Replies

1. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Feb 17, 2002 12:12am | #1

   *
   They sell a caulk called "Big Stretch" around here for that very application. Stuff is supposed to stay pliant for something like 3/8" movement. That seems like a lot, but I use it and it's good caulk.

   The Hardi siding I've installed definately shrinks and swells on South and West walls and we have a fairly mild climate here in the Pacific Northwest.

1. 
   Old_Guy | Feb 17, 2002 12:20am | #2

   *I have had no problems with my siding. It did not move at all this summer. It seems that the cement board is not a problem.

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Feb 17, 2002 01:26am | #3

   *we gap it with an 8d nail and then caulk the butt joint....looks great after the finish coat..

1. 
   ken_hill | Feb 17, 2002 05:43am | #4

   *Mike - The only product I'm experienced with is Hardie- always gapped, nailed, installed as per the manuf. specs. The only problem (disappointment, really) that I've had is with cutting it. Last GC I worked for had us using guillotine and Snapper shears, would not supply a dedicated saw (like the Makita), you can bet I wasn't going to sacrifice my equip. My problem is seeing the material delaminate when using the shears, especially on gable ends and such. Always made me wonder about the integrity of the installation. The more I think about it, the more I can see insisting that Hardie be cut by saw. What is your opinion on this? I'm really sold on fiber cement as a superior siding material, and want to gather more ammunition to back up what I'm thinking is the correct way to cut this stuff. Thanks, Ken :o)

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Feb 17, 2002 05:57am | #5

   *ken.. i've never cut a piece of hardie... but my inquiries led me to believe that DuraPress was a better built product.. and i could only see the beginings of delamination if i was whittling a corner to fit something.. when we started we used regular saws with regular carbide blades. you can get about a day out of a blade... no problem.. but the amount of dust you eat is alarming.. no dust with the vacumn/ saw set up

2. 
   James_DuHamel | Feb 17, 2002 08:28am | #6

   *I use the Porter Cable shears for cutting the fiber cement siding. Hardi will fall apart when cut with the shears. I avoid Hardi like the plague because of this. I like the shears MUCH better than a blade because of the dust issue.They also make a butt joint trim that slips into the crack between the pieces. No need for any caulking. I do not use them, and think they look ugly, but they are available. I use Lexell, or if available, Big Stretch. Both are exceptional for this purpose. After the final top coat, it looks great.James DuHamel

3. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Feb 18, 2002 03:18am | #7

   *http://www.certainteed.com/consumer/siding/index.htmlNo space on butt joints.... Cut siding 6-7 at a time with Makita fibercement saw. Siding comes preprimed. Charge $250/square for labor as a sub... $150/ square for material... Finished exterior complete finish painted 2 coats trim and claps...material and labor to customer at $750/square.near the stream,aj

4. 
   ed_hardwicke | Feb 18, 2002 05:16am | #8

   *But why does not Bob Villa and his TV people or Norm talk about cment?Its all wood that they show?

5. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Feb 18, 2002 06:48am | #9

   *I saw Norm and Tom Silva putting up Fypon exterior trim just today.

6. 
   Mad_Dog | Feb 18, 2002 04:34pm | #10

   *I think they are planting some gilded lilies on next week's show