Home exteriors are subjected to all manner of external forces on an ongoing basis; wind, rain, fire, pests and more can have devastating effects. James Hardie products have been specifically engineered to withstand such forces and deliver significant value over the long term.
Installation is key to the performance of Hardiplank siding. Poor workmanship could void warranty coverage and cause significant problems later.
Removing the Existing Siding
Moisture exposure is one of the primary sources of siding damage in homes, leading to mold growth, rot and other issues that need immediate attention in order to preserve and extend the lifespan of Hardie board siding products. It is essential that moisture damage be addressed as soon as possible in order to avoid further deterioration to your exterior and ensure continued use from Hardie board products.
Dependent upon the severity of damage, replacing all or part of your Hardie board may become necessary. While this project can be expensive, if done properly it will make your home appear new again.
To prepare the surface for replacement, remove any existing paint and caulking from the damaged area before cleaning and repainting with color-matched exterior acrylic paint. Touch-up paint may also be used to repair minor scratches and chips on siding panels; be sure to also protect repaired areas against future corrosion by using rust inhibitors – this will keep them looking as though they never experienced corrosion in the first place! This ensures a seamless look across your replacement section of siding!
Cutting the Hardie Boards
Home remodeling requires using the appropriate tools and techniques to ensure high-quality results, particularly when working with hardie board siding. Without proper installation techniques in place, this material may not stand up against weather elements as intended or be as aesthetically pleasing as intended.
First step to installing new siding is taking measurements of the area in which it will be placed. Accuracy in measurements is vital as any discrepancies could result in gaps and other problems when installing. For optimal results when measuring, leave at least 10% extra space to accommodate for mistakes or trimming around windows/doors/interruptions on walls.
After you have measured and cut the siding, it is time to begin cutting it. We strongly advise wearing a dust mask and safety goggles during this part of the project as it can create considerable amounts of dust that may be harmful to your health.
Installing the Hardie Boards
Hardie board siding installation can be a complex endeavor that requires specific tools and knowledge. Due to the danger associated with working on high walls, it’s wise to enlist help from another ladder-user for support. Utilizing proper tools will speed up this process while facilitating accurate cuts – just remember to wear protective eyewear like safety glasses for added safeguarding!
Caulking is an effective way of sealing the edges of boards and keeping moisture (particularly wind-driven rain and snow) out, preventing water damage, mold growth, or rot from seeping into wall cavities, potentially leading to water damage, mold growth or rot in wall cavities and leading to water damage, mold growth or rot damage in wall cavities. Furthermore, caulk should also be applied around trim edges, eaves and windows and doors as it adds an additional barrier from moisture intrusion and water seepage into them.
Use 6d or 8d galvanized or stainless steel nails of 6d or 8d gauge size (6D or 8D is suitable) to secure the new boards to the exterior walls of your home. Each nail should penetrate at least 1-1/4 in. into sheathing (OSB and plywood count as sheathing while soft sheathings such as fiber cement don’t) while making sure each one goes through both studs and sheathing.
Finishing the Installation
Make sure that you have all of the materials necessary for installation before commencing with any task. A tape measure, pencil and safety glasses or dust mask will provide adequate protection from harm; you will also require a circular saw and fiber cement shears for cutting out siding to fit perfectly; nails or screws to fasten it to boards as well as speed up installation process and reduce stress levels on boards are needed as well. A nail gun will make this task quicker while decreasing stress on them during assembly.
After that, it is essential that any window and door openings conform with James Hardie’s instructions and local building codes in terms of flashing requirements. Failing an inspection due to inadequate flashing is more likely than failing due to excess coverage.
Maintaining clean siding that’s free from pests such as carpenter ants is also key. To do so, remove vegetation close to it and inspect regularly for signs of infestation – this will help ensure its good condition for years!