Fiber cement siding panels should be stacked flat on a level surface and kept dry prior to installation. If the panels become wet, allow to dry completely before installation begins.

We have installed vertically to wood or metal framing. Panels are joined on stud, Framing should be in accordance with local building codes and accepted building practices. If required by code, a vapor barrier must be installed.

Studs should be spaced at 16 or 24 inch centers. A minimum of a 1 1/2 inch stud face is recommended to provide sufficient area for fasteners.

Fiber cement siding panels can be used for panel shear walls with bracing meeting local building code requirements.

Nails or screws may be used for installing Fiber cement siding panels, depending on type of stud.

Wood Studs at 16 or 24 inch Centers

Use 4d 1 1/2" galvanized box nails at 6 inch centers for shear walls, otherwise at 8 inch centers. Nails should penetrate a minimum of 1 inch into the wood stud. Nails may be driven flush. Use 6d common galvanized nails when installing over additional substrate such as plywood or drywall.

Metal Studs

For light guage steel frames, use R.P.I. C-Drill 8 x 1 1/4" or R.P.I. C-Wing 8 x 1 1/4" self-drilling and self-embedding screws. Longer screws should be used when panels are installed over plywood and/or drywall.

Fasten flashings at all corners. Provide all undersill, head and side flashings at openings and elsewhere, as required by good construction practices. Fasten all necessary metal or wood stops at all corners and openings. Install panels with fasteners at 8 inch centers around perimeter and into center studs (6 inches on center for shear walls), minimum 2 inches from corners and 3/8 inches from panel edges. If walls are being finished with a modified stucco system, allow 1/8" space between panels and 1/4" at corners. Apply modified stucco according to manufacturer's specifications.

Wood Framing : Fasten panels to studs and top and bottom plates with 4d 1 1/2" galvanized nails. Nails may be driven flush with panel face.

Metal Framing : Fiber cement siding panels can be installed to metal frames and furring channels. Metal frames should be light gauge sheet metal.

R.P.I. C-Drill and C-Wing screws are designed to self-drill and self-embed the head, just under the panel surface so that holes can be filled and sanded flush.

Where insufficient stud face is available for nails or screws, pack out to provide additional fastener area.

Straight Cuts :

The Scorer fiber-cement scoring tool has been specially designed for easy cutting of panels.