I’m a homeowner. Yahoo subcontractors installed hardiplank clapboards all the way to the dirt. Digging away dirt doesn’t fix entirely. I think I need to get the starter course off the ground. They are approx. 7″ planks w/ about 5 1/2 reveal that have been blind nailed at the top. So, my idea is to rip about 1″ from the bottom where the bottom plank abuts the dirt. I bought a $50 makita 4″ angle grinder and a dewalt masonary saw blade. Dutifully reading the Makita owner’s manual, I see to my surprise that it says don’t use the grinder with a saw. I’ll happily buy a better/bigger grinder but will have no use for the tool after this job. By the way, I already ripped 20′ of this stuff with my circular saw (on my back in the dirt, pretty awkward and unsafe-seeming), but I have a remaining 30′ where the clearance to the ground is just too tight for the saw. Is this a crazy idea to use the grinder like this? Contractor and sub are long gone and bankrupt, so sensible suggestions in that direction will not ultimately help. The biggest joke of all is that the James Hardie web site recommended the contractor and the only relief I got from them is they pulled him off their list. Any help would be most appreciated. This is at the back of the house so I can tolerate some jaggedness of cut.
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Get a 4 1/2" grinder....better tool, more options. Use a diamond blade, like you'd use for tile work. They're a little spendy but they'll make a nice cut (wear a dust mask).
But you should end up with 6" to 8" clearance between the bottom of your siding and the soil grade, with only masonry foundation exposed.
It is possible to remove the bottom blank entirely by gently prying the next plank away slightly and pry the lower plank off its nails...then cutting the exposed nails off with a hacksaw or cutting them off with a chisel (that you'll have to resharpen).
Edited 5/2/2005 9:09 am ET by Wormdrive
Thanks guys. Since I don't want to be a product liability plaintiff, I think I will remove the lowest course of siding via pry bar or something similar. I dream of moisture and termites migrating through that stuff. I really appreciate the input.
You can do it but be forewarned -- it is dangerous -- make sure the DW blade is a diamond blade and attached a 2x4 or 2x3 to the wall as a guide -- do it first thing in the moning when you are fresh and keep your head away, wear googles, and a a dust mask -- think what you are doing -- things happen so fast you do not have time to react -- just take it easy and you will be ok -- do not get overconfident that this is easy
One more thing....quite important...
Be sure to prime and paint your cut edge. Those little disposable foam brushes work fine for the task.
I think you will have a tough time getting a straight cut w/ an angle grinder. I think the right way to make it right is to remove several courses and use a trim board at the bottom of the siding.
Aaron
Edited 5/2/2005 11:37 am ET by Aaron