Re-siding offers you an opportunity to update the exterior of your home. You can change up its colors or textures as well as adding details.
Hardie Plank lap siding is an increasingly sought-after product among homeowners. It looks authentic and commands higher resale values than some other forms of siding.
Identify the Damage
When your hardieplank siding shows signs of damage, it is crucial to identify exactly what type of repair work needs to be completed in order to provide you with a more precise idea on how best to replace boards that match existing textures. This will give you a much clearer sense of how and where repairs should take place.
Fiber cement siding problems typically stem from improper installation. Therefore, it’s critical that contractors know what they’re doing and adhere to James Hardie products installation instructions for smooth results.
If your siding was improperly installed, you may notice the boards starting to loosen over time. This could be caused by either not nailing them to studs properly or nailing too high – one way of telling if this is happening is looking at the top edges of planks – they should be flat with no rounded or tapered corners.
Measure the Area
HardiePlank siding provides homeowners with many different color, texture and trim choices to breathe new life into an older home. More durable than vinyl, HardiePlank withstands temperature cycles, weather fluctuations and attempts by insects or animals to damage it.
When planning to re-siding an entire house, start by calculating how much material is necessary. Be sure to factor in all sides, soffit areas and windows/doors being covered by new siding as part of this equation.
Make sure that any trim you plan to install is also included, and caulk the corners for an airtight seal.
Before beginning any task, ensure the best weather conditions exist and that you have all of the appropriate safety gear – work gloves and protective eyewear are essential – if working high off of the ground secure a ladder or scaffolding to prevent falls and injuries.
Remove the Damaged Boards
If you want to save yourself the hassle and cost of repairs or replacements in the future, regularly inspecting your home’s siding should be part of your routine maintenance schedule. By making sure this task gets done regularly, you can identify and address small areas of damage before they escalate into larger issues.
Launch by clearing away any potential obstacles such as furniture or planters to ensure safe work environment and decrease risks of objects getting damaged in the process.
Slide the thin edge of a flat pry bar under the bottom edge of a Hardie plank you wish to remove and wiggle it back and forth until you can dislodge its attachment to a sheathing board by dismantling any nails or screws holding it together.
Repeat this process for each plank that needs removing, working methodically. When done, caulk any gaps left by removed planks so as to prevent moisture such as rain or snow entering into wall cavity and further damaging wall.
Replace the Boards
Once all damaged siding panels have been removed, take time to inspect and repair the sheathing. Depending on why they were taken off the building, this may involve replacing sections of plywood or OSB (oriented strand board). Also important is caulking any gaps between boards to keep moisture out of wall cavities and avoid further issues in future.
Once the sheathing is in good condition, you must reinstall Hardie plank siding panels using similar procedures as when first removed; measuring and marking areas to be covered; cutting boards according to size with a saw; caulking any gaps; caulk may also need to be applied during this process.
When nailing back boards into place, be sure to hit each stud by nailing them high enough. Also use caulk that stays flexible over time as this will protect from moisture damage and extend its lifespan.