Caring for Your James Hardie Siding to Ensure Longevity

Getting the most out of your Hardie® siding and trim hinges on two primary elements: proper installation by a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor and regular maintenance. Durable Hardie siding is known for its minimal need for upkeep, but low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. 

Since Hardie siding comes with a transferable, non-prorated 30-year warranty and is known to last up to 50 years, it’s smart to invest in your siding’s upkeep so you can enjoy its high performance for decades. Here’s how: 

9 Basic Maintenance for Hardie Siding to Protect Its Longevity

1. Wash Your Siding Twice a Year

Dust, dirt, and other unwanted contaminants can build up on your exterior over time. If left unaddressed, they can dim the beauty of your siding’s color and create unsightly stains that become tough to remove. It’s essential that you wash your exterior gently so you don’t harm it. Here are some important tips to help you clean your exterior with success. 

Before washing your siding, brush away dirt and dust that has built up. Rinse thoroughly, taking care not to aim water at the joints between panels. 

With a soft wet cloth or soft bristle nylon brush, combine warm water with mild detergent and apply to your siding. Wash the planks in the direction they are fitted to your home using a gentle side-to-side (for horizontal lap siding) or up-and-down (for vertical siding) motion. 

2. Remove Mold and Mildew

When your home is situated near trees or part of your siding is shaded throughout the day, your exterior could experience mold or mildew. With shade and moisture readily accessible, these problems can start brewing. To overcome pesky mold/mildew, you’ll need a mildew cleaner that is safe for siding, a soft sponge, and your garden hose. 

Caution: It’s vital that you read the instructions on your siding mildew cleaner and follow them to avoid harming your exterior. Test the cleaner on an obscure spot to ensure it is gentle and safe to use. Spray the moldy area and allow it to sit (according to the instructions). Next, gently scrub until all of the mold and mildew has loosened. Finally, thoroughly rinse the area.

3. Break Down Oil or Grease

If unsightly grease or oil mars your exterior’s appearance, it’s important to remove it to ensure the long-term beauty and endurance of your siding. You’ll need dish soap, a soft cloth, and your garden hose to get these off your exterior. 

Fill your bucket with warm water and add dish soap to it. Scrub the affected area with a wet, soapy rag. Once the grease or oil has been removed, rinse the area thoroughly. If necessary, follow these steps again (until the area sparkles again) to remove any residual grease. 

4. Avoid Creating Damage and Maintain Your Warranty 

Hardie siding’s warranty offers fabulous coverage for three decades, but you need to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain it. 

Caution: Keep your siding looking fabulous and your warranty in the position to be honored (in the unlikely event it is ever needed) by avoiding the use of things that could harm it, like harsh chemical cleaners and abrasive brushes. Resist the temptation to use your high-pressure power washer. 

When cleaning your siding, be careful to just work on a small area at a time so soap doesn’t dry on your exterior’s surface. Work top to the bottom to prevent the spread of dirt. Always thoroughly rinse the section of your exterior you’re currently working on before going on to the next segment. Keep your rag or brush clean by rinsing it frequently. And make sure you only use cleaning products, methods, and tools recommended by James Hardie.  

5. Watch Out for Harmful Chemicals

When winter snow hits the Greater Kansas City and Shawnee areas, your siding may not be the first thing on your mind. But it’s vital to realize that harsh chemicals that help de-ice your sidewalk can actually harm your siding. Stay away from de-icing chemicals and opt for sprinkling sand or gravel on your concrete surfaces instead. 

6. Take Care of Your Caulking

Caulk helps seal the joints in your Hardie siding, but it doesn’t last forever. If it starts to crack or deteriorate over time, it’s essential that you replace it to reestablish the seal between your siding boards, and around the joints at your windows and doors. If old caulking is left unnoticed or unaddressed, it can allow water to seep into your siding and cause damage like rot or mold. 

Caution: Avoid problems by removing old, cracked caulking and replacing it. 

7. Repaint Siding When Needed

While fiber cement holds its color extremely well, it still needs to be repainted at some point. Pre-primed Hardie siding and trim will need to be painted sooner than boards with factory applied finish. 

Caution: James Hardie ColorPlus® Technology lasts at least 15 years, and painting it before then can negatively impact its warranty against fading, cracking and peeling. 

8. Keep Gutters in Good Working Order

Channel water away from your siding by ensuring gutters are free of debris. 

9. Give Your Siding Some Space to Breathe

Siding needs air to dry out after storms, so keep your trees and shrubs from rubbing up against it. Don’t point your sprinklers on it when watering your lawn. And allow several inches between your siding and all other landscaping elements. 

Protect Your Home and Elevate Curb Appeal with Durable Hardie Siding and Trim

When siding gets old, it makes your home vulnerable to damaging water intrusion and pest infestation. But you can safeguard your house from these common problems by installing enduring Hardie siding and trim products and then following the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance. At Safe Harbor, we are a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor and we install siding with precision so it lasts. Learn more about how our James Hardie siding services can help you achieve your vision for your home exterior.