No matter if it is damaged or simply needs an upgrade, choosing the appropriate siding can add both value and beauty to your home. When making this selection it is key that it stands up against weather elements whilst remaining attractive over time.
James Hardie Industries provides an excellent fiber-cement siding option, which closely resembles wood and can be painted to suit your style.
1. Inspect the Damage
Although hardieplank siding is known for being durable, any damage must be attended to quickly in order to avoid further complications.
Examine the damage and pinpoint its source. Moisture damage is often at the core of most problems and can result in wood rot, mold growth, mildew spores, cracked siding or warping issues.
As part of an effective way to avoid moisture damage, regularly cleaning gutters is key and keeping bushes and flowers away from your home. Also use deicing salts sparingly.
Installing hardie plank siding requires using rustproof nails; otherwise, they could corrode over time and stain your siding surface.
2. Remove the Damaged Boards
Once you’ve identified and collected all the materials needed for repairs, start by measuring, marking, cutting and removing the siding panel carefully and efficiently. Don’t rush things as taking time ensures a more systematic and smooth experience.
Note that hardie planks can be fragile and brittle when working on them, cracking or breaking as you work. Always focus on one strip at a time in order to avoid damaging other strips above it.
Start by sliding the thin edge of a pry bar beneath the lower edge of the first siding strip to be removed, using either a mallet or hammer gently push its tip behind the siding if necessary. When nail or screw is freed up, pry off strip and store in an appropriate area for disposal.
3. Install the New Boards
Utilizing the appropriate tools and techniques, it is possible to repair minor damages to Hardie plank siding in order to keep your home looking its best while also protecting it against moisture damage. This will allow for smoother living space as well as protect it against moisture intrusion.
As part of a wall assembly project, it’s vital to measure and cut each board accurately in order to ensure it fits seamlessly. A good approach may be starting at the base and working your way upwards so that boards overlap properly.
Add trim boards around windows and doors for a finished look in your home, hiding any gaps between siding and jambs and keeping water out. After installation, caulk the seams to seal them shut.
4. Caulk the Seams
After installing your new siding panels, the next step should be caulking their seams to ensure water and dust don’t seep behind your boards. Luckily, this process is much simpler than you might imagine!
If you need to repair damage on Hardie Plank siding, it is essential that you use high-quality caulking products and the correct tools and techniques.
James Hardie fiber cement siding resembles natural wood and comes in various colors. You can select Cedarmill for its grooved texture that mimics that of natural wood, or Smooth for its contemporary style. James Hardie also offers primed siding that’s ready to receive paint; though please keep in mind that over time any touch-up paint may fade over time.
5. Paint
HardiePlank siding is fade resistant, but needs to be painted every 12-14 years for best results. Painting your HardiePlank is an easy project if you want to change up its color or simply renew its appearance.
Before painting the siding, it is crucial that it is thoroughly cleansed with bleach and a pressure washer in order to eliminate dirt and mildew. Cracked areas must also be filled in with putty; when filling cracks permanently use caulk that allows permanent flexibility if possible.
Fiber cement siding provides superior fireproofing than wood or vinyl options, without inviting pests such as woodpeckers and termites into your home. Furthermore, its durability is supported by industry-leading warranties making this an excellent option for home protection.