Replies

1. 
   dave_warren | Sep 30, 2000 01:38pm | #7

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   Here in Australia we have had hardie products as long as i can remember.We use the stuff everywhere.The earlier product had asbestos in it,and it lasted forever but got harder and more brittle as time went by.Getting rid of old 'fibro'here is an industry on its own because of the danger to peoples health.The new stuff has cellulose fibre in it and it is not so durable left unprotected.I have noticed it becomes softer and powdery over time if not painted.

2. 
   Guest_ | Sep 30, 2000 03:19pm | #8

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   I just saw an article in the Journal of Light Construction describing the disintegration of fiber cement roofing shakes. What about the fiber cement siding products? The article mentioned that the cellulose fibers in the product were weakened by the pH of the cement and that repeated absorption of water eventually pulverized the stuff. Siding won't take quite the abuse that a roof would, but should I be concerned?

   Thanks

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 02, 2000 06:30am | #1

   *Siding shouldn't take anywhere near the abuse your roof will. That's what overhangs are for. Plus, your siding should be pretty close to vertical and I'm assuming you're gonna paint it and keep it at least 6" up off the ground. Plus you're gonna read the destructions about gapping and caulking and always use splines at butt joints in the field, right? Do those things, and you shouldn't have any trouble.

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 03, 2000 05:25am | #2

   *I have been replacing cedar on my house with Hardi-Plank and recently dumped a container with some scraps submerged in water for about 3 months. There was no swelling, delaminating, pulverizing or other damage to the siding. It didn't seem to have gained any weight from soaking up water. I'm sure it soaked in some but it really suprised me how well it held up under water. I agree with jim that siding will get nowhere nere the beating roofing materials will, and the siding should hold up fine.

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 23, 2000 08:25am | #3

   *A disturbing report, tho'

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 23, 2000 04:49pm | #4

   *if i remember... it was about one mfr. who had other problems...fiber cement siding has a long history (more than twenty years).. undr the current mfr'g methods.with my usual disclaimer..b but hey , whadda i no ?

2. 
   Tom_Crosby | Sep 24, 2000 09:49am | #5

   *The fiber cement product thats having problems has wood fibre and its the wood fibre that is causing the problem. HardiPlank doesn't have any wood fibre in it as far as I know. I've seem samples left in water for years with no change, so I am quite comfortable in telling customers that it will weather as well or better than a traditional 3 coat stucco job and handle a paint job just as good as stucco.

3. 
   Guest_ | Sep 27, 2000 03:41am | #6

   *Hardi does have wood fiber, but glad to hear its reputation is still good. From their site:Lap Siding Product Specifications Basic Composition/SizePortland cement, ground sand, cellulose fiber, select additives and water. Hardiplank contains no asbestos, fiberglass or formaldehyde.

3. 
   Guest_ | Sep 30, 2000 03:19pm | #9

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   Certainteed supposedly uses a patented pressing process that's called Durapress...They say there's will last longer and have less problems in freezing climates....Time will tell for all of the brands...Certainteed also specs painting there product properly and at the right temps....as above....

   near the stream,

   aj