| |
|
Frequently
Asked Questions
|
|
|
|
Q. How does the product handle in the field? How is the weight relative to other siding products?
WeatherBoards FiberCement siding is sufficiently flexible to allow easy handling during application. A single worker can carry 1 to 3 pieces. Two workers can carry 3 to 6 pieces with minimal effort. WeatherBoards FiberCement siding should always be carried "on edge." WeatherBoards FiberCement siding weighs approximately 2.5 lbs./ sq. ft.; it is therefore heavier than vinyl and aluminum siding. However, one 12’ piece of WeatherBoards FiberCement siding is equivalent in weight to a 16’ piece of hardboard siding.
Q. What is the most cost and time efficient method for cutting WeatherBoards FiberCement siding? What method will provide the smoothest cut?
| |
• Carbide tipped conventional power saw blade?
• Masonry abrasive blade?
• Diamond blade?
• Shear-type tool? |
Many installers prefer to use a 7-1/4" circular power saw, with a continuous-rim diamond blade (dry-cut). This combination delivers a high quality cut at a productive speed. Four to five pieces can be cut at once with this type of blade.
Circular saws can also be used with either conventional carbide tipped or abrasive type blades. Abrasive blades require more "elbow grease" and, as expected, "grind" through the board. The resulting cut is not as smooth as the carbide or diamond blades. These blades, although economical, deliver limited performance when cutting fibercement siding.
Be advised that fibercement will dull carbide blades in a shorter period than diamond blades. The installer can expect to use 5+ carbide blades per average residential installation. For speed of cut, smoothness of cut, and effort required, carbide blades outperform abrasive blades. Installers report diamond blades perform satisfactorily for 10 or more residential installations. Power miter saws can also be used with excellent results when equipped with diamond-type blades.
Saw blade manufacturers are developing tools especially for use with fibercement siding. Prototype blades have been tested in the field with outstanding results. The unique blade designs and tooth combinations have substantially improved the performance of these experimental blades. The ease and speed of cut is much improved with these blades when compared to conventional carbide or diamond rimmed blades. According to manufacturers, these tools should be available in the near future at affordable prices.
Mechanical shear tools are also available for cutting fibercement siding. These tools cut with relatively little effort, less noise, and essentially no dust. The smoothness of the cut is not comparable to the cut of a diamond blade, yet the cut is in the acceptable range. On smooth beaded and textured beaded products, best results are achieved with circular saws. If shear-type tools are used on beaded siding, the siding should be cut face down with the bead toward you.
Q. How do I rip or cut the WeatherBoards FiberCement siding lengthwise to accommodate areas over doors and windows?
A. WeatherBoards FiberCement siding can be ripped lengthwise both partially or at its full length with no adverse effects. A 1-1/2" wide starter strip can be ripped and installed with no problems. Note that lap siding and cut strips must be adequately supported by saw bucks or with a similar support device. The cutting area should be a minimum of 8’ to 10’, preferably 12’, on which to satisfactorily cut the siding. This is generally good field practice when installing any type of lap siding. Notched and/or narrow pieces can be handled and installed if reasonable care is taken.
Q. How bad is the dust problem when cutting fibercement siding? Will breathing the dust cause health problems? What is in the dust?
The use of dust masks and eye protection is highly recommended. As discussed, the shear-type tools emit virtually no dust. Diamond rim and carbide tipped blades will create a noticeable amount of dust, although not as much as abrasive-type blades. In the outdoors, the dust that is created is not overbearing, but quite evident. The prototype blades discussed earlier create the least amount of dust among the circular tools due to their innovative design. Some installers accustomed to working with fibercement siding will set up a small fan near the cutting area to dissipate the dust.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available upon request. When fibercement siding is cut, drilled, or sanded, silica dust will be generated. Sustained inhalation of silica and silica quartz dust can pose health risks. Cutting of fibercement should be performed outdoors. If cutting is done indoors, a dust collection system and adequate ventilation are imperative. Workers should always wear dust masks when working with this product.
Q. Is this dust and grit going to cause premature wear on power saws?
It is uncertain, but dust is inevitably going to enter the intake of compressors and electric motors on saws. Dust will also accumulate on saws and nail guns. Avoid problems by thoroughly cleaning nail guns and saws with compressed air at the end of the workday.
For more details, please visit our Installation section.
Wall preparation and sheathings
WeatherBoards FiberCement siding may be installed in a conventional face nail application with framing spaced up to 24" oc, or in a hidden nail fashion with framing spaced a maximum of 16" oc.
When installing fibercement, consideration must be given to the type of sheathing used. When hand nailing or pneumatic nailing, best results are achieved when the fibercement is applied over plywood or OSB sheathings. Builder board-type sheathings are also acceptable. Caution should be used when installing over foam-type sheathings. Pneumatic nailing is highly recommended when installing over foam. Due to the compression and general "soft" nature of the foam sheathing, distortion of the siding and excessive penetration of the nails may occur. A weather-resistive barrier such as a "house-wrap" or 15 lbs. felt paper is required between the siding and the studs or wood sheathing.
Fastening; Hand nailing; Pneumatic nailing
When hand nailing, the installer should avoid overdriving the nail and seat the bottom of the nail head flush with the surface of the siding. This will allow the nail to retain its maximum holding power and avoid distortion or cracking. When installing rake angle cuts, pre-drilling may be necessary in some cases such as in a hand nailing, face nail application. There must be a solid framing member behind the siding or sheathing material in all applications.
When pneumatic nailing to a solid backing such as plywood, OSB, or directly to studs (where code permits), best results are achieved with the air pressure set at approx. 80 to 85 pounds or to job site conditions Higher pressures usually result in unacceptable countersunk nail heads. Again, pneumatic nailing is strongly recommended and may be the only successful method for fastening the siding over foam sheathing.
A pneumatic nail gun designed for siding applications that accepts a collated, hot dipped galvanized full round head nail (1/4" dia.) is highly recommended. Framing nail guns are not recommended for use with fibercement siding.
Avoid using half-moon type fasteners, as they are subject to over-penetration. Also, the ideal pneumatic nail gun should include a flush mount attachment that will aid in avoiding overdriving nails. Please refer to the applicable WeatherBoards FiberCement application instructions for further information. For more details, please visit our Installation section.
Q. What happens if I try to use staples to apply fibercement siding?
Do not use staples to apply fibercement siding! Pneumatic staplers do not deliver sufficient fastening power to hold the fibercement siding. Staples will fail to completely penetrate the siding and usually "brad," or "kink," on the face of the board. Damage to the siding may also occur. The twin points of the staple, the violent bradding and kinking of the staple itself, and the wide, flat plunger of the gun are simply not compatible with fibercement sidings and must not be used.
Q. How does the speed of installation compare to hardboard or other wood sidings?
From field reports and installer feedback, an application of fibercement siding to a structure should be similar to a conventional siding installation. Most installers report a fibercement installation takes only slightly more time than wood or hardboard sidings. Reasonable care must be taken in handling, cutting, and nailing fibercement siding to avoid breakage or marring.
Caulking
Where fibercement siding butts against window and door trim, as well as at inside and outside corners, leave a 1/8" gap, then caulk the gap. If the siding was cut with an abrasive, dry diamond, or carbide tool, remove any dust from the edge, then apply caulk. Caulk should be of high quality and designed for use with wood, metal, and masonry.
Painting/Staining
CertainTeed WeatherBoards is shipped sealed with Certainteed's exclusive FiberTect™ Sealing System, so once installation is complete, the siding is ready for paint or stain. CertainTeed WeatherBoards Siding with the FiberTect Sealing System must be painted within 24 months of installation. Before you paint, wipe the boards clean of residual dust or dirt. Then apply a high quality 100-percent-acrylic paint or stain. Remember ordering siding through CertainTeed's prefinish service is an alternative to field painting.
IMPORTANT: Oil based paints must never be used on FiberCement siding. The high inherent pH of cement retards the curing that makes oil-based paint durable.
Q. Can battens be applied over lap or panel siding?
A. Installing battens over panel siding is a common installation; however, proper application of the caulk is imperative. We do not recommend installing battens over lap siding as this would require a nail 3"- 4" inches length in order to sufficiently penetrate the framing.
Q. Can joint covers be used with WeatherBoards FiberCement if desired by property owner/builder?
We do not require the use of joint covers with WeatherBoards FiberCement siding.
Q. If siding gets wet prior to installation, should the installer proceed with the installation?
When wet, fibercement siding will experience a temporary loss of strength. If saturated, it may become considerably flexible, making installation difficult. Ample drying time should be allowed before attempting installation of the siding. Drying times will vary due to climatic conditions. If the siding is left uncovered and exposed to light rain or moisture from dew, the siding will naturally absorb some moisture. Slight discoloration from exposure to moisture is normal and will quickly disappear.
|
|
|
|
Q. Guidelines for linking to the website?
Enter www.certainteed.com into your Browser
Q. Do you have downloadable images and logos on-line?
Yes, we have. Check our Photo Gallery and our Digital Marketing Library which includes logos, line arts and much more.
|
|
|
Q. How can I be sure I am choosing a reputable contractor?
The relationship you have with your contractor is an important one. You will want one who is qualified, trustworthy and capable. Be sure you:
• Ask friends, neighbors and relatives. If there's a home you like with vinyl siding, ask the owners who did the work.
• Ask the installer or contractor for before and after photos of siding jobs that they've completed.
• Get the names of three or four of the contractors' customers.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau.
Many contractors participate in training programs offered by professional associations, manufacturers and suppliers, earning special certifications and other credentials. Such efforts are an indication of professionalism as well as skill level.
Q. Which of your distributor/dealers have displays I can look at?
All of our distributors don't have displays but you certainly ask him for one. However they have plenty of literature and photos and you can check our online Literature section (FiberCement) too.
|
|
 Can you help me with ordering siding through BusinessConnections? |
|
|
You can order online Marketing Materials (literature, samples) through BusinessConnnections (http://businessconnections.certainteed.com).
You will find Product Order Forms (Excel format) in the Other Electronic Tools section.
For help, call at 610-341-7969, we will be glad to answer to all your questions or download a quick reference guide.
|
|
How do I install fixtures like lights or satellite dishes? |
|
|
Q. How do I install fixtures like lights or satellite dishes?
They can be attached and fastened on top of the siding.
|
|
How do I repair a damaged section? Can I patch it? |
|
|
No you can't: replace the entire panel. Visit our Installation section for more details.
|
|
|