
How to Repair Fiber Cement Siding
- Clean the Siding. Before you do anything else, you want to get the siding nice and clean. ...
- Replace the Caulking. Over time, caulking around windows, door frames and trim can crumble away and fall out. ...
- Repair any Holes. ...
- Apply Fresh Paint. ...
How much does it cost to install cement board siding?
Your actual price will depend on job size, conditions, finish options you choose. It costs $750 to $1,350 to install one square of fiber cement siding, which is equal to 100 square feet. You can expect to pay anywhere between $15,000 to $27,000 to complete a fiber cement siding project on a typical house.
What are the problems with cement board siding?
Worst Problems With Hardie Siding Recap
- Water Damage. As we said above moisture problems with Hardie siding is a huge issue if installed improperly. ...
- Clearance Issues. When installing fiber cement you have to respect the manufacturers recommended clearances. ...
- Improper Flashing. ...
- Missing Flashing. ...
- Hardie Board Installation Problems. ...
- Huge Gaps. ...
- Unpainted Joints. ...
- Warped Hardie Siding. ...
What is the best cement board for siding?
- Make sure the cement boards are clean.
- Complete all the caulking work. ...
- Mask trim and windows.
- Cover bushes with drop cloths.
- Finish all the cut edges of the cement boards with a primer that’s recommended for fiber cement boards.
- If you are installing new siding, finish all the cut edges and the planks with cement-board compatible primer.
How to properly remove cement asbestos board siding?
wrap the siding and seal it with duct tape. Asbestos Flooring - There are several methods for safely removing asbestos flooring material. One such way is to use heat to loosen the flooring from the subfloor. While holding a heat gun over an edge of the flooring, use a putty knife to lift the asbestos flooring away from the subfloor. Continue heating

How do you repair broken cement siding?
2:0910:22How To Replace Damaged Siding | THE HANDYMAN - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your hammer little rapey from behind your pry bar. You can pry both of them at the same time.MoreTake your hammer little rapey from behind your pry bar. You can pry both of them at the same time. And you don't run out of angle.
Can you repair Hardie plank siding?
Though it is a tough wearing product, the surface of the siding can sometimes be damaged during installation, by unusual wear or by impact. The James Hardie company, makers of HardiePlank, recommends the use of a cement patch product made of an acrylic mortar compound for patching their siding products.
How do you repair cracked Hardie board siding?
5:217:51Fixing Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to sand it down you're going to paint right over and it's going to do two things it'sMoreYou're going to sand it down you're going to paint right over and it's going to do two things it's going to fill the crack. And it's going to hold that almost like a glue.
How do you repair chipped cement board?
Use thin-set mortar to repair cracks or holes in cement boards. Step 3: Mix up a small amount of thin-set mortar following the manufacturer's instructions. Thin-set mortar typically has a working time of less than 15 minutes, so smaller batches are the way to go.
How do you replace one piece of fiber cement siding?
3:114:42Replacing some pieces of hardboard siding with decent results - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou know measure it measure the replacement. Board cutting it with a circular saw just a regularMoreYou know measure it measure the replacement. Board cutting it with a circular saw just a regular blade in here kind of a general purpose blade stuff cuts very very easily.
How do you repair cracks in fiber cement siding?
Sometimes cracks are caused by incorrect siding installation....Step 1: Inspect the Damage. Take a close look at your damaged fiber-cement siding. ... Step 2: Clean the Siding. ... Step 3: Mix the Patching Compound. ... Step 4: Apply the Patching Compound to the Crack. ... Step 5: Let the Compound Set. ... Step 6: Paint the Siding.
Can you repair cement siding?
Repair or Patching Fiber Cement Board Siding For small areas of damage you can use a sealant/caulk (preferably one designed for cement repairs) but then you will have to paint those areas of repair to match the original color.
Why does fiber cement siding crack?
Fiber cement planks are floppy until secured on the wall and holding only in the middle or transporting over a shoulder will cause a dramatic sag at both ends. The stress can cause a crack at the center of a board.
Why does Hardie board crack?
Nails driven below the panel surface and directional nailing can cause cracking and splitting of fiber cement. Nailing too high or close at an edge. This can create a small crack which leads from the nail to the edge of the siding board. House Settling or moving.
How do you fill holes in Hardie board?
The installation guide for Hardie Board, which is a brand of cement board siding recommends using caulking to fill nail holes. When I've installed it I used a high-quality exterior paintable calking after smoothing the edge of the holes. Once the caulk is dry you can touch up the paint.
How do you fill cement board?
0:3614:23Taping and prepping cement board joints - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut I want to show you - it's really hard to find the end here so what I do is I just scoot. The topMoreBut I want to show you - it's really hard to find the end here so what I do is I just scoot. The top until I see where the seam is there it is right there then I just push it back.
How do you fix a large hole in cement board?
Cement Board RepairIf holes are larger than ½ in diameter, use a carton knife or carbide tipped tool to cut a V-shaped groove behind the edges of the hole. ... Use a clean, damp sponge to wipe down the area.Mix a small batch of thin-set mortar according to directions.More items...•
How do you fill holes in Hardie board?
The installation guide for Hardie Board, which is a brand of cement board siding recommends using caulking to fill nail holes. When I've installed it I used a high-quality exterior paintable calking after smoothing the edge of the holes. Once the caulk is dry you can touch up the paint.
Why does Hardie board crack?
Nails driven below the panel surface and directional nailing can cause cracking and splitting of fiber cement. Nailing too high or close at an edge. This can create a small crack which leads from the nail to the edge of the siding board. House Settling or moving.
How do you fix a loose Hardie plank?
Loose boards are repaired by face-nailing them in place.Inspect the HardiePlank siding on the exterior of your home for loose boards, which will leave your house open to weather and insect damage. ... Slide a paint scraper against the surface of the loose boards in a back and forth motion while applying slight pressure.More items...
How long does hardiplank last?
The Hardieplank lifespan. As a result, it has the same durability as brick or stone. And just as with a brick or stone home, Hardieplank siding should last for the life of your home. James Hardie offers a 30-year warranty on their product, which shows just how confident they are in the long life of their product.
Why is my fiber cement siding buckling?
Buckled fiber cement siding is most likely to occur because the installer failed to give the recommended gap between the ends of the fiber cement boards and abutting vertical trim at corners, windows, doors, etc. Buckling fiber cement siding may also occur if the product was not properly nailed.
Why does my siding have algae?
Algae, fungus, moss or lichens on siding are usually due to a combination of moisture and shade on the building wall. Plants too close to the building wall, repeated wetting by sprinkler systems, or unnecessarily dense close shade tree growth are conditions that can usually be remedied.
Can fiber cement siding be sealed?
Cut ends of fiber cement siding should have been sealed using 100% acrylic latex primer or paint (Certainteed) or in some cases using an approved caulk wiped on the cut surface (see our notes on Hardieplank installation). And caulk is required at certain joints such as vertical trim at windows, doors, corners.
Can you replace cracked siding?
You can replace the damaged sections (work with care); You could also back-flash and then simply paint the cracked siding; #N#any sealant or "patch" will "work" mechanically to seal the crack but it'll be ugly when painted.
Can James Hardie siding be filled with cementitious?
Dents, chips, cracks and other minor surface damage in James Hardie siding and trim products can be filled with cementitious patching compound. Refer to manufacturer recommendations for products that are compatible with fiber cement.
How to patch a cement wall?
First, clean the area thoroughly with a damp cloth, and remove any hanging particles; the area to be patched must be clean and solid around the edges. Using a stiff brush, mix the patch material specifically intended for fiber cement following the manufacturer’s directions carefully; use only as much water as the manufacturer recommends. ...
Why use fiber cement siding?
One of the many reasons homeowners choose fiber cement for their siding needs is that fiber cement is so sturdy. Fiber cement siding can stand up to almost anything that Mother Nature can throw at it. Unfortunately, bad luck does sometimes strike – an earthquake hits, or the house has a run-in with a car – and the integrity ...
How long does a patch last on a wall?
If done properly, the patch should last for years, but there are no guarantees to the structural integrity of the siding.
Can you repair siding with a warranty?
If the siding was originally installed by United Home Experts , then it should still be under warranty and will be repaired promptly and efficiently at no charge. However, if the siding was originally homeowner-installed, or was installed by another company without a long-term guarantee, then repairs may fall to the homeowner.
What is fiber cement siding?
Work gloves. Ladder. Fiber cement siding looks like wood, but it’s actually a tough, industrial-material alternative that’s waterproof, fire-proof insect-resistant, making it a very popular choice for most homeowners.
Can you stain siding with acrylic paint?
Use only completely acrylic paint, and apply with rollers. Depending on the size of your house, you may need a ladder to reach the area of siding near the roof. Remember, above all else, that you must not stain siding; the material is not able to hold the stain, and the end result will not be pretty! Only use paint.
Proper Installation
The first preventative measure is proper installation. Due to the nature of fiber cement – it’s heavy and hard to cut – you want to take care to follow proper steps. This type of siding is susceptible to moisture damage, so it’s super important to properly fasten, gap, and seal.
Caulking
Caulking is also another important factor. Obviously, it’s crucial to adequately caulk during installation. But as time goes by, you’ll also want to keep an eye on the condition of the caulking. Part of the repainting process should also include re-caulking, but you don’t want to wait until your next recoating to inspect your sealant.
Use the Right Paint
Another tip is to use proper paint. When recoating, go with one that is UV resistant. This will protect your siding from unnecessary fading. Also, choose an acrylic latex paint that’s formulated for exterior use. For the smoothest application, use a paint sprayer. This helps big time, especially when there’s a lot of texture.
Routine Cleaning
Finally, routine cleaning is a fantastic way to keep your siding shiny and safe. From chalking to mold to grime, an annual clean will do wonders. You can either use a garden hose (in conjunction with a scrub brush) or a power washer to get the job done. With particularly stubborn spots, hit them with a brush.
Steps To Repair Cracked Fiber Cement Siding
First, inspect the damage. If it’s isolated to one panel or plank, or in a small area, it should be within your ability to repair. If not, you’ll want to consult a professional. Make sure to clean off any grime or debris prior to jumping into work. Use one gallon of water and half a cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP). Make sure to wear gloves.
Repairing Loose Panels
When dealing with loose panels, the most common issue is that a nail or multiple nails are not sunk into a stud. The easiest fix is to nail the piece back into place, making sure it goes into a stud. When there’s no stud available behind the siding, a technique called ‘pinning back’ can be applied.
How to make cementitious patching compound?
Mix the latex-modified cementitious patching compound in a small bucket, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Blend the compound until its consistency is stiff enough to hold on the tip of a putty knife.
How long does it take for a sanding compound to cure?
Wait three hours for the compound to cure. Keep the surface of the compound moist by spraying it with a mist of water if it begins to dry. Allow the repaired area to sit for 24 hours.
Is fiber cement siding good for a home?
Fiber-cement siding is an attractive alternative for homeowners who want the look of wood siding with the rot resistance, fire resistance and durability of cement. Fiber-cement siding is low-cost for its rated lifespan and is easy to maintain when compared with other siding choices.
Can fiber cement cracks be repaired?
No matter how durable fiber-cement siding is, though, cracks can still occur. Small cracks can be repaired with a special patching compound before they cause breaks, saving you the work of removing and replacing a damaged panel. Adding a fresh coat of paint over the patched area will blend the repair into the surrounding siding.
What siding goes around a 6 year old house?
A 6 year old house has the fiber cement siding abutting the flashing. This goes all around the house. Can we take a saw and cut a 1/4" out of the bottom plank?
Is the builder of a spec home responsible for defects?
Steve I should have added that regarding your assumption that the builder of a spec home is not responsible for construction defects, that depends in part on where you live. For example New York and some other states have a New Home Warranty Law.
Does James Hardie have a warranty?
These inquiries sometimes include requests that James Hardie provide warranty coverage to remediate problems associated with paints, and other non-approved materials as touch-ups. James Hardie’s warranty provides coverage for defects in materials and workmanship on ColorPlus products and its Touchup only.
Does James Hardie use color matched caulk?
James Hardie [JH] does not approve use of JH approved color matched caulk, other caulking materials or cementitious patching compounds to touch up nail heads, nail holes, dents, chips, cracks or other minor surface blemishes on JH products with ColorPlus® Technology. Warranty Coverage.
Can you use a Scot#N# to fasten down siding?
Scot#N#To fasten down any board type siding without removing and replacing (working from bottom-up) you'll want to follow the manufacturer's face-nailing recommendations such as are used at trim where nails are not covered by the next siding course.
Can you use power grab on loose fiber cement?
Loctite's "Power Grab" construction adhesive is not likely to perform well in an effort to glue loose fiber cement siding boards, because those boards, in a normal installation, are nailed to building sheathing and framing that have first been covered with housewrap.
Can James Hardie siding be filled with cementitious?
Dents, chips, cracks and other minor surface damage in James Hardie siding and trim products can be filled with cementitious patching compound. Refer to manufacturer recommendations for products that are compatible with fiber cement.
How to get nails off a board?
Move up and down the board, working it lose until it pops off. Remove any nails that still might be underneath the bottom portion of the piece above the one you removed. (Just the nails that will prevent the new board from sliding back into place.) You can either completely remove the nails, or clip them off.
Can hardie boards break?
Here’s the trickiest part about this whole process: while hardie board is an amazing product, it also breaks a little too easily. They break under their own weight, so make sure to carry them vertically, not flat. Another pair of hands is always best when handling the boards.

Step 1 – Clean The Siding
Step 2 – Replace The Caulking
- Over time, caulking around windows, door frames and trim can crumble away and fall out. Use your caulk gun to replace all caulking now.
Step 3 – Repair Any Holes
- If you have some small cracks and holes in your siding, you can fill them in with patching material specifically designed for this purpose, available at your local hardware store. Keep in mind that the patching will be obvious, whether or not you paint over it, so this is the best solution if the cracks and holes are in out of the way places that aren’t readily noticeable. If you have really big …
Step 4 – Apply Fresh Paint
- Finally, now that your siding is clean and renewed, it’s ready to paint. Make sure that the siding is completely dry from the washing, and that the caulk and patches are dry too. Use only completely acrylic paint, and apply with rollers. Depending on the size of your house, you may need a ladder to reach the area of siding near the roof. Remember, above all else, that you must not stain siding; t…