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How to Care for Your James Hardie Siding

In a recent post we shared some of the reasons we highly recommend James Hardie fiber cement siding for homes here in the Minneapolis area.  Perhaps you’ve considered having Hardie siding installed but you’re wondering about upkeep.  Or maybe you already have this durable siding product but you aren’t sure how to care for it.  This post should answer your questions either way.

James Hardie siding is known for its durability and ease of maintenance, but there is some care involved to help the product last as long as possible. Homeowners who take the time to perform these important maintenance tasks will enjoy a long lifespan out of their siding. Those who skip important tasks will shorten the lifespan of their siding noticeably. Below is an outline of the different maintenance tasks; make note of them and stay diligent with your siding care for best results.

Hardie Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance

Clean It Regularly

One of the most important steps to maintaining cement fiber siding like James Hardie is to keep it nice and clean. This means going over the surface and washing it one or two times every year. To tackle this job, get yourself a bucket of warm water, a soft cloth or brush and some dish soap. Add a bit of soap to the water, dip your cleaning tool and start scrubbing away. There are large scrub brushes available for this task as well, but the important thing is that you wipe down all the surfaces, no matter how you accomplish the task. After you wipe it all down, use a hose to wash off all the soap and leave behind a nice clean surface.

Recommended cleaning times are in the spring after the snow has melted.  This way you get rid of grime that has built up over the winter.  The other time we recommend washing your siding is in the fall to remove dust and dirt from spring and summer.

Cleaning with a Pressure Washer

For most siding products, a power or pressure washer can easily remove just about anything, but we recommend you hire a professional if you’re not experienced in using this equipment.  A pressure washer is a convenient tool to tackle more serious dirt and grime on your siding, but you have to be careful when using such a high power tool. It’s possible that you can actually damage your siding if the pressure is up too high or you use the wrong technique.

Always rely on a power washer that puts out the pressure that’s less than 1,500 PSI. Anything more than that can go right through your siding. Also, rely on a fan-tip attachment while cleaning and stay back at least six feet while cleaning. A properly adjusted pressure washer can make cleaning your siding faster and more enjoyable – just make sure you know what you are doing before beginning.

Replace Caulk

Another important maintenance task is replacing caulk as it wears away or breaks down. If there is any caulk that’s peeling or cracking, you need to take action soon as possible. Remove the caulk, and apply an exterior product that’s designed to remain flexible over time. Do this in any sections of your siding where the caulking is wearing out and check your siding for worn caulk annually.

James Hardie siding is long-lasting and reliable under most circumstances, but only if you take the time to maintain it properly. Follow the above steps carefully, and you should have no trouble getting the full lifespan out of the product.

Now that you know how easy it is to care for, perhaps you’re convinced that this siding product is right for your home.  One more thing before you move ahead: make sure to know what siding color to choose for your home! 

Speak with us here at Window Outfitters to find out more regarding James Hardie siding options and how their fiber cement siding and trim products could be perfect for your home.  Window Outfitters, Inc. is a James Hardie preferred siding installation contractor here in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.  

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Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.

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