How Do You Maintain James Hardie Siding?
As a good rule of thumb, you should plan to set aside 1% of your home’s purchase price each year for maintenance costs. If you’ve recently completed a major home renovation, like getting new siding installed, it can feel overwhelming to think about paying for maintenance on top of your project costs. Fortunately, James Hardie siding is one of the most popular siding materials on the market because it requires very little maintenance.
Even still, there are a few things you can do to take care of your new siding so that it looks as good as new for decades to come. Continue reading to learn the best James Hardie siding maintenance tips.
How to Clean Your James Hardie Siding
Because of its unique composition, James Hardie siding is built to last longer than other siding materials like wood and vinyl. So, it doesn’t take much work at all to keep it clean. Once or twice a year, plan to wash your siding with a low-pressure spray from a garden hose. If you need to scrub it down, be sure to use a soft siding cleaning brush and not a metal one, as that can damage the planks.
As you’re washing them, use a side-to-side motion, working in the direction of the planks, not against the grains. It’s easiest to work in small sections, going from top to bottom, gently spraying and brushing as needed.
Keep in mind that you should not use a pressure washer on your James Hardie siding, as the force from it may damage the planks.
How to Remove Different Types of Stains
Over time, it’s natural to notice small stains on your siding. Most of them are easy to remove with little effort. Here are a few tips on how to get rid of specific stains.
Mold and Mildew
If you live in a wet climate, it’s normal to see small mold or mildew spots appear on your siding. James Hardie siding is designed to be resistant to damage from mold and mildew, but it can still be unsightly and it’s best to remove it when you notice it.
To do so, use a mildew-specific cleaner, your garden hose, and a soft sponge to lightly scrub the area clean. Follow the instructions on the cleaner to ensure you don’t overdo it and end up damaging the siding in the process.
Dirt
Most of the time, dirt will wipe off easily with a sponge or brush. For more stubborn dirt stains, you can use a mild detergent soap to remove the built-up grime, making sure to wash off all the soap once you’re finished.
Oil and Grease
Oil and grease stains can be a bit more stubborn, but they’re no match for James Hardie siding’s durability! To remove them, use a soft cloth and saturate it in water. Then, use a mild, grease-fighting, dishwashing soap on the stains and gently scrub the stain with the cloth.
It helps to keep the siding wet the whole time you’re scrubbing at the oil stain to fully remove it. Once the stain is gone, rinse your siding until no more soap remains.
Update Your Siding Today
As you can see, it’s very easy to maintain and clean your James Hardie siding. If your current siding is old, outdated, or in need of repair, consider replacing it with James Hardie siding that will last for years.
Our team of expert siding installers would be happy to answer any questions you may have about James Hardie products or the siding replacement process as a whole. Request a free consultation with MHX Designs today!
