Fiber Cement Siding Installation Problems

If you re hanging fiber cement siding you ll typically use fiber cement trim from the same manufacturer on areas like inward and outward corners.

Fiber cement siding installation problems.

Where some siding options such as vinyl thrive in erratic weather and require little maintenance fiber cement tends to struggle. Fiber cement is a siding material that was first introduced in the 1980 s as a replacement for asbestos cement wood aluminum and vinyl siding products. While fiber cement siding is prized for its strength and durability these same features can be a problem during installation. This article describes the types of problems that occur in fiber cement siding installations in north america including siding shrinkage gaps at butt joints cracks breaks and loose or buckling siding boards or shakes.

While traditional wood or vinyl siding can be cut by hand most fiber cement board requires specialized saws designed for the material. When you want the classic. This can have costly effects on your curb appeal and finances. Fiber cement problems are rare but do happen from time to time.

Fiberboard cement siding looks identical to wood once it s painted. When installing we like to install our corner and window trim first then cut our siding to fit inside leaving a 1 8 gap between the siding and trim. One of the biggest problems is the difficulty in cutting the planks. It is critical that all installation steps are very carefully followed by a professional to ensure all penetrations and gaps are properly treated with the appropriate paint or caulk to protect the panels from moisture infiltration.

Installation is simple and works in the same way that any other siding sans vinyl metal would install. Half the cost of a fiber cement board siding job is labor so you can save thousands of dollars by installing it yourself. Improper clearances must be kept 2 away from roof surfaces decks driveways steps and other. Absorptive claddings like fiber cement can hold moisture leading to panel damage rot and even mold problems.

Once cut to length minus the recommended wiggle room attach each trim piece by driving nails through it the house wrap and the sheathing and into wood framing. The other manufacturers of fiber cement siding have nearly identical installation instructions. The only thing different is the necessity of a fiber cement saw blade. A siding pro shows the tools and tricks needed for a weathertight installation.