How to Use Fiber Cement Siding
Cement, silica and wood fibers are used to manufacture fiber cement siding. This type of siding is a very hardy material that is resistant to insects, moisture and fire damage. The life expectancy of cement siding is 40 or more years if it is maintained correctly. Fiber cement siding comes in a number of patterns that resemble wood, rock and brick. Specialized trim and panels are available for use with fiber cement siding. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Exterior primer
- Brush roller
- Paint brush
- Wood dowels
- Trim
- Pneumatic coil gun
- Stainless steel nails
- Measuring tape
- Chalk box
- Caulk
- Paint
Instructions
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1
Prime both sides of each siding board for moisture protection and paint applications, using a brush roller and exterior primer. Once the boards are primed, stack them and place wood dowels between them to facilitate faster drying.
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2
Install corner, window and door trim as needed around the building. The trim should be constructed of fiber cement siding and requires pre-drilling and countersinking so that nails or screws can be driven through them. Use a paint brush to apply primer to the trim after each cut is made.
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3
Measure and cut the starter strip of the fiber cement siding and install it. Measuring 3/8 of an inch, the first course of siding will be three times thicker than the rest of the siding to ensure a clean overlap. Use a pneumatic coil gun equipped with weatherproofed stainless steel nails to attach the first course.
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4
Measure and cut the fiber siding and install it. The rest of the fiber siding will be 1/8 of an inch thick. Prior to nailing the siding using a pneumatic coil gun, adjust the nail depth of the gun so the nails will not be countersunk below the surface of the siding. Overlap should be maintained of at least 1 ½ inches throughout the entire wall. The overlap covers up the nails. To maintain this overlap, measure down 1 ½ inches after each course and snap a line using a chalk box.
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5
Apply caulk between all gaps and around windows prior to painting. Paint the siding with your chosen paint, using a brush or a spray gun.
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Tips & Warnings
Because the siding is made of a hard material, use diamond-tipped cutting blades in all tools. Use masonry bits to create holes in the trim and counter-sinking applications. When installing the siding, leave a 1/8 inch gap between all cuts. This allows for expansion and shrinkage due to climate changes.
