Fiber Cement Siding
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Building Systems > Fiber Cement Siding  Fiber-cement siding has the look of wood siding but has a lower cost and lower maintenance. Market share is approaching ten percent, according to manufacturers. Additional benefits include resistance to termites and fire. Fiber-cement siding will not rot, buckle or warp and holds paint for several years longer than conventional wood siding.
Moisture resistance is a concern, but problems can be avoided if the siding is installed correctly and properly treated. Labor is a bit more intensive, and proper precautions should be taken when cutting fiber-cement siding.
Handling
Fiber-cement trim pieces are straighter than wood siding, so less time has to be spent bowing the trim in alignment. Fiber-cement siding is much heavier than wood siding. However, it is flexible, so carrying it on its edge rather than the flat is recommended. Finally, a wavy frame will not be hidden by fiber-cement siding, unlike wood siding. The lumps will show through.
Fastening
Either by hand or by coil nailer, the one thing to avoid when
nailing is overdriving the fasteners. While coil nailers are faster,
the drivers in the guns can be worn out faster, depending on usage.
Setting the nail head below the surface decreases holding power. Also,
take notice of the nails you use. Make sure you use corrosion-resistant
roundhead nails. Fasteners should be driven into framing members. Most
kinds of lap siding are bound at the top and bottom. A note of caution:
Blind-nailing is not recommended in high wind areas. If you are going
to blind-nail, use large nail heads and place them just above the lap
line.
Detailing
Typically, wooden vertical trim pieces were used when using bevel
siding. This gave the siding something to run into. But using wood
is not practical when you're using a material that is going to
last as long as
fiber-cement siding. Fiber cement
trim board is available in varying sizes, from 7/16" to
3/4" to 1". Vinyl corner trims are another way to get around
using wood.
Manufacturers recommend joining fiber-cement lap siding over a stud. Make sure to leave a 1/8" gap between the siding and the edge of the wood casings and corner boards. (That's so the wood can move.) There is no need to paint or seal end cuts.
Fiber-cement siding can be installed over foam insulation board, as on an ICF house, but problems can occur during installation. Extreme caution must be taken to ensure proper installation.
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Top row, L-R: Shingles, Smooth Beaded, Smooth
Bottom row, L-R: Vertical, Textured Beaded |
Painting
Fiber-cement siding holds paint exceptionally well, usually 7-15 years. Some manufacturers make their siding available pre-primed, but still offer raw siding. This allows you to put your own primer and topcoat on. Before painting, make sure you thoroughly wash your siding. Also, allow it adequate time to dry. Dirt and mildew are liable to stick to flat paint. Satin topcoats have a higher chance of looking blotchy than flat ones, so make sure to do a good job on your priming. Oil-based primers are not recommended, but oil-based topcoats are acceptable over latex primers. Prolonged surface exposure to water causes degradation, so it is important to paint your siding within 90 days of installation. Always make sure to follow the manufacturer's specs.
Given the proper care, fiber-cement siding can give your home the look of wood with the protection, low maintenance and lasting power of cement.
* Photos courtesy of CertainTeed and James Hardie
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Partial List of Producers/Suppliers of Fiber-Cement Siding
Cemplank
26300 La Alameda
Suite 250
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(877) CEMPLANK
www.cemplank.com
CertainTeed
750 E. Swedesford Rd.
Valley Forge, PA 19482
(800) 233-8990 / Fax: (610) 341-7940
www.certainteed.com
GAF Materials
1361 Alps Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 628-3000
www.gaf.com
James Hardie
26300 La Alameda
Suite 250
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(888) JHARDIE
www.jameshardie.com/sidingmain.htm
MaxiTile
849 E. Sandhill Ave.
Carson, CA 90746
(800) 338-8453 or (310) 217-0316 / Fax: (310) 515-6851
www.maxitile.com
Nichiha USA
5855 Oakbrook Parkway
Suite P
Norcross, GA 30093
(866) 424-4421 or (770) 805-9466 / Fax: (770) 805-9467
www.nichiha.com
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Partial List of Producers/Suppliers of Fiber-Cement Siding Accessories
Tools and Fasteners
Aerosmith Fastening Systems
5621 Dividend Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46241
(800) 528-8183 or (317) 243-5959 / Fax: (317) 390-6980
www.aerosmithfastening.com
Duo-Fast Corporation
11951 S. Quality Dr.
Huntley, IL 60142-6700
(888) DUO-FAST
www.duo-fast.com
Indian Valley Innovation
1429 Indian Valley Rd.
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 209-6610 / Fax: (415) 209-6610
www.thelaborsaver.com Pacific International Tool and Shear, Ltd.
26130 Bond Rd., P.O. Box 1604
Kingston, WA 98346
(800) 297-7487 / Fax: (360) 297-8755
www.snappershear.com
W.H. Maze Company
P.O. Box 449
Peru, IL 61354
(800) 435-5949 / Fax: (815) 223-7585
www.mazenails.com
Vinyl Trim and Accessories
Crane Products Ltd.
2141 Fairwood Ave.
Columbus, OH 43207
(888) 923-8799 / Fax: (614) 449-0945
www.permachoice.com
Tamlyn and Sons
13623 Pike Rd.
Stafford, TX 77477-5103
(800) 334-1676
www.tamlyn.com
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Disclaimer
Listing constitutes neither an endorsement nor recommendation by the Portland Cement Association (PCA). PCA disclaims any and all responsibility for the selection of firms listed, products they supply, and/or work performed by their products. This list is titled a "Partial List" because although PCA has made reasonable efforts to include all known producer/suppliers, we are not certain this list includes all producer/suppliers. This list is in alphabetical order and is not in order of industry rank or rating. PCA also assumes no responsibility for errors and omissions in this list.
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