All-
The manufacturer’s installation instructions for fiber cement siding call for filling the 1/16 – 1/8″ joints (between planks and adjacent to corner boards) with latex caulk. While I will likely caulk the plank/corner board joint, I don’t want to ‘see’ the joint mid-wall. Any suggestions? I was thinking using an exterior-grade spackling compound or even bondo or some other epoxy. Thoughts?
Thanks for the insight, as always.
JK
Replies
FC mfgs have a list of approved caulks and paints. Re the caulks, they are NOT necessarily all latex. I have successfully used OSI Quad Sealant which is an oil-based caulk. Applies and tools beautifully, especially when used with a pro-style gun ($).
There was a previous post on joint layout - you might want to do a search. IMO, any attempt to truly hide the joints will work for only a short while - 6 months. I am certainly not a pro but using Bondo or exterior spakling is a mistake which will bite you 6 months down the road. A properly tooled caulked joint looks good.
Eric Svendson
Silver Spring, MD
Fiber cement boards look much better once the joints are caulked and it's all painted. I was surprised on my first house how good it looked. Even with an average-joe doing the caulking, it's hard to mess it up. I would just caulk with whatever the mfgr recommends -- and nothing else: might void any warranty if you deviate.
Redraw your plans so there are no walls more than 12' long.
You need a little "give" in the joint. Caulk is best. You can level it off so it's virtually invisible.