Cement Board Siding

We have had experience with several different types of cement board. We used Nichiha cement board shakes on this project, which by the way I like. As in any application you should always refer to the instructions given by the manufacturer, but I can give you some pointers or suggestions that we have been using successfully.

As with any siding installation, you want to have the proper house and window wrap behind the siding. With our application we used LP SmartSiding 5/4" x 6" for our corners and window wraps. Everywhere the siding met the trim, we back-caulked it. In other words we caulked the trim to the Tyvek. If the home is built in the fall or winter and a finish coat will not be put on the siding until spring, I think this gives the joints a good protection for the winter. We also caulk on the face of the siding as well. Every piece of siding we cut is also repainted. A lot of guys don’t like to do this but we like to reseal the siding. I don’t want moisture issues with the siding down the road. With this particular house we didn’t have a lot of pieces that met in the field, but when they did, we could always flash the joints with aluminum. You still should caulk the joint prior to finish paint, but this way you have permanent protection behind this joint. We have a Hitachi air gun that we nail a 2 ½" ring shank nail through the siding, but honestly, I prefer a roofing gun and a 1 3/4" nail. I’m sure this is not recommended, but if you hit the stud with the nail, which we do, it is harder to pry off a piece of the siding when nailed with the roofing gun verses the
Hitachi. It has a lot to do with the size of the head on the nail. Obviously we are blind-nailing the product. We also face nail with a trim gun where the siding meets the corners and windows and at the joints. Finally if you look at the picture, we have a band board that perimeters the house. We always flash the band board and then Tyvek tape the flashing.

I can’t stress enough the importance of proper flashing and protection of the house. Cement board is time consuming and requires some definite carpentry skills. If you are going to install the product don’t be afraid to ask some questions from someone who has installed the product or talk to the supplier about installation pointers.

Changing Industry

Week after week many thoughts about my industry go through my head. Finally after many months I have decided to write this information down. Maybe its just a way for me to sort out what the future is for my business. Most importantly right now we have an education change in he state of Michigan. From now on, new builders will have to have 60 class hours prior to obtaining there license. Which I think is great. The more we professionalize this business the better. It also becomes harder for the would be one time builders to get there license and build there own house. Which by the way I think the economy is taking care of that currently. With the current market forces and the banks skiddishness (is that a word) to loan people money, it is becoming harder and harder for people to get a loan for a house. With this in play, your typical homeowner/builder is not getting approved for a loan to build his house.

What does this current environment hold for the future, I don't know. What I do know is whatever comes to my head I am going to write about. Hopefully, you find it interesting eneogh to read and possibly put your thoughts and comments to.