HardiePlank Installation- How to

Fastening Siding
  1. Use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails.
  2. Nails should penetrate through the sheathing and at least 1” into studs.
  3. Position nails ¾” to 1” from the edge of the siding.
  4. Siding can either be blind nailed at the top or face nailed at the bottom.
  • Sheath walls with plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or foam.
  • Cover sheathing with housewrap or felt paper.
  • Pop chalk lines to mark the location of studs.
  • Circular Saw:
    While this is the most common method of cutting, it produces the most dust. Use a polycrystalline diamond toothed blade made for cutting FCS. Cut from the back side using a rafter square as a guide for right angle cuts. Several pieces may be stacked and cut at the same time.
  • Fiber Cement Shears: Special handheld electric shears can be used to make straight and curved cuts. An attachment called the TurboShear converts an electric drill into fiber cement shears. When using shears, cut with the back of the siding facing up.
  • Jigsaw: When fitted with a carbide coated blade, a jigsaw can be used to cut holes and curves. Cut from the back of the siding.
  • Scoring: Fiber cement siding can be scored and snapped like drywall, though the cuts are not very smooth. Score the face of the siding then pull up to break. A carbide tipped scoring knife lasts much longer than a standard utility knife blade.