How To Install Cement Board Siding

When installing fiber cement siding always leave a gap at the ends of each length of siding.

How to install cement board siding.

This old house general contractor tom silva shares his secrets for working with fiber cement siding. Drive the nailheads snug against the fiber cement board. Apply a vertical bead of caulk at each end of the wall. Don t nail fiber cement corners together photo 4.

Score the cut line with a utility knife and snap the siding in two. In general use nails that penetrate the studs at least 1 in. Be sure the flashing overlaps the siding course below. Fiber cement siding tolerances and gaps.

Cut a length of fiber cement clapboard siding inch shorter than the width of the front wall. 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. Most panel siding is exterior grade plywood either 1 2 or 5 8 inch thick or some hardboard such as cement fiber. 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.

See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to. 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. Install flashing at all end joints where two pieces of siding butt together. Apply caulk to the joint before and after installing the siding.

Then you would install your fiber cement corner and window trim. Installation instructions may vary depending on the manufacturer and check with your local building inspector for any code requirements. A nail driven into the edge of a fiber cement board will split it. Do not overdrive the nails.

Many finishes are available to emulate rough cedar wood planks or other textures. Use galvanized siding nails and make sure that the nails penetrate a minimum of 1 1 4 inches into the framing. If driven too deep the heads will crush the fiber cement board and reduce the nail s holding power.