How to Keep Your James Hardie Siding Clean
Installing James Hardie siding on your home means you’re getting a durable and long-lasting product that will make your home look beautiful for years. But even the sturdiest products require tender loving care. As a Long Island James Hardie preferred remodeler, Good Guys Contracting recommends keeping a regular maintenance schedule for your home to get the most out of your decision to choose James Hardie.
Cleaning James Hardie Siding
A key part of any type of siding maintenance program is making sure you clean the exterior of your home. James Hardie recommends you wash down exterior surfaces every 6 to 12 months using a garden hose or low-pressure water spray. It’s very important to note that using a high-pressure water spray and sand blasting may damage your home.
You should also know the tools and methods needed for attacking different types of stains. For removing dirt and chalk, you should use a soft cloth or a soft or medium bristle brush. Avoid using hard brushes like a scrub brush or an abrasive scrub sponge. Use water to clean the stains and then rinse with clean water when you’re done. You should also use a soft cloth and a garden hose for oil stains and organic contaminants, but add liquid dishwashing soap to your water. Use the cloth to clean the stain, rinsing frequently and then rinse the entire area with the garden hose.
You’ll need a special cleaner to tackle mold and mildew stains. James Hardie recommends you look for brands such as Jomax®, Mildew Check® or Mold Armor®. Mix these products with water and carefully follow the mildew cleaner instruction. Lightly scrub the area you’re cleaning with a soft cloth and then use a garden hose to rinse.
Preventing Damage to Your Siding
It’s important to take steps to prevent damage to your James Hardie siding. You should have gutters and downspouts installed in your home to prevent water damage while making sure to clean them regularly. Homeowners should also check for and clean blocked pipes and overflows.
It’s smart to keep shrubs, bushes and other vegetation well trimmed and away from your home. That will keep sprinklers from causing water damage to your siding. Don’t in-fill your landscaping up to the siding. Make sure that drainage slopes and ground clearances are always maintained. Check the caulking of pipes and seams regularly and reapply caulking when it begins to show wear. James Hardie recommends you use caulking that is permanently flexible and has the words “permanently flexible” clearly marked on the product’s label or literature.
Sometimes, repainting may be necessary, but be careful. It could void the warranty on your James Hardie ColorPlus® finish. James Hardie recommends using ColorPlus® touch for nicks, scrapes and small holes that are smaller than a dime. If the damaged area is larger, it’s recommended that installers replace the damaged plank or panel. If your siding was painted after it was installed, check with your paint manufacturer for instructions on repainting. Do not use stain.
If you need to repair minor chips and cracks, cementitious patching compound is recommended. When battling winter snow, be careful of using deicing salts, which can damage your siding.
Call Good Guys Contracting for Expert Installation
James Hardie siding should always be kept dry before installation and homeowners are encouraged to take an active role in dealing with contractors. One way to do that is to go to Good Guys Contracting to handle your exterior siding installation. Contact us today for an estimate and in-home consultation.
