Your exterior home is exposed to the elements, so it needs a durable material that can withstand weather, fire, pests and time. James Hardie siding provides this solution.
HardiePlank siding, constructed of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, replicates the look of wood without its associated maintenance requirements, offering many design possibilities as well.
1. Remove the Damaged Boards
Hardieplank fiber cement siding adds tremendous value to your home. Engineered to withstand elements such as rain, snow, hailstorms, mold and rot while remaining woodpecker and termite-proof.
Whenever replacing hardieplank siding, the first step should be removing all damaged boards with the aid of a pry bar, hammer and chisel or similar tools. Please remember that this process cannot be accomplished overnight so please take your time when working carefully to complete this step.
Once the damaged boards have been removed, it’s time to install new hardiplank siding. However, before beginning installation of this piece, be sure to measure the area to make sure there’s enough room for the new piece of hardiplank.
Once your new board is in place, it is imperative to caulk its seams with existing boards in order to seal them and prevent moisture entering your wall cavity. You can purchase caulk designed specifically for hardie plank siding; or find something compatible with it that you already own.
Waterproofing your home is key if you live in an area with heavy rainfall or snowfall, as taking steps to protect your siding against moisture can save both time and money in the long run. Investing time and resources now into protecting it could pay dividends in terms of future savings!
As vegetation or shrubs can damage siding, it is recommended to keep them at least 3 feet from your house to prevent further damage from the weather and sprinkler systems saturating nearby areas. Not only will this add beauty and reduce maintenance costs but can also stop sprinkler systems from oversaturating these areas.
Step two should involve painting the new hardie planks to match those already installed, adding color to your home while giving it a fresh appearance.
Dependent upon the size and complexity of your home, hiring professional help may be required to complete this project. A great place to find professional siding contractors near you is online search engines like Google or Bing. In addition to giving it a fresh new look and increasing its value, installing Hardie board siding will add new charm and hopefully allow you to recoup much or even all of your initial investment should you ever decide to sell it again in future years.
2. Fill the Cracks
When replacing hardieplank siding, there are various aspects to take into account. Fiber cement siding is often preferred as an environmentally-friendly choice over vinyl, which contains plastic that won’t decompose easily.
Choose your ideal board from an array of colors and textures, such as Select Cedarmill or Smooth for a soft look that mimics wood grain; or Colonial for modern aesthetics combined with traditional Dutch lap siding.
Fill any cracks or spaces in the siding to prevent water from seeping into it and ruining its planks. This step is critical as it prevents rainwater from getting through to enter.
Caulking can also protect paint from further deterioration, so choose a caulk with permanent flexibility, such as James Hardie’s recommended sealant.
A good caulking gun should feature an effortless trigger and no-drip features, enabling users to easily insert the tip of their tube into cracks in siding at 45-degree angles and smoothly draw silicone along surfaces without drips or runs. Leave caulk to cure for 24 hours before taking further steps.
Before beginning filling cracks with filler material, another step you should take before beginning repair is cleaning the area with a garden hose and scrub brush. This will remove any dirt or debris from the area and make your repair task easier.
Finally, use a patching compound that matches the original texture of your hardieplank to help the patch blend in seamlessly with its surroundings and create a uniform surface. This will ensure an even and seamless appearance.
If you’re unfamiliar with filling cracks in fiber-cement siding, it may be more straightforward and effective to entrust this task to an experienced carpenter or siding contractor. They know which tools work best and how best to work with different types of siding products.
After cleaning and filling any cracks in your hardiplank siding, the next step should be painting. Be sure to use an exterior-grade paint that’s specifically tailored for exterior applications; this will ensure your home’s siding will withstand years of exposure to weather.
3. Caulk the Seams
When installing hardieplank siding, it is vitally important that care is taken when placing seams. This can prevent water from getting inside and causing damage, while at the same time helping prevent cracking and warping down the line.
Caulking seams on each plank is the first step toward saving money over time. Doing it quickly and efficiently will be worthwhile in terms of savings.
Hardie recommends applying a 3/8″ bead of approved caulking to each piece where it meets a trim board to protect it from moisture entering behind it and potentially warping or peeling your siding. Doing this will keep moisture at bay from getting behind the siding, which could otherwise cause warping or peeling to occur.
Caulk can do more than protect a siding from rainwater: it can also keep out bugs and pests and help stop mold growth on boards.
While it’s possible to caulk joints yourself, hiring a professional is usually best. They will have all of the tools and know exactly how to apply caulking properly.
As it’s important to keep in mind, there are various types of caulk, it is wise to select one that will best meet the requirements for your situation. For instance, when painting hardiplank siding you should select paintable caulk that complements its current hue scheme.
Quality paintable caulk will protect your siding for many years to come from water, rain, and pests while adding an aesthetic element to your home. It’s an affordable way to upgrade its appearance too!
Once the caulking has been applied to all seams, you can then begin painting to give the entire home an updated appearance. This will bring new life into every corner.
Make sure that the paint application is proper so it will not fade with time. Inspect it from various angles and lighting conditions to check its accuracy. If 1″ to 2″ of faded touch-up appears on surfaces near you, that could be an indicator that your contractor did not apply the paint properly.
Assure that your contractor uses corrosion resistant fasteners; otherwise, nails may rust and stain the siding surface.
4. Paint
Painting hardiplank siding can be an excellent way to refresh its appearance and add value to your home. Plus, protecting it against potential damages means longer life span.
Step one in painting Hardie planks involves stripping away all old exterior paint. This helps ensure that new coats of paint adhere properly and don’t peel or flake off as easily.
Use a pressure washer to use remove dirt, mold, mildew and other grime from the siding of your house, including chalky residue left from sunlight exposure. It will also help clean off any chalky film left behind on its surface.
Caulking seams and joints of Hardie planks is also important, as this will prevent moisture from escaping and leading to further deterioration. You should be able to find color-matched caulking for Hardie planks at most stores.
Once your Hardie planks are completely dry, a coat of primer must be applied prior to painting them. This step ensures that your chosen paint adheres properly to the surface and lasts long after its application.
An attractive paint job can transform the appearance of your home, so it is imperative that it is completed correctly. Otherwise, your siding could end up looking uninviting and cost you money in the form of lost property value over time.
Before painting the exterior of your home, conducting research will help ensure you select the ideal paint type and shade to work best with Hardie planks and guarantee its long-term performance.
When selecting colors for Hardie planks, the ideal hue should match their natural wood grain. While cedar wood grains are popular among users, you could also experiment with pine or redwood hues until finding what best complements your house.