How To Fix A Loose Hardiplank Board

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. HardiePlank is fastened to the home by either blind nailing or face nailing. The nails are covered by the board overlap in the blind nailing method, while the nails are left exposed on the exterior of the boards in the face nailing method. Loose boards are repaired by face-nailing them in place.

Step 1

Inspect the HardiePlank siding on the exterior of your home for loose boards, which will leave your house open to weather and insect damage.

Step 2

Slide a paint scraper against the surface of the loose boards in a back and forth motion while applying slight pressure. This will remove any loose, bubbling, chipping or peeling paint that will get in the way of repositioning the loose board.

Step 3

Shift the loose board into the correct position on the exterior of the house, and hold it in place with your hands.

Step 4

Hammer 6d nails through the bottom edge of the board that is directly above the loose siding board along the entire loose section. 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.