At Siding Pros of Idaho, we understand the importance of maintaining your fiber cement siding to ensure its longevity and beauty. Here are some recommendations for maintaining your James Hardie brand products:

Exterior House Washing Recommendations for Fiber Cement Siding and Trim

Regular cleaning is important to maintain the exterior of your home and the value of your Hardie® siding. Follow these steps for cleaning your siding:

• Use a garden hose to remove dirt and debris every 6 to 12 months.
• Clean your siding with a soft brush or wet soft cloth in a side to side motion in the direction of the plank siding. Clean small sections at a time, starting from the top down.
• Use a low pressure water spray and a soft medium bristle (non-metal) siding cleaning brush for best results.
• Avoid using acid or high pressure washing as it can damage the fiber cement surface. If using a pressure washer, use a wide fan tip, keep a minimum of 6 feet from the wall, and keep the pressure below 1500 psi.

General Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance

In addition to regular cleaning, there are other steps you can take to maintain the exterior of your home:

• Install gutters and downspouts if they are not already present.
• Clean out your gutters, blocked pipes, and overflows of any debris, leaves, twigs, and dirt.
• Keep vegetation trimmed back and away from the home and siding.
• Adjust sprinkler systems so they do not excessively spray on siding or continuously soak the ground near your house.
• Avoid direct contact with deicing salts as they can damage the finished look of the siding. Instead, use sand or gravel to manage snowy or icy surfaces near siding.
• Ensure required external ground clearances (typically 6 in.) and drainage slopes are maintained. Do not in-fill landscaping up to the siding.

Re-Painting Siding

If your Hardie® siding was originally painted after it was installed on your home, then check the original paint manufacturer’s recommendations for reapplication of paint. Do not use stains or oil-based/alkyd paints on James Hardie brand products.

Fiber Cement Siding Repair or Patching

Reapply caulking when it shows signs of wear to keep moisture from getting into the wall cavity. Areas that may need caulking include penetrations, flashings, plank and trim connections, and in some cases, between plank joints. Use caulks and sealants that remain permanently flexible. Look for the words “permanently flexible” written clearly on the label or in the accompanying literature.

Please keep in mind that damage to siding and trim arising from improper cleaning or maintenance may not be covered by the James Hardie warranty. For any questions or concerns regarding fiber cement siding maintenance or repair, please contact Siding Pros of Idaho for expert advice and service.