How to Attach Cement Siding to Brick Columns

Brick columns can be covered with cement siding.

Attaching cement siding to brick columns can be done by the average do-it-yourselfer. Over the years, contractors have labored over the best way to attach anything to brick columns, and cement siding is no exception. By following a few tried-and-true methods, you can securely attach cement siding to your brick columns in one to two days, depending on the size and scope of the project.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer drill
• Masonry drill bit
• Wood drill bit
• Concrete screws
• Table saw
• Treated 2-by-4s

Instructions

1. Rip 1-inch furring strips from an 8 foot treated 2-by-4. Set the rip fence to 1 inch on your table saw, and slide the 2-by-4 through the blade with the flat side lying on the table. You will get three 1-inch strips from a 2-by-4 with one 1/2-inch strip left. If you are covering all four sides of a brick column, then rip three strips per side.

2. Cut the furring strips to the length of the column. Measure the height of the column and subtract 1/2 inch from the measurement to allow for furring strip expansion and contraction.

3. Drill 3/8-inch holes along the length of the strips with the wood drill bit, placing the holes in the center of the strip width and spacing them 16 inches apart.

4. Place the first strip on the edge of one of the column corners and align it with the corner. Insert a sharp pencil into the predrilled holes and mark them onto the brick column and remove the strip for drilling. Drill into the brick column with the hammer drill and the 3/8-inch masonry drill bit. Replace the strip, align the holes, and insert 5/16-inch concrete screws into the predrilled holes and tighten down with a screw gun. Attach the rest of the strips at each corner and in the centers between the corner strips.

5. Cut the cement board to the width and height of the column and attach the board to the furring strips using finish nails. Predrill the nail holes with a 1/8-inch drill bit, taking care to penetrate only the cement board, and attach using a 10 penny finish nail. Countersink the finish nail heads with a nail set and fill the holes with caulk. Cover all four sides of the brick column with cement board, and trim the corners with corner trim. Use finish nails to attach the corner trim, but predrill the nail holes to prevent the trim from splitting and countersink those nails as well. Prime and paint the cement board to preserve the material and protect it from the elements.

References

• "Masonry & Concrete;"Benjamin W. Allen;1997
• "Renovation;"Michael W. Litchfield;2005