Tips for Cement Board Siding Installation | eHow

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Michael Logan

Michael Logan is a writer, editor and web page designer. His professional background includes electrical, computer and test engineering, real estate investment, network engineering and management, programming and remodeling company owner. Logan has been writing professionally since he was first published in "Test & Measurement World" in 1989.

The introduction of fiber cement board siding brought a new, durable and long lasting siding product to market. Fiber cement board siding has a 30- to 50-year warranty if properly installed. Some products require painting, others do not. The installation techniques are similar to, but not the same as, those for regular wood lap siding products. In addition, each manufacturer has its own set of instructions for installation.

Enclose the house entirely in a building code approved house wrap that is impermeable to moisture. Snap chalk lines around the house to show the bottom of the first course on each side.

The siding must be nailed to the building's wall studs. Snap chalk lines marking the center of each stud, rather than trying to find them by measuring later.

Install the trim pieces around windows and doors, at the corners and along the eaves. Check the manufacturer's instruction sheet for the type and size fastener to use, as well as the method for seating the nails.

The preferred method is scoring with a carbide scoring knife and snapping the siding along the score line. Measure, mark and use a square to guide the scoring knife. Position the score line at the edge of the cutting table and snap the plank at the score line.

For some cuts, using a circular saw cannot be avoided, as when ripping a plank to fit. Use only a blade supplied by the manufacturer and in a saw with a vacuum and HEPA filter attached. Never cut cement board indoors with a saw. Always wear a dust mask and safety glasses, and position your cutting station downwind of other workers.

Manual, electric or pneumatic shears may also be used and are preferred over using a circular saw. This method generates fewer hazardous dust particles than cutting with a saw.

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Tips for Cement Board Siding Installation | eHow