As an Elite Preferred James Hardie contractor, we are proud to recommend and expertly install James Hardie fiber cement siding products. We believe it is the best siding option to withstand the Colorado climate and environmental risks, such as wildfire, and what’s more, when properly cared for, James Hardie fiber cement siding should keep your home beautiful for a lifetime. Fiber cement siding is very low-maintenance, and so you can expect to get long-lasting life and beauty out of your fiber cement siding investment.
What are the care and maintenance instructions for James Hardie fiber cement siding?
James Hardie provides easy-to-follow, low-maintenance instructions to care for your fiber cement siding. All of these details can also be found on the James Hardie website.
- It’s important to keep your James Hardie siding clean. Every six to twelve months, you should rinse the exterior surfaces with a garden hose. This should clear away dirt and debris. It is recommended to use a low-pressure spray as high-pressure cleaning systems may damage your fiber cement siding. If you choose to clean your siding and trim using a pressure washer, use a wide fan tip, keep a minimum of six feet from the wall, and keep the pressure below 1500 psi to lessen the risk of damage.
- Working in small sections, from the top down, wipe the siding from side-to-side with a soft brush or cloth. James Hardie suggests a soft medium bristle (non-metal) siding cleaning brush for the best results.
- If stubborn stains persist, you may consider a very mild detergent when cleaning with your soft brush. Acidic cleaners will damage your fiber cement siding and are not advised for exterior surfaces as they could also harm the environment.
Why is maintenance so important to the integrity of my fiber cement siding?
Aside from keeping your home beautiful, regular upkeep is an important part of your home siding performance. By caring for your fiber cement siding, you ensure your high-quality products remain sound are are preventing moisture intrusion. Regular maintenance allows you to thoroughly check your home exterior, familiarize yourself with its qualities, and track any concerns without delay. Keeping your home exterior free of dirt, pests, and plants means that the fiber cement siding can live up to warranty without interruption. It is important to note that the life of your fiber cement siding is dependent on proper maintenance, as well as home design, geographic location, consideration of natural elements, and landscaping.
What other maintenance is required for my home exterior to remain beautiful and protective?
In order for your fiber cement siding to live up to its warranty, you should care, not only for the siding itself, but for the rest of your home exterior with proper moisture preventative action. At Bellwether, we install our tested moisture management system, which includes high-quality weather barriers, like HardieWrap.
It is also crucial that your home have functioning gutters and downspouts, installed to carry moisture away from your home. To ensure that your gutters are high-functioning, make sure to keep them clear of dirt and debris, such as leaves and pine needles.
You can also control non-essential moisture on your home by managing the surrounding vegetation and landscaping care. Ensure no plants or trees are growing up along your fiber cement siding and that you have implemented proper ground clearance on your landscaping. Your sprinklers should be adjusted to spray away from your house wherever possible.
If you do need to repair your James Hardie fiber cement siding or paint, make sure that you are adhering to these same guidelines and product recommendations so that the products continue to work in tandem for long-lasting beauty and function.
