Repairing Guides

how to repair cracked fiber cement siding

by Era Koch Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair Cracks in Fiber-Cement Siding

  1. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Mix a solution of 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate and 1 gallon of water.
  2. Mix the latex-modified cementitious patching compound in a small bucket, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  3. Scoop up some of the patching compound with a putty knife. Spread the compound over the crack with the edge of the putty knife.
  4. 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.
  5. Paint the patched area the same color as the rest of the siding, using a paintbrush. ...

How to fix damaged fiber cement siding?

  • What is the base product material, and what condition is it in. ...
  • How do we remove peeling paint from a factory-painted fiber cement product, how much bad paint do we remove, how aggressive should we be? ...
  • How do we prepare the cleaned surface for re-painting? ...
  • What paint or coating should be used? ...
  • How should the coating be applied? ...

How do you repair cement board siding?

  • LOOSE FIBER CEMENT SIDING BOARD REPAIRS
  • FIBER CEMENT BOARD COATING FAIURE REPAIRS
  • FIBER CEMENT SIDING GAP CURES at BUTT JOINTS or at TRIM
  • RE-CAULKING vs. H-COVERS for BUTT JOINT GAPS in FC SIDING - separate article
  • REMOVE INDIVIDUAL FIBER CEMENT SHINGLES or BOARDS

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. ...

How to repair damaged siding?

Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Replacing a Whole Panel

  1. Equip yourself with a zip tool and a pry bar. A zip tool (or siding removal tool) is used to unlock vinyl siding panels from each other.
  2. Unzip the panel from one end. Always work from end to end when removing a panel. ...
  3. Remove the damaged panel’s nails with a pry bar. ...
  4. Fasten the replacement panel in place with nails. ...

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How do you fix cracked 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.

Can fiber cement siding be repaired?

Repair or Patching Fiber Cement Board Siding Refer to manufacturer recommendations for products that are compatible with fiber cement. 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.

How do you fix cracked hardiplank?

2:567:51Fixing Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you want to use your finger. And just wipe it through there you want to try to be liberal withMoreAnd you want to use your finger. And just wipe it through there you want to try to be liberal with it as you as much as you can because you want the caulking to stay in the crack to fill it up okay.

How do you repair fiberboard siding?

0:114:42Replacing some pieces of hardboard siding with decent results - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd replace them this is one technique you have to start by getting the old pieces out and this isMoreAnd replace them this is one technique you have to start by getting the old pieces out and this is one technique and roving a claw hammer in there. And beating it down and pulling it out.

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 fix a cracked fibro wall?

0:011:23How to repair cracks in rendered walls - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure use exterior filler on exterior surfaces. Now that effective skills you will need toMoreMake sure use exterior filler on exterior surfaces. Now that effective skills you will need to remove any excess Philippine edges. Just gently brush away the excess filler.

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 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.

Should I caulk hardiplank?

James Hardie DOES NOT recommend using caulk or “H”-jointers for the butt joints of HardiePlank® siding with ColorPlus® technology.

How do you repair Hardie board siding?

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. Acrylic mortar compound can be found at most home improvement retailers and hardware stores under various brand and trade names.

How do you fix a cracked hardboard?

Sand down the cracked area and apply a flexible, all-purpose exterior vinyl spackling compound, using a putty knife. Smooth the patch before it hardens. Allow it to dry, lightly sand the patched area, and finish it to match your siding.

Does fiber cement siding absorb water?

2. Fiber Cement Absorbs Moisture. Absorptive claddings like fiber cement can hold moisture, leading to panel damage, rot, and even mold problems.

How do you replace the bottom row of Hardie board 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.

How do you repair 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 repair composite siding?

1:453:33How To Repair A Hole in Wood Composite Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd use the four inch hole saw and I created a guide. Then I took the four and eight inch hole saw.MoreAnd use the four inch hole saw and I created a guide. Then I took the four and eight inch hole saw. And I cut a plug. Attach it to that siding up there.

How do you fix cement board cladding?

3:397:58James Hardie HardiePlank® cladding installation video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut your first two marks in here fix. It and then put your fixing nails in all the way down at everyMorePut your first two marks in here fix. It and then put your fixing nails in all the way down at every 400 millimetres.

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 does fiber cement siding come loose?

There are two main reasons that cause fiber cement siding to come loose, both of which stem from faulty installation of either missing a stud or nailing too high on the pieces. A plank that is nailed too high will start to sag because the thin top lip has started to give.

What is the gap between fiber cement siding joints?

One thing to note about gaps between joints of fiber cement siding is that they are left there on purpose. Although the material expands and contracts less than wood, best installation practices still allow for some movement and to respond to shifts in the home.

Can you remove fiber cement boards from a home?

Therefore it's important to know how the product is installed to begin with. Fiber cement lap siding is generally blind-nailed at the top of the plank with the nails being covered by the subsequent row of siding.

Can you face nail a lap siding?

When sliding the last board into place underneath an overlapping row of siding, you may have to face nail it into place because the top nailing lip is hard to reach. Use some touch up paint to cover up these face nails and then re-caulk any gaps to completely repair fiber cement lap siding.

Can you repair cracked fiber cement siding?

There's no doubt that removing entire sections of board risks damage to corresponding areas but in many ways it's the only tried and true way of how to repair cracked fiber cement siding. If you need to repair fiber cement siding hole because of raccoons, mice, squirrels, birds, etc. there may be a way to fix the sections while they are in place.

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.

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.

How long is Nichiha siding warranty?

That’s why Nichiha is here to help with all fiber cement needs, including a 30-year robust fiber cement siding warranty.

Can you buy replacement boards from Nichiha?

If a section of the home is all that needs replacing, you may be able to purchase replacement boards from a Nichiha dealer. If you need assistance with your order, you can always contact a professional at Nichiha. Either a dealer or your Nichiha representative can assist you with finding a contractor to install the replacement boards if needed.

Can fiber cement siding withstand extreme heat?

It’s an inarguable fact that extreme weather and natural disasters can be damaging to homes. Many materials can’t withstand high winds or extreme heat and can either erode over time or sustain immediate damage -- oftentimes, this is when fiber cement siding withstands damage where other materials do not.

Does fiber cement rot?

However, if not properly maintained or installed incorrectly (leaving cut edges exposed, leaving too large clearances, etc.), fiber cement can absorb moisture, leading to rot. This is particularly important for cladding and shake siding styles.

Is fiber cement siding infallible?

Although fiber cement siding is extremely protective and resilient, it’s not infallible.

Is fiber cement a good building material?

Fiber cement is one of the most durable and reliant building materials available to homeowners. Given this, there are very few things that can cause damage. But it’s still important to know how to prevent damage before it happens.

Is Nichiha siding fire resistant?

coastal areas, including the stringent wind load codes in Miami-Dade. Nichiha’s siding is also fire-resistant.

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.

fiber cement siding.....cracks and splits?

Dh and I had a home built starting last August and we moved in this March. Per agreement in our contract we decided to do the painting of the house ourselves since it was too cold during the winter anyway. As we started to paint a couple months ago we noticed that some of the siding boards, mostly in the corners, were cracking or spliting.

Comments (17)

The boards are probably alright, but the siding company is most likely correct. They were installed wrong. If the siding is secure, despite the cracks, I'd leave it. If it looks like the corner are going to fall off, they can be removed and replaced like any other clap (paying attention to redrive the nails right).

What causes vertical cracks in fiber cement siding planks?

We do not have a definite answer to this question. But there are several likely culprits listed below, and cracking could also be caused by any combination of them:

Impact Cracking Not Likely

Cracking due to an impact on the surface of a fiber cement board is less likely because the material tends to dent rather than fracture when well supported. An example would be the pock-marked siding of homes facing a golf course caused by wayward golf balls—something we see pretty regularly.

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Step 1 – Clean The Siding

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Before you do anything else, you want to get the siding nice and clean. Not only will that automatically improve its appearance, but it will prepare the surface of the siding for any further repairs that you might undertake in the coming steps. To clean it, start by taking a light wire brush and dipping it in a buck of water mixed
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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.
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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 …
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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…
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