HardiPlank lap siding made of fiber cement is engineered to stand up against rain, snow, hailstorms, humidity and temperature extremes while maintaining its aesthetics. Engineered specifically to withstand climate conditions in extreme conditions like rain, snowfall hailstorms humidity or temperature extremes makes HardiPlank lap siding an excellent alternative.
Home improvements such as adding moldings can add a sophisticated touch to any space and increase resale value, but proper installation must take place to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Removing the Old Siding
Home exteriors are subject to harsh elements – weather, fire, pests and time can wreak havoc on them, damaging or even destroying siding over time. But it’s never too late to give your home an entirely new look by replacing its siding!
James Hardie fiber cement construction provides exceptional durability that resists damage from all sources, while offering beautiful colors and textures to fit with your individual style preferences.
To make the re-siding process go more smoothly, it is advisable to begin on a warm day when panels will be easier to handle and manipulate. Unlock the panel above that which needs replacing and pry loose any nails holding it in place with a carpenter’s tool before using your siding removal tool to pry away and remove. As you work, ensure to inspect and clean up behind you carefully while taking special care not to damage any underlying wood or stucco that may exist beneath.
Cutting the New Siding
Home curb appeal is one of the main draws to any house, so updating it by replacing old siding with hardieplank fiber cement siding could give yours an upgrade.
James Hardie offers an assortment of colors and textures to complement any aesthetic, while its resistance to fire damage may even help you save on home insurance premiums.
Installing new siding requires following James Hardie’s installation instructions and taking appropriate safety precautions, including wearing gloves and eye protection and using a nail gun equipped with settings suitable for siding or roofing nails.
Caulking should be performed around trim edges, windows and doorways to help seal them against wind-driven rain and snow from entering wall cavities and creating moisture problems in them. James Hardie installation guidelines suggest using permanent flexible caulk to ensure an airtight seal between your new siding and water penetration behind it.
Installing the New Siding
Fiber cement siding can add beauty and durability to your home. Constructed from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it mimics the look of wood or stucco without all the maintenance requirements associated with them. Furthermore, its materials offer protection from fire, rot and insects alike – an attractive and cost-effective choice that won’t damage easily over time.
Before beginning your James Hardie siding installation, ensure you have all of the required tools. Siding gauges, a fiber cement circular saw blade and a siding nailer will all be required. In addition, caulking guns and paint kits may come in handy.
James Hardie offers several lap siding options, such as HardiePlank lap, board and batten and textured panels. Each style offers different colors and textures to match the aesthetic of any home, plus special touch-up coatings for its products. In addition, you have the choice between having it pre-primed or factory painted – pre-primed being easier to paint and providing improved moisture resistance, while factory-painted can help ensure that it matches with other trim or roof colors perfectly.
Finishing Up
James Hardie lap siding comes in an extensive selection of colors to complement almost any design style, while being storm-, rot-, and insect-proof. You can add matching fascia, soffit, and trim pieces for a neat finish, plus the manufacturer offers a 30-year warranty!
As soon as you’re ready to install hardieplank siding, make sure you have all of the tools prepared before beginning installation. This should include fiber cement shears and saw blades for cutting boards to size as well as an 18 gauge trim nailer or 15 gauge siding nailer.
If you are using factory-primed James Hardie products, paint the siding immediately to maintain good condition and protect the caulking around trim areas from loosening over time. Use high-grade exterior-grade acrylic topcoat and caulking with permanently flexible caulk from your hardware store as soon as possible to protect it against loosening that could result in costly damage to your home’s exterior finish.