Fiber Cement Siding Require Sheathing

Be sure that the siding installed is dry.

Fiber cement siding require sheathing. Hardie siding problems a k a. Most fiber cement manufacturers make mounting blocks for lights electrical receptacles a c lines pvc venting etc. Fiber cement is a siding material that was first introduced in the 1980 s as a replacement for asbestos cement wood aluminum and vinyl siding products. Single wall construction is when the siding is applied directly to the studs without any sheathing like osb or plywood first.

Single wall construction with fiber cement siding is perfectly fine for non wind non coastal areas of the country as displayed in the photo below. When sheathing is the preferred surface that will receive the fiber cement siding or any other fragile substrate be sure to pre drill the holes at corners to prevent accidental damages. Many fiber cement siding planks can be blind nailed onto. Cement boards are non combustible and provide a good base for tile or other masonry products.

Jaime prefers to use the vinyl mounting blocks typically used with vinyl siding. Fiber cement siding should be installed over plywood osb or sheathing. Cement board structural sheathing is portland cement reinforced with glass fiber mesh that creates a sheet that attaches easily to a wall. Fiber cement is attached using corrosion resistant galvanized or stainless steel nails or screws that penetrate studs or exterior sheathing.

They re cheaper and easy to install and you can cut the proper size hole in a plastic mounting block with a utility knife or a snips.