Keep Your Coastal Home Looking Flawless: A Guide to Maintaining Your James Hardie Siding

June 20, 2025

You made a fantastic choice investing in James Hardie® siding for your Florida home. It’s tough, beautiful, and designed to stand up to our intense sun, humidity, and storm seasons. It’s championed for being low-maintenance, and it truly is. But “low-maintenance” doesn’t mean “no-maintenance.”

A little bit of simple, routine care will ensure your siding looks pristine and protects your home for decades to come. As the go-to Siding Company Palm Coast, we at Quality Discount Roofing & Construction want to  share our professional tips for keeping your Hardie siding in peak condition.

1.  Gentle Cleaning (Twice a Year)
Florida’s pollen, dust, and salty air can leave a film on your home. A gentle wash every 6 to 12 months is all you need to keep it looking fresh.
  • What to use: A soft, non-metal brush (like a car washing brush), a bucket of water with a little mild dish soap, and a standard garden hose.
  • The Process: Work in small, manageable sections from the top down. Lightly scrub the siding with the soapy water and the soft brush, always moving in the direction of the planks. Rinse the section thoroughly with your garden hose before the soap has a chance to dry.
  • Important: Never use a high-pressure washer. The intense spray can damage the finish and force water up behind the boards, which can void your warranty.
For stubborn mildew, which can be common in our climate, use a store-bought mildew cleaner. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and rinse completely.

2.  Inspect Your Caulking
The caulking around your windows, doors, and trim is the watertight seal that keeps moisture out. In Florida, temperature fluctuations and intense sun can cause it to wear out over time.

Once a year, take a walk around your home and visually inspect the caulk lines. Look for any signs of cracking, shrinking, or pulling away. If you find a trouble spot, it’s important to address it. Damaged caulk is a primary entry point for water, which can lead to serious issues. If you're not comfortable with re-caulking, a professional Siding Contractor Palm Coast FL can make quick work of it.

3.  Manage Water Flow
Where water goes, trouble can follow. Pay attention to two key areas:
  • Gutters: Keep your gutters clean and free of debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and run down your siding, leading to stains and potential water damage.
  • Sprinklers: Adjust your sprinkler heads so they don’t douse your siding every time they run. Constant saturation of the lower boards can lead to moisture issues over time. Similarly, try to keep dense shrubbery and mulch from being packed directly against the siding.

Your Local Experts for Siding Care and Installation
Following these simple steps will protect your investment and keep your home the envy of the neighborhood. But if you notice an issue that looks like more than simple maintenance, don't hesitate to call in a professional.

At Quality Discount Roofing & Construction, we are experts in all things siding. We provide premier Residential Siding Services Palm Coast FL, and our reputation for quality is built on years of experience. Whether you need a small repair, have questions about your existing exterior, or are considering a brand-new look, our team is here to help.

We are proud to be the trusted Siding Company Palm Coast FL homeowners recommend. Our expertise covers everything from Residential Siding Installation Palm Coast to large-scale Commercial Siding Palm Coast FL. And our service area extends to our neighbors, with dedicated teams providing expert Siding Installation St. Augustine FL and Residential Siding Installation Jacksonville. From Residential Siding St. Augustine to Residential Siding Palm Coast, we are the local siding contractor you can count on.

Have a question about your siding? Contact Quality Discount Roofing & Construction today for a friendly consultation!