Did you recently install new James Hardie fiber cement siding? Congratulations on such a great investment in your home. But at Lifetime Exteriors, we know that choosing a quality material like fiber cement is not just about protecting your home, it’s about creating a look that you love, so we want to empower you as a homeowner to keep your fiber cement investment looking its best.
While fiber cement siding is an extremely low-maintenance product, there are still things you can do to keep it looking its best. As a siding contractor, here are our top tips for keeping your siding looking like new for years.
Annual Inspection and Repairs
Although fiber cement siding is both durable and resistant to most elements, it still needs to be inspected at least once a year to help your home last for a lifetime. You can do this yourself or contact a siding contractor.
Walk the exterior of your home, checking that all planks lie properly flush. James Hardie siding is resistant to warping and rotting and is extremely durable, so it will not likely crack. But a thorough inspection should look for any and all potential defects in the siding or areas where moisture has the possibility to penetrate. Check all joint caulking for cracks or wear and have it replaced when needed.
Periodic Cleanings
Cleaning your siding not only keeps your siding looking like new, but it is also essential to the lifespan of the product. Fiber cement typically only needs to be cleaned once every 6 to 12 months. Certain areas may need more cleanings than others, so keep an eye out for signs of dirty siding.
Dirt and Dust
Removing dirt from fiber cement is relatively easy, and you can use one of two methods.
Method 1: Wet a soft cloth and wipe down the entirety of your siding surface. Make sure to rinse the cloth as needed and change it out as it gets dirty. You don’t want to scratch the surface of your siding by rubbing it with a dirty rag. Rinse the siding with clean water afterward to complete the clean.
When cleaning fiber cement, never use an abrasive material to scrub the surface, as it can scratch the paint. Steer clear of pressure washers, which can be harsh on home materials.
Method 2: Use a soft brush to dust away the dirt. Once the siding is free of the buildup, rinse it down with a hose.
Work your way from the top of your siding to bottom. This keeps you from dirtying already cleaned areas of your home. It is also a good idea to cover your landscaping near the siding, especially when using chemical cleaning agents. And finally, wear proper safety equipment when cleaning, such as gloves, a face mask, and eyewear.
Grease or Oil
Cleaning oil and grease from your siding will be a similar process to removing mold and mildew, but rather than use a mildew cleaner, your siding should be cleaned using mild dish soap.
Fill a bucket with soap and water. Wet your nonabrasive rag with the solution and scrub your siding from top to bottom until the grease is removed. Then simply rinse down the siding until all the residue has been removed.
Mold/Mildew
Mold and mildew love to grow where moisture is present in dark areas. This can often be the shaded side of a home. But when you have fiber cement siding, cleaning mold and mildew doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Wet a nonabrasive sponge or rag. Then apply a mold or mildew cleaner to the siding and gently scrub the planks until the mold lifts from the siding. Rinse the section of your siding down. Ensure that you properly follow the instructions of your mildew cleaner for safety and the best cleaning results.
Choose ColorPlus Siding
The great thing about fiber cement siding, especially James Hardie siding, is it is durable, fire-resistant, pest-resistant, and rot-resistant, giving it an edge in making a home look great for years. And when you make the investment in new siding, you want to trust that it will outlast other siding materials like vinyl.
James Hardie offers two forms of boards: ColorPlus and pre-primed. Pre-primed boards are the standard fiber cement that has been primed for your paint selection. ColorPlus boards are already painted with the baked-on technology of James Hardie, which prevents fading and cracking of the paint. The technology makes the boards UV resistant, and they come with a 15-year ColorPlus warranty. So, if you want a color that lasts longer, ColorPlus boards will keep your paint looking like new.
It’s Easy to Love Your Exterior for a Lifetime
By utilizing a few simple cleaning methods, you can enjoy your curb appeal for years. It’s time to be the envy of the neighbohood. Take it from one of Portland’s most reputable siding contractors. Maintaining the investment of how your siding looks will maintain the value of your home.
If you have yet to install James Hardie siding on your home and desire an easy to clean and low maintenance siding option, our Lifetime Exteriors siding contractor team is a phone call away. Contact us today to get an estimate on a seamless installation of this high-end product.
