Anybody know what the pros and cons are about using fingerjoint cladboards? The home is in the northeast and will be covered with a solid stain. The stain will not be transparent so we feel we can get away without the clear cedar. Anybody? Are we making a mistake?
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Danger! Danger!
I wouldn't use fingerjointed clapboards, no matter what the finish, because no matter what the sales reps tell you the joints will telegraph through sooner or later. They have improved finger joint technology to the point that the joints don't ALWAYS break like they used to, but the differences in wood grain at the joint means it will always show.
Two of the many rules that I follow regarding finger-jointed material:
1. Never use the stuff under a 'stain', even if it's a 'solid color' stain.
2. Never, not even if my career depends on it, use the stuff in an outdoor application. Never, not ever, just never, ever.
Now I'm not saying that you have to follow my rules, but it WAS you that asked.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
Whoop! Whoop! Danger!
Yeah, I would have to agree - FJ outside is just asking for it.
Forrest
Your request about finger jointed clapboards suggests your budget is modest. Fiber cement siding is more expensive, but considerably more durable.
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Thanks guys... All good points. That would have been a costly one!
FJ anything , outside , will photograph the joints
It's funny, you know, that we still say "telegraph" to indicate something visable through something else.
When's the last time anyone used a telegraph?
Forrest
last time for me was 50 years ago.. trying to earn some scout merit badgeMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Maybe we should start saying "Finger joints outside will eventually IM through".
What woodguy said...
I hope everyone can forgive me my old foibles, but I am less prejudiced against FJ clapboard siding. I've used it some down through the years. About 8-10 years ago I overcame my prejudiced against it. I think that the technology might have changed about then.
I only use it when factory pre-primed two coats, and kept dry undercover.
Most have not telegraphed, phonographed, psychopathed, or disjointed.
The only one I see any evidence that it is FJ was on a garage from about '97 or '98. The owner decided that one coat of paint with poor prep work would be sufficient. If I get up close and look hard when the light is just right, I can see a couple of joints, but the average person wouldn't notice.
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I'm with Piffin on this one, with a couple of caveats. As he said, it must be factory primed and two-coated. And I wouldn't use any wood other than cvg cedar, because it's such a stable wood. I suspect that some of the problems folks have had were with other species that wiggle around more, or the claps were flatsawn and so more prone to movement.
(Disclosure: I have worked for the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. )Andy
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