DIY Hardie Siding

[Michael McCartney]

My new house needs siding. I am pretty handy but I have never had any experience with Hardie lap siding. Is this something a non professional can take on? I have done a bit of cedar lap siding and once you got the hang of it things went fast and smoothly.

Also do you put the trim down first and butt the siding up to it or does it matter? The other house I own has wood siding and the trim was installed on top of the siding.

[Rod Sanford]

The trim goes first 1/8 of a gap between trim and siding.  There needs to be a drip edge at the bottom or a starter strip for run off.  Never nail on the sides and one inch from the top.  You need to stagger you lap at least 3 rows.  Use a finishing nailer and a lap siding gun.  Anything else will destroy the siding.  A level of 4ft or longer, chalk line, lap clamp, joint flashing, hardie saw blade, and a good saw for professional cuts.  James hardie has a web site hopefully the video will help.

P.S.  a vapor barrier is a must behind the lap siding.

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