How To Install Cement Board Siding

Measure up 0 25 in 0 64 cm from where you want the bottom of the fiber cement siding to be then snap a level horizontal chalk line.

How to install cement board siding. In general use nails that penetrate the studs at least 1 in. Installing fiber cement siding fcs such as hardieplank is easier than you might think though there are some important differences from traditional wood siding. This old house general contractor tom silva shares his secrets for working with fiber cement siding. Score the cut line with a utility knife and snap the siding in two.

Leave a small gap at butt joints and fill. Do not overdrive the nails. Many finishes are available to emulate rough cedar wood planks or other textures. Most panel siding is exterior grade plywood either 1 2 or 5 8 inch thick or some hardboard such as cement fiber.

If driven too deep the heads will crush the fiber cement board and reduce the nail s holding power. When installing fiber cement siding be sure to leave at least clear space between the siding and the flashing vertical siding should be installed and attached to the structural framing when a non structural sheathing gypsum board or foam type sheathing are used. Don t nail fiber cement corners together photo 4. Be sure the flashing overlaps the siding course below.

Attach a horizontal strip of wood lath that s 0 25 in 0 64 cm thick and 1 25 in 3 2 cm wide directly above the chalk line. Then you would install your fiber cement corner and window trim. Install flashing at all end joints where two pieces of siding butt together. Position your first course of siding inch below the starter strip and nail the siding into the studs 1 inch down from the top of the siding.

When installing fiber cement siding always leave a gap at the ends of each length of siding. Installation instructions may vary depending on the manufacturer and check with your local building inspector for any code requirements. Drive the nailheads snug against the fiber cement board. Apply caulk to the joint before and after installing the siding.

Apply a vertical bead of caulk at each end of the wall. See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to. A nail driven into the edge of a fiber cement board will split it.