Installing Fiber-cement Lap Siding – How to Install Siding …

Intro

This product comes in 12-foot lengths. These steps show 8-1/4-inch-wide boards installed with 7-inch exposures; you can choose narrower or wider boards and exposures. Layout and installation are generally the same as for wood lap siding. Here are the differences:

-- At the bottom of the wall, there is a starter strip rather than a water table board. -- Because the material is very rigid, you can blind-nail the boards near the top, where the nailheads will be covered by the next course. -- Because fiber-cement expands with rises in humidity, the boards should be cut 1/4 inch short so there is a 1/8-inch gap at each joint.

Like wood siding, the ends should be coated with primer before you install them. Cutting calls for different techniques and tools but is not difficult.

Checklist

Time Working with a helper, about a day to install 600 square feet

Tools Hammer or nail gun; miter saw; hand shears, grinder, or circular saw; speed square; tape measure; chalkline; drill; flat pry bar; level; caulking gun; utility knife; T-bevel; tin snips; staple gun; ladders and/or scaffolding

Skills Measuring, laying out a job, cutting, driving nails

Prep Cover the sheathing with building wrap and install trim boards and flashings as needed.

Materials Fiber-cement siding, starter strip for the bottom, board to make story pole, strips of metal flashing or felt, staples, stainless-steel or galvanized siding nails, primer and paint

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Installing Fiber-cement Lap Siding - How to Install Siding ...