James Hardie fiber cement siding offers an effective and beautiful way to protect your home while also being good for the environment. Crafted from natural materials like cellulose, cement and sand, it can withstand extreme weather and pest infestation without incurring costly repair.
Removing and replacing hardiplank siding on your own can be done safely; however, proper procedures must be observed and safety prioritized. Regular inspection and repairs to sheathing and flashing should ensure a successful home improvement project.
1. Measure the Area
Step one in replacing hardieplank siding should involve taking measurements of your walls. This will enable you to determine how much material to purchase; make sure to account for doors, windows and any other areas which won’t require hardieplank.
Once you know how much siding you require, mark its cutting lines on each board using either a scoring tool or utility knife. Make sure to double-check measurements against a straightedge for accuracy.
James Hardie siding does not need to be painted, though biannual touch up is recommended. Its color lasts 15 years with a transferable warranty – making this an easy way to increase both home value and curb appeal!
2. Cut the Boards
Before beginning to remove old siding, it’s essential that the work area be prepared appropriately. By clearing away obstacles and clearing away clutter from your work area, it will allow for faster work processes while limiting damages to property.
Carefully mark each panel you plan to remove and cut away its old siding using your saw or another cutting tool, using straight, clean cuts so as to avoid damaging sheathing or walls beneath.
As you remove old siding, always wear protective gloves and goggles to safeguard against injury. Furthermore, be mindful of any safety hazards such as nails or screws protruding from the sheathing beneath.
Many builders use air nailers during installation, which can leave behind loose nails from behind the siding. You can prevent this problem by using a small pry bar with sharp claws to grab and pull out nails as you work your way up the wall.
3. Remove the Old Siding
Hardie Plank siding is an increasingly popular choice among homeowners due to its durability and longevity. Crafted using cement, sand and cellulose fibers for long-term performance, it comes in multiple styles and finishes that suit any aesthetic preference and fire resistance – plus no decay! – unlike other forms of siding.
Before beginning to remove old Hardie board siding, first clear away surrounding area debris to provide a safe workspace. Next, carefully inspect sheathing for damage or rot – any areas of concern must be addressed prior to proceeding with removal process.
Remove any trim pieces or accessories from the wall using a pry bar or crowbar. After this step is completed, proceed with uninstalling siding panels themselves using an unscrewing tool such as a drill. Be sure to store away the unscrewed screws safely for future use or disposal.
4. Install the New Siding
Once the old siding has been taken down, it’s time to select new. James Hardie products offer a range of colors, styles and finishes designed to complement the style and lifestyle of your home while protecting it against elements like rain, snow, fire and pests.
Take this opportunity to examine your sheathing for signs of damage, rot or mold. If any issues are discovered, repair them promptly.
When installing new siding, ensure to leave a gap of 1/4 inches between each board and trim for moisture drainage from entering your wall cavity. Furthermore, caulking around windows, doors and eaves is strongly advised.
After your work is completed, you can enjoy your beautiful Hardieplank siding for years! However, if DIY installation is outside your comfort zone or installation is unsuccessful due to lack of expertise, consider hiring professional installers instead for smooth and successful installations.