Can cement board be used as siding?

Fiber cement board is almost the perfect exterior siding. Made of wood pulp and cement, it is durable, low maintenance, and resistant to fire, bugs, rodents, mold, and moisture. It can be made to look like wood clapboards or shingles, stucco, stone, and brick. It can even be painted or stained.

Can cement board be used exterior?

PermaBASE cement board products are an ideal solution for exterior walls. Exterior cement board is easy to install and provides enhanced durability. Additionally, cement board exterior walls are better able to keep moisture out of buildings, helping to prevent mold, mildew, and other common forms of water damage.

How long does cement board siding last?

While a paint job on fiber cement siding lasts longer than wood—usually anywhere between five to fifteen years—it will eventually need to be redone.

Can Hardie backer board be used as siding?

Hardie Board siding is a super durable siding product from the James Hardie company that looks amazing, is long-lasting, and comes with a fabulous warranty. It's made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers which combine to create an outstanding material to both protect and beautify homes.

How good is cement board siding?

Hardie Board siding is not only durable, but it's also long-lasting. It has a longer lifespan than almost every other siding material option available. Fiber cement will never rot, and it doesn't buckle or warp. James Hardie products also come with a 30- to 50-year warranty.

How to Install Cement Board Siding

What was the main problem with fiber cement board siding?

Cutting fiber cement siding generates respirable crystalline silica, a known human carcinogen. Inhaling too much silica can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD.

What are the disadvantages of fiber cement siding?

Fiber cement board has all the benefits of other sidings with few disadvantages. Installation of fiber cement board siding is costly. Labor costs are higher because fiber cement requires more manpower to deliver and install. Cost can be two to three times higher than aluminum or vinyl siding.

Does Hardie board siding rot?

And the answer is a resounding NO! James Hardie® siding, unlike wood or vinyl siding, will not rot, warp, or burn. HardiePlank® is a fiber cement based siding, so it's impervious to water, termites, woodpeckers, and any other animal you can think of.

How do you seal Hardie board siding?

Ugly Caulking

Wherever Hardie siding meets a trim board, the company recommends you leave a 1/8” gap between the siding and the trim and apply a 3/8” bead of approved caulking to protect and seal the edge of the siding.

Is Hardie board better than vinyl siding?

By contrast, Hardie® fiber cement siding is more durable and up to 5x thicker than vinyl siding. It easily stands up to the elements, resisting damage from wind, rain, freezing temperatures and hail, and gives homes years of protection with low maintenance.

Do you have to paint cement board siding?

As a low maintenance material, fiber cement siding doesn't require frequent painting. If you purchase prefinished fiber cement siding, you don't need to worry about painting it when it's time to install. Unfinished styles on the other hand should be painted shortly after installation.

Can you paint over cement board?

It is recommended not to paint cement boards unless they have been thoroughly cleaned, or if they have adhesion problems. The pores in fibrous cement boards, unlike standard cement, absorb the adhesives within the paint, making the finish much more durable than that of standard cement.

Can you nail into fiber cement siding?

Nailing Basics

Fiberboard cement siding can be hand-nailed, but because it's so much harder and more brittle than wood, you have to predrill holes near any edge. You can save yourself a bunch of time by using a pneumatic coil siding nail gun.

Will cement board rot outside?

If you're considering fiber cement siding, you want to know whether it is susceptible to rot. Put simply — no. This type of siding is made from four simple ingredients: cement, wood pulp, water and a type of filler. None of these materials is affected by rot.

Can cement board get rained on?

Most concrete backer-boards on the market today are not water-resistant, but all are waterproof. Since many people confuse the terms, it is a common misconception that this is the best material for use inside a shower or tub area.

Are cement boards waterproof?

Although cement boards are not waterproof, they are water resistant. Consequently, whilst they do not entirely prevent the passage of water, they may be considered for wet environments. Cement boards are heavy sheets and may require two people to install.

Can you use screws on Hardie siding?

Fasteners must be corrosion resistant, galvanized or stainless steel. James Hardie prefers and recommends installation of HardiePlank® lap siding by the blind nailing technique, such that fasteners are hidden by the course above.

Does Hardie board crack?

Hardie board siding usually cracks due to poor installation. The original installer might have accidentally installed a nail too close to the edge of the siding, causing a crack. You can easily fix it by cleaning it and then using caulk to patch the gap.

Should you caulk Hardie board siding?

When James Hardie siding products butt into wood-based materials, a 1/8" gap will allow for expansion and contraction of the wood-based product. Caulks and Sealants: James Hardie recommends the use of caulks and sealants that remain permanently flexible.

What are the cons of Hardie board?

Does Hardie board increase value of home?

James Hardie Siding Does Increase the Resale Value of Your Home. Whether or not if you're deciding to sell your home, having James Hardie Siding is going be one of the best investments you'll ever make. According to Family Handyman, you can recoup as much as 76% of the upfront cost of it upon the sale of your home.

Is Hardie board waterproof?

Tested & Proven Waterproofness

No water penetration through Hardie® Backer Board with HydroDefense™ Technology during 48-hour hydrostatic test. HardieBacker® Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology is a long-lasting, waterproof solution for walls, floors, and countertops.

Is fiber cement siding cheaper than vinyl siding?

From an initial installation standpoint, vinyl siding is definitely cheaper. According to an RSMeans 2014 Residential Cost data report, vinyl siding costs $201 per 100 square feet to install while fiber cement costs around $300.

Why do builders use vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is made to withstand the elements, including heavy wind and impact from hail. In addition, vinyl resists excessive moisture, meaning it won't rot or corrode over time. In many cases, you can get a lifetime warranty on your vinyl siding that is often prorated for up to 50 years on successive owners.

Is fiber cement siding worth?

Fiber-cement siding is one of the most popular forms of siding. Its aesthetic appeal, high durability, and low maintenance are all reasons to choose it. Fiber cement siding provides great results that other materials don't deliver, giving you a strong return on your investment for years to come.