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It takes several days to install fiber cement siding because it requires caulking and requires more attention to detail than vinyl siding. When it comes to vinyl siding and fiber cement siding, homeowners usually choose vinyl because it is cheaper, requires less maintenance, and it provides many options to follow the trend. Fiber cement siding is thicker and more durable than vinyl siding, which makes it more attractive to homeowners.
Tip: Compare different types of siding before proceeding with installation.
Fiber cement siding may be better for homeowners looking for something more durable and thicker than vinyl siding, while providing almost the same appearance as wood siding. Fiber cement siding is made of Portland cement, silica and wood fiber, which is not easy to fade, sink, melt and weather damage.
If you are tired of vinyl siding or have too many problems, then it may be time to make a change. The best time to install fiber cement siding is in spring or early summer on long sunny days. Fiber cement siding does not shrink or expand like vinyl siding, so the installation window is longer.
Since fiber cement siding contains silica, a dust cover is required when cutting. Safety glasses and gloves are also ideal choices.
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Make sure to snap the vertical chalk line to indicate the center of each stud. Bind the construction paper to the wall sheath. Install construction paper according to the stud position marks.
The starting strip will be at the bottom of your siding and angle your first row of siding outwards to form a drip edge. Fold a line one inch above the bottom of the wall sheath, and then use a No. 15 finishing gun to install the starter strip. Make sure to break the other line for the bottom row of wall panels so that it hangs 1/4 inch from the starting bar.
Tips for nailing: Because fiber cement siding is very brittle, it cannot be nailed by hand. Pre-drill holes near the edges or rent a pneumatic coil siding nail gun. Nails directly, they must be long enough to pass 1-1/4 inches.
Do not insert the fastener head into the wall panel, and make sure that each wooden board that forms the butt joint is secured to the stud. Save the nail butt joint until the end, in case you need to make adjustments.
After marking the position of the fascia board, add a rough edge strip to the top of the road. Keep the bottom strip 1/4 inch above the bottom line. Before nailing the lintel board, it must be pre-drilled. Use two galvanized box nails for each stud and fix them at least 3/4 inch from the edge. Before moving to the next piece, do not overuse nails and apply caulk to the corner lap joints.
Use diamond blades to cut fiber cement, because other blades will not last. For the incision, use a jigsaw with tungsten or carbide grit blades.
Use flat surfaces to build corner pieces. Some professionals recommend using 2-¼ inch galvanized nails to build corners and install them. Fiber cement siding is very brittle, so don't nail it by hand or use a frame gun.
You need to have a story pole (a 1×2 footboard, the length extends from the fascia board to the bottom of the first siding course). Use the story bar to measure up from the bottom of the first dish and indicate the full width of the first dish. Continue to mark the story pole. The upper layer should be at least 2/3 of the width of the lower layer.
Cutting fiber cement siding will produce a lot of unsafe dust, so be sure to wear a suitable mask to do it outdoors. Tear off a 3/8 inch thick treated wood starter strip at the bottom of the wall above the foundation. Measure and cut the length of the siding and nail it in place.
After nailing the first piece, leave a 1/8 inch gap where the end hits the gusset. The other end needs to fall on the stud line. The next piece should rest lightly on the first piece, and then continue upward along the chalk line. The top edge should be aligned with the chalk line. Make sure your butt joints are staggered so they don't overlap each other.
If you use pre-processed fiber cement siding, please remove its plastic after installation.
Every cut you make with fiber cement siding will leave exposed edges that need to be protected. If you want to align with corner posts or trim, fill the edges. If the edge is part of the butt joint in the middle of the wall, or is cut to fit the door and window, paint the edge.
Be sure to flash behind the butt joint to prevent water damage. Some people recommend using 30-pound felt paper to make a weather barrier, others use metal or house packaging. If you use felt paper, be sure to nail it to the wall.
You need to install a drip cap on the window and leave a 1/4 inch gap between the top of the window and the panel above it to prevent any water from entering behind the wall panel. Stick the drip cap on the wall, remember that the top decorative panel needs its own drip cap and gap.
As you approach windows and openings, leave a 1/8 inch gap between the siding and trim. Fill the seams with acrylic latex caulk later, but nail the top edge of the siding to the studs along the window sill. Use puzzles to make cuts.
If you choose primed siding, you will want to finish the job by painting the siding.
Any major siding work will not be completed in one day, and finding time to do it yourself may cause problems. A DIY siding project may take multiple weekends and may expose part of your home to various elements during the project.
If you don't have time and want to minimize the exposure of your house to the elements during the siding project, it is best to call a professional who can complete the work faster and obtain the required permits for the project.
Nick is a content creator with a background in DIY home improvement, maintenance, repair and trends. When he is not writing, Nick likes to restore retro or kitsch furniture for his home.
Samantha is an editor, covering all home-related topics, including home improvement and maintenance. She has edited home repair and design content on websites such as The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also hosted videos about DIY home tips and solutions, and launched a number of home improvement review committees equipped with licensed professionals.