Replies

1. 
   ed_long | Mar 24, 1999 05:37pm | #1

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   building new. using ABTco or Hardie lap siding.need information from someone who has installed these products.

   should it be "wet" or "dry"? easier to pneumatically nail when wet but risk shrinkage

   butt joints, to caulk or not to caulk?

   best way to cut, saw shear etc?

   how about respirator? necessary?

   any preference Hardie over ABTco?

2. 
   Guest_ | Mar 24, 1999 07:13pm | #2

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   ABTco has a manual for the installation that is good. Now, for the gurus. 15# or 30# felt on the walls, and do you space between the felt and the siding? Saw an interesting program on Dateline about Dryvit. Got one of those monster houses in my neignborhood - indeed both neighborhoods. Glad they are not mine. In short, the houses rot in about one year - good grief what a mess. Would the same thing happen with fibrous cement?

   Dennis

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 24, 1999 07:24pm | #3

   *ed, 1. dry- it just gets heavier and floppier when wetpneumatic nailing- set your gun to leave the nail head proud and set by hand nailing, you can shatter the stuff2.definatly calk the ends as you go, we use Vulkem3. shears will eliminate the dust but I think you get a cleaner edge sawing, buy lots of cheap carbide blades4.a decent dust mask and avoid cutting in an enlosed area if you can.dont use your good saw5. have only used Hardi- buy it primed,there are places here that will pre-paint it for you if can wait. havent done that before but am really considering it next timeHope this helps, JonC

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   Guest_ | Mar 24, 1999 07:35pm | #4

   *Lap siding is able to breathe...felt underneath...15 or 30 if you like dealing with the extra weight.Concrete lap siding will turn out to be the longest lasting siding invented to date...good looks and very unaffected by weather, which are it's two main purposes!No lobster traps here...on my way I go.Near the stream,J

3. 
   Keith_Utter | Mar 25, 1999 04:24am | #5

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   HISTORICAL POINT : We recently surveyed the town I work for to record houses that need painting and observed several hundred with cement fiber (asbestos)sidings ranging over 50 years. Although some appeared faded and not quit stylish, many were still in great shape. A third benefit we have seen, unfortunately, is added fire protection. To the best of my knowledge, cement fiber sidings are the longest lasting, lowest maintenance to date.

   J you gotta be right, this will most likely be the best product yet. The finishing technology is more advanced today than years ago. Is it really best to power nail this product? I never installed Hardi Plank, but plenty of the "old shingles" and you wouldn't stand a chance with a nailer. Also did anyone ever try a shingle break on it? No dust, little mess! Has anyone seen one lately? Keith

4. 
   ed_long | Mar 25, 1999 04:24am | #6

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