Can fiber cement siding be used indoors?
The same qualities that make it so attractive for exteriors make it a good material for indoors, too. Plus it has acoustic properties, so your house won’t sound like an empty cave. Because fiber cement is so versatile, it can be used as it comes (in gray) or cut and colored.
What was the main problem with fiber cement board siding?
Cutting fiber cement siding generates respirable crystalline silica, a known human carcinogen. Inhaling too much silica can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD.
Is fiber cement siding expensive?
Fiber cement siding costs $5 to $25 per square foot, including materials and labor. The materials alone cost between $1 and $15 per square foot, and labor ranging from $4 and $10 per square foot.
Can I install my own Hardie board?
Fiber cement siding can be nailed by hand or with a pneumatic nailer. It can also be attached using corrosion resistant screws. Use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails. Nails should penetrate through the sheathing and at least 1” into studs.
Can I use cement board instead of drywall?
Regular drywall is not appropriate. Many professional installers even recommend against using water- or mold-resistant drywall in high-moisture areas. In sharp contrast, cement backer board does not rot, warp, grow mold, or deteriorate when subjected to water.
Can you screw into Hardie board siding?
James Hardie Building Products recommends keeping nails or screws at least 3/8 inch from the end of a plank. Drill pilot holes, at each mark, one-quarter to one-half inch deep, to make it easier to insert screws and prevent cracking the siding. Align the bracket holes with the pilot holes in the siding.
Why is Hardie board bad?
Because this material is porous, it can also absorb water through the cut edges. This water can then cause the product to crack or split, especially in colder climates. Moisture can also cause mold or mildew in the sheathing. Fiber cement also takes a long time to dry, unlike wood siding which drys quickly.
Why does Hardie board crack?
Hardie board siding usually cracks due to poor installation. The original installer might have accidentally installed a nail too close to the edge of the siding, causing a crack. You can easily fix it by cleaning it and then using caulk to patch the gap. When siding shrinks it causes a gap to form between the planks.
How often does fiber cement siding need to be painted?
every 10 to 15 years
If you purchase prefinished fiber cement siding, you don’t need to worry about painting it when it’s time to install. Unfinished styles on the other hand should be painted shortly after installation. For both types, a new paint job can be done every 10 to 15 years.
Is fiber cement siding the same as hardie board?
Fiber cement siding is often called “hardiplank” or even “hardie board” named from the most popular brand of fiber cement siding which is manufactured by James Hardie. It is also installed in much the same way as traditional lapboard or wood siding, as it is nailed directly to your home.
Can you use a nail gun on Hardie plank?
Overall, only two types of power nailers work best for attaching hardie siding: siding and roofing nailers. But if you must use a framing nailer, to install any James Hardie product, be sure to fit it with a quality flush mount attachment so as to control the depth the fastener is driven.
What kind of siding is fiber cement board?
Fiber cement board is a relatively new product that is used to make fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding is very energy-efficient and as an added bonus it looks a lot like wood. It takes on the look of wood grain while remaining very durable. The downside of using fiber cement siding is that it hates water.
How is best way to paint fiber cement siding?
In order to properly seal the fiber cement siding it needs to be completely free of dust and debris. If there’s material left on the fiber cement siding it can cause voids in the painting which gives an access point for water. Place the fiber cement siding on top of the sawhorses and brush away with a broom.
Where to put fiber cement board in a room?
Install panels on a wall of your bedroom, and let it double as a headboard. Fiber cement board panels give a space an urban loft look. Think large open space, big windows, and exposed ductwork. Gray is a good neutral color for any room.
Is it good to stain fiber cement board?
The problem with fiber cement board is mainly focused on the aesthetic nature of the material. People prefer the natural look and feel of real wood and prefer wood sidings instead. The good thing about fiber cement board is that it can be stained to produce an appearance comparable to the classic look of wood.