Replies

1. 
   jimatgreatwhite | Jan 08, 2014 09:41pm | #1

   Well

   Just put them in random places, that should take care of it.

   I would guess Hardi might have some help, I know," you're to manly to read the directions."

   Just my two snarks worth.

   Jim

2. 
   calvin | Jan 08, 2014 10:21pm | #2

   Want some snow?  Got plenty and with the cold I think it would last-UPS............

   I never gave it thought but see the problem.  Usual shingles are random and you probably couldn't get a pattern if you tried.  I'd hope someone that's done it or like the other Jim suggests, the manufacturer.

   Perhaps like flooring-the last cut's scrap becomes the first of the next coarse?  Maybe start in the center and break each way a third.

   Got a deck of cards?   Give 'em to the grandson.

3. 
   DanH | Jan 08, 2014 11:01pm | #3

   Just make sure that you don't get joints right above each other for 3 courses.

4. 
   calvin | Jan 09, 2014 07:25am | #4

   Jim

   You have only one sized width of shingle?

1. 
   jimblodgett | Jan 09, 2014 09:49am | #5

   Shingle size

   No.  There are 4 different widths, but not the same number of bundles of each.  I'll dig through them today and try to figure out the ratio, but there are more 5" than 8" and far more 8" than 12" for example.  I guess it's possible there's the same amount of coverage in each width.

   I was just hoping someone knew of a "AACBDABACBAB, shift 14" on the next course" pattern or something.  Didn't have much luck at Hardi's website or looking at Google search results.

   Might even try to weave a heron or a couple geese in flight into one gable.  Just have to see how it goes.

   Actually kind of liked jimatgreatwhite's suggestion though - random placement, random orientation.  Could be interesting. 

1. 
   calvin | Jan 09, 2014 10:09am | #6

   Jim

   I found this in a 2006 JLC Forum topic-  Look down a ways for posts by Mark Parlee.   A cement board siding installer.  He doesn't deal with the pattern, but if he's still on the forum-you might be able to make contact.  He may have a good answer.

   or it might not work at all-but what the heck.

   JLC Forum

2. 
   DanH | Jan 09, 2014 08:29pm | #9

   Figure out the ratio of the different sizes you need to maintain to use them equally.  Eg, if there are 100 5" and 50 8" you should be using about 2 5" shingles for every 8" shingle.

1. 
   calvin | Jan 09, 2014 09:34pm | #10

   since there are 4 different widths, do as was originally suggested - random.

   Afterall, it would be almost like a regular bundle of better grade wood shingle.  Jim should be able to get a grip on the relative number of each size and proceed from there.

   Downside, cuts in hardie are bit more strenuous than cedar and limiting that would be the labor savior.

3. 
   DoRight | Jan 09, 2014 10:12pm | #11

   First thought ...

   My first thought was, kind of a silly question.  No one needs help with random.  Well that sort of is still the case, but when you explain that your collection of shingles is not really random I see that you could end up using more 5 inchers than you should have and ended up with more 8 inchers at the top etc.

   If it were me I would break my 5 inchers in to say five piles and 8 inchers into five piles and 12 inchers into five piles.  Then I would "RANDOMLY" install one pile of each size.  You would end up with a random install, but not one with an abnormal number of any one size any where in the install.

   I once installed the four foot sheet version.  I did not like the repeating nature of that pattern.  So, in the gables I ended up cutting the first sheet in each row as they went up the gable at different points and it mixed it up pretty good.  Once in a while a joint would line up so I would just cut a bit off the four foot piece and really end up mixing it up.

   You could probably do teh same thing.  Make a few of your 12 inch pieces 10" or 7" or 6" and throw them in there.

5. 
   PastorFranc | Jan 09, 2014 03:47pm | #7

   James Hardie Shingle placement

   Find the center line for your wall, and put the first shingle in very center, then install all left side and then all right side.  On the next row, place the right hand side of your first shingle on the left side of the center line and then complete your rows.  On the next row, please the left hand side of your first shingle on the right side of the center line, then complete your rows.  On the next row, repeat the sequence starting with the shingle in the middle of the center line, Follow that sequence and no one will see the pattern.  Intermix your different widths, and it will be great.

1. 
   calvin | Jan 09, 2014 06:16pm | #8

   PF

   I'm sure you got as confused writing it as I did reading it.

   but,

   you have the same shingles breaking on the centerline (2nd and third rows).

6. 
   jimblodgett | Jan 10, 2014 12:23am | #12

   Thanks everyone

   Dug into my materials today and think I have a plan. 

   The good news is there are only a few spots on the house where you see multiple shingled panels at the same time, so I can experiment a little on the less conspicuous panels working out the kinks by the time I get to the more prominant.

   It will work out.  Always does.

   Thanks again - Jim