how to repair concrete siding

by Gladyce Wehner MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Inspect the Damage. Take a close look at your damaged fiber-cement siding. ...
Clean the Siding. Before sealing the crack in the fiber-cement siding, clean it to get rid of all dirt and debris. ...
Mix the Patching Compound. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging of your cementitious patching compound, mixing it with water in a bucket using a stir stick or ...
Apply the Patching Compound to the Crack. Spread the patching compound into the crack using a putty knife. ...
Let the Compound Set. Once you've applied the patching compound and smoothed it out, let it sit for at least a few hours to allow it to harden ...
Paint the Siding. Grab a bucket of paint and a paint brush and get to work painting over the filled crack. ...

How much does concrete siding cost?

Concrete siding costs between $3 and $5 per square foot installed, or from $4,290 to $7,160 ...

What is the best cement siding?

What is the Best Brand for Fiber Cement Siding?

GAF Weatherside. GAF is known for its roofing supplies and focuses on another perspective for fiber cement sidings. ...
James Hardie: HardiePlank. The HardiePlank is arguably the most dominating brand in fiber cement siding. ...
Nichiha. This brand is professional and elegant, and we think you haven’t heard of them before. ...

How to repair cement siding?

Proper Hardie Plank Siding Maintenance

Clean dirt and other debris off the outside of your house with a garden hose once or twice a year. ...
Trim trees and other plants away from your home. ...
Install gutters (if you don’t have them already) to route water away from your siding. ...
Repaint your Hardie plank siding every 8-10 years to protect it too.

How to repair and replace siding?

The process usually involves these steps:

Expose the wood by removing the siding and water barrier (if there is one)
Replace the rotted wood with new wood.
Treat the remaining wood that isn’t damaged, yet looks like it was exposed in some way to the fungus that caused the dry rot.
Properly dispose of the damaged wood.

How do you repair concrete siding?

Use a plastic putty knife to apply the patching material to the damaged area, filling in the area and shaping the patch to match the original contours of the siding. Allow the patch to thoroughly dry and apply another thin layer of patching material if the first layer shrank during the drying process.

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 cracks in fiber cement siding?

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.

How do you repair damaged cement board?

Use a carton knife or carbide tip tool to cut the cement board to expose a stud on either side of the damaged area. Use the knife to score and break a new piece of cement board to fit the hole. Attach the new board to the stud using corrosion-resistant screws. Predrill the holes for easier installation.

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 fix fiber cement board?

2:1410:26Installing cement board on the wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReally on the walls I'm only going about four screws four to five screws. Down the stud. You canMoreReally on the walls I'm only going about four screws four to five screws. Down the stud. You can just spread them out we'll talk about this when you get to the floor.

Should fiber cement siding be caulked?

Many professionals, like those at James Hardie, also agree that you should not use caulk on fiber cement siding unless there is no metal flashing underneath. Flashing acts as a waterproofing layer for this type of siding, and caulking will prevent the flashing from doing its job.

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.

How do you repair cracks in Hardie siding?

Use Putty and Paint If your hardie plank siding has minor cracks in it, these may be filled using putty. You'll need to remove loose pieces of cement from inside the crack with tweezers followed by filling it completely with a quality putty.

Can cement board be repaired?

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 caulk fiber cement siding?

0:542:14How to like a Pro: Caulking Cement Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe caulking tube which we use our tool that's on the caulking gun we push it in pull it out this isMoreThe caulking tube which we use our tool that's on the caulking gun we push it in pull it out this is ready to go we insert it in the gun. Push it up where it needs to go. And we're ready to begin.

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 hole in Hardie board siding?

How do you fix Hardie plank?

8:0229:01Installing HardiePlank® cladding & HardieTrim® - full version - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need to take a knife. Down to the bottom. And cut it to length. Then need to fix the last few.MoreYou need to take a knife. Down to the bottom. And cut it to length. Then need to fix the last few. Staples. And then tap them. Home.

How do you replace damaged Hardie board siding?

To remove and replace damaged siding: Cut the fiber cement siding to length (wear approved dust protection). Blind-nail the fiber cement siding in place, starting with the bottom piece. Face-nail the top piece of fiber cement siding through the old siding. Prime and paint new siding to match the old.

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.

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 long does it take to repair lap siding?

We'll show you how to fill small holes, fill large holes, repair a split, and replace siding pieces. Most repairs will take less than an hour.

Can you replace shingles without too much trouble?

These small repairs can add years to the life of the siding. Boards, shingles, and panels usually can be replaced without too much trouble.

Can water damage siding?

A quality siding job is well-sealed, otherwise water can infiltrate and damage sheathing or the back of siding. Over time, however, seals can weaken, so it's important that you consistently check your siding's seal and replace or recaulk any damaged areas. This section shows you how to repair flashing and apply caulk.

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 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. ...

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.

Concrete Crack Repair

The technique for patching cracks will depend on the size of the crack.

Remove Paint From Concrete

Concrete is porous and absorbs paint well. Here are some recommendations for removing spilled paint.

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.

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.