HardiePlank siding is an ideal choice for homeowners searching for an elegant and premium aesthetic in their siding solution. Not only is it durable but its deep embossing mimics natural wood graining for an enhanced resale value to your home.
Fiber cement siding is easy to care for compared to wood siding, which typically requires periodic repainting. Instead, just spray it down using a power washer when necessary for maintenance purposes.
1. Measure the Damage
HardiePlank siding is popularly installed on homes and businesses across the nation. This durable material can be painted with any water-repellant paint; however, some maintenance is necessary in order to keep its appearance.
As part of proper house maintenance, it’s advisable to conduct periodic exterior house washing with a hose to clear away dirt and debris that has accumulated over time. Furthermore, caulking should be reapplied in any worn areas where necessary.
Maintenance involves protecting against wood rot by using wood-deterrent sealant and properly ventilating your siding, selecting AZEK trim over store-brand PVC as this material lasts longer. In addition, make sure to follow manufacturer recommendations regarding installation and nailing for nailing purposes.
2. Remove the Damaged Boards
Hardie Board installed and maintained correctly can last between 30-40 years with regular upkeep, but if an isolated area becomes compromised by rot it may require replacing all or parts of the strip of siding to repair. This typically happens due to water seeping up from below and continually soaking the bottom edge, leading to rapid decay at its base edge.
Moisture absorption issues may also arise from improper installation, including having too tight of a gap between flashing and siding that allows moisture to leak through, leading to damage of siding, sheathing, bricks and trim.
To remove damaged siding sections, slide the thin end of a pry bar under the bottom edge of overlapping piece above and slide away it before starting on damaged section. Pry away at all overlapping piece until reaching damaged section and pull upward.
3. Install the New Boards
Hardie Board siding is a lasting upgrade that requires minimal upkeep over its lifespan. Resistant to rot, mildew, fire and insects it requires minimal upkeep while remaining beautiful despite direct contact with weather elements.
Every 6-12 months, use a garden hose to remove dirt and debris from the siding using a low-pressure nozzle to avoid damaging its integrity.
If you detect minor cracks in the siding, use putty to fill them, following manufacturer’s instructions for use. Before nailing each new piece into place with an air gun nail gun (Photo 7), leave a 1/8-in. strip of treated wood at its tip (Photo 8) so as to tip first piece (Photo 8). Make sure every nail hits every stud carefully – leaving at least a 3/8-inch butt joint between boards to prevent moisture penetration.
4. Caulk the Seams
Once the new board is in place, you must caulk it to prevent moisture (particularly windblown rain and snow) from entering the wall cavity and seeping into it. According to James Hardie’s recommendations, it should use caulking which dries quickly yet retains permanent flexibility.
Woodpeckers and termites won’t bother with it either, while its composition of sand and cement makes it resistant to mold growth after heavy rainfall. Furthermore, unlike vinyl production facilities that release toxic chemicals into the environment, production using this siding does not release toxic chemicals into the environment during its creation.
Maintaining fiber cement siding is easy using regular garden hose washings every 6-12 months with water pressure from a garden hose or regular pressure from high-pressure power washers; high-pressure power washers could damage it over time and should be avoided for this type of surface. For further maintenance advice please refer to manufacturer technical bulletins; too much touch up paint applied may cause its color to fade faster than originally intended by contractors who use excessive touch-up paint application on exterior sidings of homes.
5. Paint the New Boards
Painting Hardie board siding can help your house to look newer while protecting against cracks, mildew and weather damage.
Before painting begins, be sure to rinse the siding using a garden hose or pressure washer if necessary for tough spots. This allows the fresh paint to bond better with fiber cement siding and extend its color’s longevity.
Cracked surfaces or any damage that involves dented areas can be repaired with cementitious patching compound, available at various stores and online. When purchasing this product for use with James Hardie products, be sure to select one designed specifically for their installation. Caulking can also prevent moisture from getting into wall cavities, leading to mold growth or other potential problems.