How to Fasten Hardiboard Siding

Homeowners facing the choice of refinishing the exterior of their homes have a variety of options, including cement board siding. According to Hardie Siding, which produces Hardie Board cement siding, this type of siding can be painted, but it also comes designed to look like vinyl, wood, stucco or other finishes. Attaching Hardie siding to your home will provide a stable protective barrier that can last for years, providing the installation is done properly.

• 1

  Locate studs in the wall with a stud finder. Use a chalk line or pencil to mark the locations of the studs.

• 2

  Line up the first piece of Hardie Board siding with the water table trim on the wall or with the bottom of the wall.

• 3

  Nail the siding board into the wall with a nail gun armed with stainless steel siding nails. Nail into the studs where possible, every 16 inches.

• 4

  Install the entire first row in this manner. Leave no gaps between boards or between the boards and the end points of the walls.

• 5

  Line up the first board of the row directly above the first. Overlap the bottom of the board over the top of the first row by 1 ¼ inches. Use spacers or snap a chalk line at the 1 ¼-inch overlap point to ensure that the overlap is consistent along the entire row.

• 6

  Continue to install rows, working your way up the wall and maintaining a consistent overlap.

• 7

  Cut Hardie Board siding as necessary, using a circular saw with carbide-tipped blade.

• 8

  Install all full and cut boards until you have covered the entire wall of the house. Repeat for all sides until your installation is complete.