[GBlist] Hardieplank

["King & Liang" <lenking@blueridge.net>]

The following items have been said about Hardie plank and I thought to throw
out my experience as well.

>Hardie is so dense and brittle that they have
to pre-drill nail holes--or the material shatters>

My carpenters had no problems or complaints about nailing and nailing with
galvanized nails and ring shanks as well. Even had a couple ot trim
carpenters doing some and they are notorious for complaining on just about
anything. Biggest problem is the cement dust and going through the special
circular saw blades. Next time the guys will use a diamond blade and dust
bag. If not look out down wind and even a mask wont keep you free.

>stuck a sample in a 5 gal bucket of water to see what would happen--and
promptly forgot about
it.  A month later, I sound the bucket, pulled the sample out, and wiped it
off on my tee shirt.  It was like wiping off a piece of glass--there was
absolutely no visable absorbtion whatsoever.  >

Me too. But in my case we left some planks out in the weather-like for most
of a winter. A couple of the top boards were a little soggy and deformed but
dried back pretty good. Probably could have cut it up and used as shorts if
we had too, although we didnt.  As far as rain screens I seriously wonder
whether a stand off type rain screen setup is necessary with Hardieplank
type materials. I admit the primer they use is minimal and another back coat
would be prudent but I do not think I would hesitate using it face nailed
right to the sheathing for jobs with modest budgets.  On better jobs-sure
but then you do get into the warping and oil canning issues. The material is
very prone to deformation if not backed up over its entire surface. To me,
one of the benefits of lap type horizontal siding is their ability to
'drain' and breath at every lap. Thereby reducing all the larger dangers to
the sheathing and wall. Is a stand off system really necessary? Maybe with
pine, but with the water resistance I have seen-just do a good house wrap
and flashing job and I think you can nt go wrong. The big caveat is
naturally your climate- extremely moist and humid are an exception for sure.

As for the green aspects Id like to hear more from others about the cement
that is used. Otherwise it seems the lesser of evils for budget jobs.

Hope this helps some.

Len King
Lake Lure, NC.


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