Install Hardi Plank Siding

Hardi plank siding is a manmade replacement siding of cellulous fibers and cement. Hardi plank usually is manufactured in 12 foot lengths and comes in a number of different widths. Hardi plank can be found in several different styles, from smooth to wood grained. Hardi plank is installed differently than vinyl siding or wood siding.

The preparation for the Hardi plank siding includes first putting foam underlayment over the existing wood siding, it is better to sheet over the wood siding before the foam is installed. If replacing vinyl siding, the vinyl must be removed first. After the foam is installed roofing felt should be used to cover the foam insulation.

Installing Hardi-Plank Siding

The next step is to build a drip plate around the bottom of the house before starting to install the Hardi plank siding. Building and installing a drip edge is skilled work for a professional carpenter.
After all the preparation has been done it is time to install the Hardi plank. The tools for installing this type of siding are different than the regular circular saw, Hardi plank when cut creates a lot of dust and will wear down the normal 71/4 saw blades in a hurry. You need a dust catcher saw and diamond blades, protective glasses and probably a mask. Professional contractors have all this equipment and the know how to use it.

Hardi plank is installed from the bottom up. A flare out piece and a starter strip are installed first. The flare out piece pushes water onto the drip edge; this is important to keep the siding dry and must be installed all the way around the bottom of the structure

Hardi plank is manufactured in 12 foot lengths, and unless you are siding a storage shed you will have seams. It is a good idea to have the seams not line up on top of each other, so install each row of siding starting from different sides. Hardi plank needs to have at least a 1&1/2 inch overlap, you can have more. To achieve the same over lap throughout you need to have a guide to get the correct spacing. After you decide the spacing the contractor will make the appropriate guides. Good contractors will cut only one to three boards at a time to ensure the cuts are square where the seams meet.

Nailing Hardi plank board should be installed with either hot dipped galvanized nails or stainless steel nails. The siding can be blind nailed (nailed above the lap line) and this results in the best finished look. Hardi plank can also be face nailed if necessary, but this needs to be done carefully to protect the siding.
Hardi plank installed differently than most other sidings. It is important to hire a contractor who has experience installing Hardi plank. Ask for references and check them out before hiring an installation contractor. Installed incorrectly, a Hardi plank job can be an expensive mistake!