Good-Looking Composite Siding
Material Review: Icon composite siding from CertainTeed has the look of 7-in. cedar clapboards with excellent moisture resistance and installation.
Surprisingly convincing, Icon composite siding from CertainTeed has the look of 7-in. cedar clapboards, but promises better moisture resistance and faster installation. Made from a combination of polyurethane, fly ash, and fiberglass, the siding comes in 12-ft. and 16-ft. lengths and cuts with conventional carbide-tipped sawblades. A nailing flange at the top of the board is marked with a repeating pattern so it’s easier to find the studs. The instructions call for installation over 7⁄16-in.-minimum plywood or OSB sheathing and 16-in. o.c. studs. Fastening is accomplished with hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails driven by hand or with a roofing nailer. Field cuts must be primed during installation and the siding, which comes preprimed, must be top-coated within 180 days of installation. If you follow all the instructions, the manufacturer provides a 30-year warranty. Expect to pay about $230 per 100 sq. ft.
