Follow these tips for optimal results when it’s time to care for your siding.

CLEANING AND MAINTAINING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME

Your siding serves as the primary defense against the elements, enduring hail in the spring, UV rays in the summer, strong winds in the fall, and snowstorms in the winter. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your fiber cement siding play a crucial role in preventing moisture and pests from entering, while also preserving the curb appeal and value of your home.

The level of maintenance required depends on the specific conditions in your area and the exposure your home’s siding faces. As a general guideline, consider following these cleaning tips to maintain the longevity of your siding.

WASH THE EXTERIOR

Every six to 12 months, grab your garden hose or a low-pressure power washer and give your house a thorough hosing down. Take it section by section, starting from the top and working your way down to prevent dripping onto cleaned areas. This straightforward method effectively removes most stubborn dirt, grease, mold, or other debris.

For those persistent dirt or stains, prepare a solution of warm water and mild liquid dishwashing soap in a bucket. Dip a soft rag, sponge, or brush into the soapy water and gently scrub the affected area in the direction of the plank siding. Rinse with a hose to ensure all soapy residue is thoroughly removed. Assess the results and repeat the process if necessary.

Mold discoloration, often resembling dirt, may appear dry even when wet. Mold tends to thrive in damp, dark areas with prolonged moisture or humidity. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to mix mildew cleaner with water. Protect your skin with gloves during the cleaning process. Gently scrub the affected area with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. Evaluate the results and repeat the process if needed.

CLEAN AND REPAIR THE GUTTERS

It’s important to clear leaves and debris from your gutters every fall to ensure proper drainage, preventing water from dripping down the siding. Additionally, ensure the ground around your home slopes away for effective rainwater drainage.

While cleaning the gutters, inspect the condition of the caulk. If you notice signs of wear, reapply caulk to prevent moisture from seeping out of the gutters and into the wall cavity. For optimal results, use outdoor rated, permanently flexible sealant.

TRIM BACK VEGETATION AND AVOID DEICERS

Adhering to best practices involves trimming back shrubs, bushes, and trees to avoid contact with the siding. This precautionary measure helps prevent residue from vegetation sticking to the siding and ensures that sprinklers don’t saturate areas near your house.

When using deicing products on driveways or sidewalks, James Hardie recommends applying sand or gravel on areas adjacent to the siding. This precaution helps safeguard against exposure to deicing salts, which could prematurely damage the finished appearance of James Hardie siding.

REPAINTING JAMES HARDIE SIDING

Before considering repainting, try the aforementioned tips to wash the exterior and eliminate dirt and grime. You might be surprised at the fresh color hiding beneath this debris! If you still decide to repaint your siding, it’s important to note that doing so will void the 15-year limited finish warranty. If your coverage has expired, there’s no penalty for repainting the siding.

Begin by removing any damaged, chipped, or cracked paint. Then, clean the surface using the aforementioned tips to eliminate dust, dirt, and mildew. Once the surface is completely dry, apply acrylic exterior paint following the instructions provided by the paint manufacturer.

Avoid applying stain or oil-based paint to fiber cement products. Since stain is semi-translucent, achieving uniformity can be challenging depending on the application method. Only someone with considerable skill and experience can produce a consistently even finished product. Applying oil-based paint could result in surface roughness, adhesion issues, cracking, or chalking.

GENERAL SIDING REPAIRS AND PATCHING

If your siding has a few nicks, scrapes, or nail holes that need patching, there’s no need to repaint the entire siding. Simply touch up the area with touch-up paint from James Hardie. This product is available in small bottles with edge coaters or touch up pens, making the job easy.

Paint touch up is recommended only for damaged areas the size of a dime or smaller. If the affected area is larger, consider replacing that section with a new plank or panel.

For deeper dents, chips, and cracks, you can use a cementitious patching compound. Ensure the product is compatible with fiber cement before applying it to your siding. Use a trowel or another flat tool to apply the patching compound, scraping away excess product. Let it dry, and then touch up the area with paint.

Ensuring your James Hardie siding receives proper care guarantees you’ll enjoy its beauty and protection throughout its lifespan. With a proven track record of lasting 50 years when well maintained, the effort you invest in upkeep will yield rich rewards!  

If you are looking for assistance for your upcoming home renovation project at New America Construction we provide James Hardie siding, right estimates for all NJ homeowners.

Call us for more information 973-804-9400 

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