
- Measure the Damage. The first step to repairing hardie plank siding is measuring the damage. ...
- Repairing Severely Damaged Hardie Planks
- Remove Damaged Boards. If one or more of the Hardie planks is severely damaged, the first step is to remove it completely. ...
- Replace Damaged Boards. Once you have removed the damaged board, replace it with a new one by sliding it into place and tapping it gently into position using a hammer.
- Caulk and Paint it. Once the new board is in place, caulk the seams between it and the adjacent boards using a tube of caulk.
- Repairing Minor Cracks or Peel offs
- Use Putty and Paint. If your hardie plank siding has minor cracks in it, these may be filled using putty. ...
- Caulk Seams. If your hardie plank siding has started to peel off in some areas, you can use caulk to stop the peeling and ensure that moisture does not get ...
- Paint Over It. Before painting over the surface, make sure the putty has been dried out completely and has cured for at least 24 hours.
- Final Words. After you have repaired all areas that need attention, go around your property and inspect other planks to see if any of them show signs of damage.
Full Answer
How much does it cost to replace siding with hardiplank?
The average cost to reside a 1,500 sq.ft. house with Hardie siding is $12,000-18,000. In lower income areas, homeowners may pay less to install Hardie Board siding, around $10,000-14,500 for the same size house. If you are ready to install new siding on your house, contact your local siding pros for FREE siding replacement estimates.
Does hardiplank siding increase value of home?
James Hardie siding will not only give your home a whole new look and feel; it will also significantly increase its value, as it has consistently been ranked one of the top projects with the highest return on investment by Remodeler Magazine's Cost vs. Value report.
Does Hardie plank require special screws?
To attach the cement board to the studs, you ‘ll need special 1-1/4 in. cement board screws (see Fig. B). These screws have a coating to resist corrosion, a special wide head with cutting flutes and hi-low threads for a strong grip. If you can’t find them at a home center, call tile specialty stores.
How to stain hardiplank siding?
How to Stain Hardiplank Siding
- Finish the board prior to installation. To achieve the appearance of stained wood on Hardiplank, your best bet is to finish the siding before it is installed on ...
- Lay the boards out flat, wood-grained side up. Fiber-cement stain is a product that replicates the look of natural wood by pooling in the imprinted grain pattern on ...
- Dust off the boards. ...

Can Hardie board siding be repaired?
Repair or Patching Fiber Cement Board Siding Dents, chips, cracks and other minor surface damage in James Hardie siding and trim products can be filled with cementitious patching compound.
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 fix a cracked Hardie plank?
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.
Can you patch fiber cement siding?
DIY Repair Repairing damaged fiber cement siding requires specific tools and plank replacements. If damage isn't extensive, patching with a putty knife may be an option.
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 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.
What causes hardiplank to crack?
Common Causes For Hardie Board Cracking Or Splitting 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.
How do you fix a crack 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 fix holes in Hardie 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 cement fiber board?
4:3710:28Fiber cement boards installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo attach hardy back or cement board to subfloor. Apply a layer of thinset on the subfloor. UsingMoreTo attach hardy back or cement board to subfloor. Apply a layer of thinset on the subfloor. Using your trowel. Then embed hardy backer cement board firmly. And evenly in the wet. Thinset.
How do you repair fiber cement?
To repair holes that are on the smaller side, you can use a specific putty designed for fixing fibre cement to patch it. This special putty will usually come included in any fibre cement repair kit you can buy. You can mix, form, and spread the putty to match any texture in the boards that are already installed.
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.
What causes hardiplank to crack?
Common Causes For Hardie Board Cracking Or Splitting 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.
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 hardboard siding?
0:355:37Hardboard Siding Repair Made Easy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so in order to make this repair you just got a one of these foam paintbrushes yoghurt plasticMoreAnd so in order to make this repair you just got a one of these foam paintbrushes yoghurt plastic cup and some Elmer's carpenters wood glue that's the yellow glue.
How do you remove and replace siding?
0:022:31How to Remove and Replace a Section of Vinyl Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt once the siding piece is free hold it out of the way while you use a cat's paw to pull the sidingMoreIt once the siding piece is free hold it out of the way while you use a cat's paw to pull the siding nails. A japanese style puller's small claw makes it easier to grab the nail.
What is a hardie plank?
HardiePlank is a brand of fiber cement board that is used for exterior siding projects. It is similar to traditional, beveled wood lap siding. If you have loose HardiePlank siding on your home, it is important to fix it. Loose siding can leave your home unprotected from weather and insects.
How far apart should nails be on siding?
Hammer the nails approximately 3/4-inch to 1-inch up from the bottom edge of the board that is directly above the loose siding. Space the nails 16 inches apart. The nail heads should rest snugly against the surface of the boards. It is important that they are not sunk below the surface of the boards so that they create a weather-tight seal.
Step 1
Brush away any chipped paint, small loose pieces of siding or anything else that mars the plane of the siding.
Step 2
Sand over the damaged area lightly but thoroughly with a medium-grit sandpaper to smooth any jagged edges and create an easy grip surface for the patch product.
Step 3
Apply the patch product to the damaged area with the flexible putty knife to fill in any indentations or holes.
Step 4
Hold the knife roughly perpendicular to the siding patch to finish the surface of the patch, and taper out the edges of the mortar patch blending it into the surrounding siding.
Step 5
Allow the patch material to dry thoroughly according to the recommendations on the product label.
Step 6
Sand the dried patch material lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface and blend the edges of the patch with the surrounding siding. Feel along the patch to identify any bumps that need to be smoothed out with further sanding.
Step 7
Wipe or brush away any of the sanding grit with a clean, dry, lint-free rag or a clean and dry brush, leaving a smooth surface.
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.
What is the best way to clean siding and trim?
Extra care should be taken when cleaning your siding and trim using a pressure washer.
How much pressure should I use to keep siding and trim from leaking?
To minimize the chance of damaging your siding and trim use a wide fan tip, keep a minimum of 6 feet from the wall, and keep the pressure below 1500 psi. Maintaining the exterior of your home helps prevent water intrusion and is an important part of sustaining the beauty and value of your home.
What is fiber cement maintenance?
As a guide, it is recommended that normal fiber cement maintenance tasks and care include: Installing gutters and downspouts on your home —if they are not already present when you purchased the home. Cleaning out your gutters, blocked pipes, and overflows of any debris, leaves, twigs and dirt.
Can you replace James Hardie siding?
It is advised to replace the damage siding with a new section of ColorPlus® siding. If your James Hardie siding was originally painted after it was installed on your home, then check the original paint manufacturer’s recommendations for reapplication of paint.
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’s recommendations for products that are compatible with fiber cement.
