Anybody out there ever used galvinized metal corners and Hardie clapboard siding? I like the idea of the fiber cement for the obvious reasons, but I would like to avoid the use of corner boards because they remind me too much of vinyl. Even if you haven’t done this, can you think of any reasons why it would not be a good idea?
Also,can the Hardie shingles be weaved instead of using a corner board. It seemed to me it could be done using an electric shear or am I dreaming. I know it would be very slow going but I do not have that much area that would need to be weaved.
Also, I look around at gutters in my area (Seattle) and all that I see are the K style, no 1/2 round. Anybody got an opinion on why 1/2 round would not be a good idea. We don’t really get many down pours here so I would think they should be able to handle it.
Any and all opinions would be appreciatted. Dave.E.
Replies
I've had Hardie Shingles on my new home (upstate New York) for 3 years. I love it.
Yes, you certainly can weave the shingles just like cedar. Mine are, and it looks great. It would be helpful to whip up a jig once you know the angle, to save a lot of time measuring. You could devise a jig whether you use a saw or the recommended shears. It could be just for marking the correct angle, or holding it while it's being cut.
For inside corners, we made up 1½" square boards of Trex. They were painted the same color as the body of the house (not the trim color) and they worked well, too, but the shingles could be woven there as well.
I would think that galvanized is not a good idea. Hardie will last the rest of your life, galvanized will not. It will eventually rust. Also, galvanized is particularly difficult to paint without inviting peeling. I'd recommend any number of synthetic materials for trim, like those high density foam trim boards, or the trim boards that Hardie themselves offer.
Don't use oil based primer on the Hardie.
Here's Hardie's web site for more information.
http://www.jameshardie.com