Hardie plank siding can be an invaluable investment for homeowners, increasing both home value and withstanding harsh elements like rain and wind. Not to mention it being fireproof compared to wood which attracts termites or ants!
Before undertaking a project to replace your hardieplank siding, make sure you research the best practices for installation and gather all necessary tools. Be sure to wear protective glasses, gloves, and a mask as this will protect yourself from contaminants that might enter into your environment.
1. Remove the Siding
No matter your plans for the exterior of your home, careful planning can ensure a successful outcome of any home improvement project. Being equipped with the appropriate tools will also make this undertaking a more cost-effective venture than professional assistance would cost.
Before commencing removal procedures, gather these tools:
Clear the Area: Clear away furniture or decor items near the wall you are working on for easier movement. Additionally, choose a day with dry weather conditions as rain or excessive moisture may make completing this project more challenging and unsafe.
Examine your siding for signs of damage or rot and address them immediately if any are detected. Also inspect sheathing and Tyvek house wrapping to make sure water runs off the walls efficiently.
2. Inspect the Walls
Homeowners embarking on home improvement projects like re-siding their houses are typically searching for ways to enhance its curb appeal. James Hardie offers homeowners the chance to do just that with its variety of siding colors, textures and trim pieces.
As the initial step, it is necessary to inspect walls for damage caused by initial installation of hardiplank siding. Safety must always come first when conducting this assessment; be mindful to work in an orderly fashion and wear protective equipment.
Additionally, homeowners should ensure proper sheathing and flashing installation. It is critical for contractors to use full-headed nails or screws when fastening sheathing and flashing in a uniform pattern; failure to do this could cause permanent damage which isn’t covered under manufacturer warranties and therefore needs professional repair.
3. Cut the Siding
Installing Hardie plank siding may seem intimidating for homeowners, but with the right tools and DIY skills it can be done successfully. This project requires patience, precision and safety precautions – before beginning installation make sure your work area is prepared by including ladder, protective gloves and safety goggles.
Before beginning work on your siding panels, start by removing any trim and accessories attached to them. This will give you easier access to cut or remove nails or screws fastening them together, and allow you to reuse or replace fasteners as needed. Don’t forget to keep track of all fasteners removed in case any become necessary later.
Next, mark where you want to cut the siding. A pencil or masking tape are useful tools here; however, for the most precise and stable cutting point use a carpenter’s square instead. After marking your cutting line use tin snips to slice along it without fully closing their blades – be wary not to close all blades completely!
4. Install the Siding
HardiePlank lap siding has become an increasingly popular choice for homes throughout North America. Crafted of cement, sand, and cellulose composite materials, HardiePlank’s superior durability against weather elements makes it less vulnerable to moisture intrusion that causes costly damage over time compared to vinyl options like vinyl or fiber cement home sidings. Furthermore, fiber cement home sidings are noncombustible so won’t attract termites or woodpeckers like traditional wood-based options do.
Before installing new siding, it’s essential to assess and repair any areas of rot or water intrusion in the sheathing beneath it. Furthermore, adding HardieWrap acts as a barrier against water infiltration as well as air infiltration into your home and can prevent future repairs down the line.
Though some homeowners may be capable of installing their siding themselves, we recommend seeking professional assistance for this project to ensure proper execution that adheres to James Hardie best practices and does not void warranties later.