Oh Blargh, what's this going to cost?! Repairing Hardi Siding.

[branv]

Also known as "Why oh why does everything break at once?"

I've put it off and put it off, but we can't let it go anymore. We have about 3 pieces of hardiplank siding that need to be replaced. It's not a huge span (about 15 feet maybe?), but they are just too messed up to just patch and/or leave on the house. Not just a cosmetic issue, this has become a potential allowing the outside, inside problem.

The problem is that they are the three on the bottom of the house so it's beyond us how to get them out and then replace them with the others on top being layered over them. Okay, and apart from zero know-how, we just don't have the tools or time to do it ourselves.

But I just CANNOT find any information on how much repairs to this type of siding costs. Vinyl, sure. But not hardiplank. Whole house install, lots of info on estimated costs out there. Small repairs? Nada. Go figure I can't even find who I'd call for this? All the siding companies I've looked at seem to only do full jobs, and I'm not keen on the idea of hiring just a regular handyman (boy, have I heard some stories...). So, who ya' gonna call??? Sorry, couldn't resist.

Has anyone ever had to replace a portion of hardiplank siding? Any ideas on a) what is normal pricing and b) tips on hiring someone? I consider myself a research queen, but I'm a complete fail here.

Thanks!

 

[kellyg403]

I am not sure if this is the same type of siding we have. But we do not have vinyl and it is just boards. He did it within a day and there wasn't a great deal of cost involved. The problem was, in the end, that you could tell he changed them out because of the paint difference. I told him that would be his next project!

I will ask him the specifics when he gets home!

Kelly

 

[HM]

I've seen it done on TV. The person who does it will cut the boards off and pull out the piece that's under the upper portion that doesn't need replacing. Then they put the first new board up under the remaining upper piece and then the next one under that, down the siding until it's done. Basically I think all that will be needed are the boards for replacement, a measuring tape, a circular saw for cutting lengths, some sort of cutting tool for getting the pieces you are replacing off the house (can't recall what kind), something to pry the boards out with, and nails, hammer, and caulking. Any person who is a handyman should be able to help you do this job.

 

[Sleepyhollowstudios]

In terms of materials, the price of replacing 15 linear feet of HardiePlank is negligible. Take your first solid piece of HardiePlank (everything your replacing should be below it) and use a pry bar to slightly pry the solid piece up and off the pieces being replaced. Once it's partially lifted just start removing the old HardiePlank and nails. Once you have it all clear, replace it with the new HardiePlank starting with sheet closest to the ground. Then, work your way up and re-nail the uppermost piece that you originally lifted.

It's kind of difficult to describe over the internet, but I hope it helps a bit.

-Andy

 

[branv]

Wow, thanks so much everyone! I guess the part that confuses us the most is that the good siding above covers the nails of the bad siding below. So while all the rest of the boards aren't a big thing, there's that one last pesky board covered where the nails are covered by the existing siding we don't want to remove. So, what's always stymied us is how do you pry out the nails enough with no real room to maneuver and then how do you nail it back in?

Ooooh, and the painting. Can you believe I hadn't thought about the painting? What a COMPLETE goober I am A real hand smacking forehead moment.

 

[Green Tea]

Hardiplank comes with a warranty, so I would start by calling the company.

That said, it is not difficult to replace from the bottom. Predrill the nail holes and you'll need a special bit for the cement.

 

[kirstenb1]

We have Hardiplank too. The job you're describing is definitely a handyman type job. Our neighbors have a handyman they call out once a year to do several odd jobs at once. Matching your existing paint should be pretty easy, so I wouldn't worry about that.

 

[disprincessatheart]

Just had a small section replaced and painted for $200. Used our regular handiman.

 

[Green Tea]

I really would call the company. If there is a structural problem with their product they will pay for the replacement: http://www.jameshardie.com/pdf/warranty/hz10.pdf