Tips on How to Install Prefinished Hardie Siding

Storing HardiePlank Siding

• Stack HardiePlank siding flat in a dry location, to minimize shrinkage at the butt joints. Protect the edges and corners of the siding during storage and handle with care to prevent breakage. The planks are interlocked on the pallets and should be removed from the side of the stack to prevent damage to the drip edge of the siding.

Cutting HardiePlank Siding

• The best way to cut HardiePlank siding is to score the siding with a knife and snap the pieces apart at the scored mark. You can also use manual, electric or pneumatic shears to cut the siding. If you use a circular saw to cut the siding, use a blade with Hardie Blade trademark. You should cut the siding outside where the wind blows the dust away from you and other people. Use a HEPA vacuum or the wet suppression method to clean up dust and debris.

Fastening HardiePlank Siding

• Although the best fasteners for HardiePlank siding are hot dipped galvanized, you can also use stainless steel or other corrosion resistant fasteners. Do not use aluminum fasteners, clipped nail heads or staples. Use roofing nails or ribbed wafer-head screws when attaching HardiePlank siding to OSB, which should be at least 7/16 inch thick. Use roofing or siding nails when installing siding on a wood frame. Use ribbed wafer-head screws or ET&F Panelfast nails when installing siding on steel framing. The best fastener is a pneumatic type with a flush mount attachment. Set the air pressure so the fastener is flush with the surface of the siding. Do not under drive -- leave head above the surface of the siding -- or over drive -- push fastener below the surface of the siding -- and do not drive the fasteners into the siding at an angle.

Finishing HardiePlank Siding

• Use latex or elastomeric joint sealant according to the manufacturer’s directions to caulk joints and gaps between HardiePlank siding and other surfaces. Attach the non-factory cut edges of the siding under the trim and caulk, if possible. Coat other non-factory edges with ColorPlus Technology Edge Coating, available from James Hardie. Use ColorPlus Technology touch-up applicator to cover up small nicks, scrapes and nail heads.