When Should You Call A Pro?
Fiber cement siding has fast become one of the top choices for homeowners, thanks to its durability, versatility, and stylish appearance. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast ready to tackle a new project or a seasoned construction professional, learning how to put up fiber cement siding is a rewarding challenge that can transform any home.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding what fiber cement siding is and why it’s a smart choice, to step-by-step installation instructions and expert safety tips. We’ll also explain the benefits of working with a professional like Robert Gordon Services, Raleigh’s award-winning siding contractor, if you decide to leave it to the experts.
What Is Fiber Cement Siding & Why Choose It?
Fiber cement siding is a durable, low-maintenance material made of a mixture of wood fibers, sand, and cement. It is designed to mimic the appearance of more traditional materials like wood or stucco, but with added longevity and strength.
Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding:
- Exceptional Durability: Resistant to weather, pests, and rot, it’s suited for a variety of climates.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike wood siding, it doesn’t require frequent painting or sealing.
- Wide Range of Styles: Choose from textures and finishes that replicate the look of wood grain, stucco, or smooth finishes.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Made from natural materials, fiber cement siding is biodegradable and environmentally conscious.
- Improved Home Value: Its strength and beauty contribute to a lasting boost to your home’s curb appeal.
Looking for a tested brand? James Hardie® fiber cement siding fits the bill and is a preferred option for homeowners and experts alike.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Fiber Cement Siding
Pre-Installation Preparation
- Check Local Codes: Confirm your project adheres to local building regulations.
- Measure and Plan: Calculate the total square footage of your exterior walls to determine how much siding you’ll need.
- Prepare the Surface: Ensure your walls are flat, clean, and covered with a moisture barrier, such as house wrap or felt paper.
- Tools Checklist: Equip yourself with the right tools, like a circular saw with a diamond-tipped blade, measuring tape, level, hammer, nails, safety goggles, and a dust mask.
Installation Steps
- Start with Starter Strips: Begin by nailing starter strips along the bottom edge of the wall. These strips ensure your first row sits evenly.
- Cut the Siding Panels: Use a circular saw to cut your fiber cement siding panels to the correct length. Always wear a dust mask to protect yourself from silica dust.
- Install the First Row: Place the first row of siding flush against the starter strip. Nail it in place, ensuring a nail is driven into each stud at least 1 inch from the top of the siding.
- Overlap Each Layer: Align your subsequent rows to overlap the previous one by at least 1¼ inches. Use a level to keep the rows straight.
- Work Around Openings: For windows and doors, measure and cut the panels precisely, ensuring they fit snugly around the frames.
- Seal the Edges: Once installed, use caulk to seal the edges and prevent moisture from seeping behind the siding.
Final Walkthrough & Inspection
- Double-check alignment and overlap.
- Ensure all nails are secure and properly placed.
- Inspect for gaps or irregularities and make necessary adjustments.
Safety Tips and Best Practices for Installation
Like all home improvement projects, proper safety measures are key when working with fiber cement siding.
Safety Guidelines:
- Wear Protective Gear: Use safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask to protect yourself from both debris and silica dust.
- Use the Right Tools: Invest in tools designed for cutting and shaping fiber cement to ensure precision and safety.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Always cut fiber cement outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling hazardous dust particles.
- Handle with Care: Fiber cement panels are heavy and brittle at the edges, so always lift and handle them carefully to avoid damage.
- Nail or Screw Properly: Use corrosion-resistant nails or screws, and avoid placing them too close to the edge of the panel.
- Maintain Clearance: Follow manufacturer recommendations for clearances near the foundation, rooflines, and trims.
- Follow Installation Manual: Each brand may have specific guidelines, so always refer to the manufacturer’s manual.
When to Call a Professional
While installing fiber cement siding can be a rewarding DIY project, there are situations where hiring a professional like Robert Gordon Services can save time and avoid costly errors.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional:
- Expert Installation: Professionals ensure flawless alignment, proper sealing, and adherence to safety guidelines.
- Time-Saving: A skilled contractor can complete the installation much faster than a DIY effort, especially on larger homes.
- Risk Reduction: Professionals have the tools and experience to minimize risks like silica exposure or panel breakage.
- Warranty Protection: Improper DIY installation may void your siding’s manufacturer warranty.
Robert Gordon Services, Raleigh’s preferred siding and painting company, specializes in James Hardie® fiber cement siding installation. With a team of certified experts and a stellar reputation throughout Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and beyond, they guarantee quality workmanship and stunning results.
Why Robert Gordon Services Is the Right Choice
Looking to upgrade your home with siding that’s durable, efficient, and stunning? Trust Robert Gordon Services (RGS)—Raleigh’s top-rated siding experts. With decades of experience, award-winning recognition as a James Hardie® President’s Club Award winner, and partnerships with trusted brands like James Hardie® and Sherwin-Williams®, we deliver results that homeowners rave about.
Our customer-first approach, owner-supervised projects, and reviews speak for themselves. Whether you want to boost your home’s curb appeal or its energy efficiency, fiber cement siding is the ultimate investment. Let RGS get it right the first time—making your home beautiful, durable, and built to last.
Contact Robert Gordon Services to schedule your free, no-obligation estimate. See why we’re Raleigh-Durham’s go-to source for fiber cement siding installation and painting projects.
