One wing of our house needs skirting to close off the outside from the basement (the upper part of the house extends outside the basement walls). We used cement-asbestos board (about 3/16″ thick) originally, but that has broken in a few places and needs to be replaced as we prepare to sell the house. Hardiplank looks like a good alternative, but the manufacturer’s data sheet says it must be painted. We’d prefer a cement look to blend with the rest of the foundation, so wonder what happens if it isn’t painted? Also, if indeed paint is necessary, what would be appropriate in this application where part of the board is buried?
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I don't have a totally clear picture of your situation, but I would offer two comments:
Definitly paint it. I'm sure you can have a paint formulated that will match a concrete color. You might, after doing that, mix some fine masons sand in the paint to give it some texture.
Keep the FC clear of the ground as with any siding.
Notchman,
Darn good idea about mixing in some fine sand to add texture. Bravo!
Mark
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll use the sand in paint idea on the material we settle on. It looks like Hardiplank isn't appropriate as I have to bury one end of it. Maybe Durock Exterior Cement Board will do the trick.
I think Notchman is exactly right, you have to keep fiber cement siding at least 6" off the ground, just like wood. At least that was the state of it a couple years ago. Maybe somebody makes one by now that can go against the ground. Check the website of whatever brand you decide on.
Thank you for responding. Since I have to bury the lower end of the skirting, I see that Hardiplank is not appropriate. Looks like Durock Exterior Cement Board will be the way to go, although it will still have to be sealed.
How about Durock or wonder board with a skim coat of stucco.
I've read the same caution about keeping FC off the ground, (and I do) but I can't imagine anything eating that stuff, of having it damaged by moisture or ground contact. So what gives? Are they just covering thier butts?
I'm going to go bury a piece half in and out of the ground (unpainted) and see what happens. I bet it will be there a long time. Justus Koshiol
Running Pug Construction
Thanks for the suggestions, I think the Durock Exterior Cement Board will be the way to go. Although I suspect that it will wick moisture, so it will have to be sealed in some way, or the base of the wood house where it will be attached.
Unless you can guarantee that your area is free of termites it would be a very good idea to forget burying any applied siding. One of the reasons for keeping siding off grade is to allow any termite tubes to be seen so treatment can begin before damages mount up. Even stucco, applied to a poured or block foundation, supposedly an impervious (to insects) bond, was found to have minute voids which provided a path to the framing above for termites.
Good point, fortunately for us we only have damp wood termites in the Pacific Northwest, not as great a problem.