siding products are known for their ability to withstand hailstorms, strong winds and other inclement conditions with ease. Furthermore, these durable siding options are resistant to rot and insects as well as salt spray from coastal environments – perfect for coastal properties!
When a plank is severely damaged, it may be necessary to completely replace it. This can be accomplished using tools like a pry bar or hammer and chisel; when working with sheathing materials be sure to wear protective gear as silica dust may be released into the environment.
Once the damaged plank is removed, inspect it carefully for signs of moisture damage such as soft spots or discoloration. It’s essential that these issues be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage and costly repairs in the future. Moisture damage can lead to mold growth as well as health concerns for homeowners; fortunately it can often be avoided through proper maintenance practices and installation methods.
Install the New Boards
Before initiating any removal process, it is vital to take the necessary time and care in preparing the work area, removing trim and accessories and inspecting each panel of siding carefully. This will help ensure the work is carried out safely and efficiently while limiting potential property damages or harm. In addition, taking this extra step ensures any materials produced during removal can be handled and discarded safely.
At this step, it is also vital that care be taken in unbolting any screws or nails holding the siding in place; otherwise they could interfere with installation of new siding and even cause structural damage to walls.
Installing new boards requires following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely, with face nailing at the bottom and blind nailing at the top being recommended as best practices. Also important are using appropriate fasteners (siding nails for face nailing and roofing nails for blind nailing). Finally, any seams between newly installed and adjacent boards must be caulked to keep moisture at bay and prevent further damage to surrounding boards.
Caulk the Seams
Hardie plank siding has quickly become one of the go-to choices for home exteriors due to its durability and weatherproof properties. It can withstand rain, hail, snowfall, heat, and humidity better than materials such as wood or vinyl but still must be kept up with in order to ward off potential damage caused by nature. However, regular maintenance must still take place in order to prevent potential problems with damage being sustained from harsh elements.
If your house features hardieplank siding, it’s essential that you know how to repair damaged boards so as to extend its lifespan and keep looking its best for years. By knowing this skill set, you can extend its lifespan while keeping its appearance great!
As soon as the area is clear, begin clearing away damaged boards with ease. Also ensure you have sufficient replacement trim and sheathing repair materials on hand to mitigate any possible damages during removal. Next step should be starting actual removal using either a pry bar or utility knife to carefully pry off old boards; once this task is done you can move onto installing your new ones.