Low maintenance is one of the best benefits of James Hardie® products. Although they ask for a little maintenance, they nonetheless need proper cleaning to look great year after year. Certified James Hardie installers, like DryTech Roofing, know ridding your siding of dirt, grease and mildew requires unique tools, solutions and methods.
For starters, use these tips to keep your James Hardie fiber cement siding and trim beautiful for many years:
Go Soft on Dirt
To clear the muck of dirt and dust that clings to your home’s exterior, use a soft cloth or a soft brush with water. When using a wet cloth, wipe the area in a side-to-side motion until clean. When using a soft brush, lightly scrub the dirty area until the filth is easily removable with water. From there, rinse the siding with a garden hose.
Never use an abrasive sponge or a hard metal brush, to avoid damaging the finish of your James Hardie siding. Work on small sections starting from the top to keep dirty water from dripping onto cleaned areas.
Wash Off Grease With Soapy Water
When dealing with marks left by greasy fingers or oil-covered hands, you’ll need more than just plain water. Mix it with mild dishwashing liquid to create a strong solution to get rid of stains caused by organic contaminants.
Again, start from the top and work your way down. Rinse the soft cloth frequently to avoid reapplying the grease or oil onto cleaned sections. When finished, don’t allow the soap to dry on the siding. Keeping rinsing with a garden hose until the solution completely washes off.
Use Mildew-Specific Chemicals With Caution
In case you notice mildew growth on your siding, you may need to use a stronger chemical to get rid of it. Using a soft cloth or soft sponge, gently scrub the affected area with the cleaner until all signs of mildew are gone. If you follow the product’s instructions, your James Hardie plank siding panels should stay beautiful for a long time.
Covering your home’s exterior with fiber cement siding comes with responsibility, but James Hardie will make your homeowner duties easier. To choose the most suitable James Hardie product for your home, call DryTech Roofing at (240) 491-5600 for your free, in-home estimate in Maryland.