Fiber Cement Panels

The screws meant specifically for fiber cement siding are special order only.

Right now, I think we need something like this (but I need to more research to confirm):

https://www.fastenersplus.com/products/8-x-1-1-4-steel-fiber-cement-screw-316-stainless-pkg-1000

https://www.fastenersplus.com/products/8-x-1-5-8-steel-fiber-cement-screw-316-stainless-pkg-1000?variant=34273637433480

https://www.strongtie.com/specialtyfasteners_screwsandnails/fc_screw/p/fiber-cement-screw#ProductInformationTable

https://fastoolnow.com/simpson-strong-tie-cbhl114r200-8-x-1-1-4-high-low-t25-cement-board-screw/?gclid=CjwKCAjwhOyJBhA4EiwAEcJdcWLtXKNX9N6Wwbt2oPR8auucEJ_stCg8Yu__O6iI1kh2dFP5TTzUWhoCiNkQAvD_BwE

https://www.homedepot.com/p/SPAX-8-x-1-1-4-in-Wafer-Head-T-STAR-High-Corrosion-Resistant-HCR-X-Exterior-Screw-1-lb-Box-4281670400326/301951984

For now, since this is a temporary structure, I think we can use screws meant for cement board. As far as I can tell they're identical to the siding ones in shape. The only difference is that they are not corrosion resistant (they're made of steel). I think this is fine if we don't intend to leave the structure out in the rain for long.

Menards has these in stock which look right to me: https://www.menards.com/main/hardware/fasteners-connectors/screws/cement-board-screws/grip-fast-reg-9-x-1-5-8-square-drive-cement-board-screw-5lb-box/229-4348/p-1444445201421-c-12989.htm?searchTermToProduct=2294348

Other cement board screws in stock at menards: https://www.menards.com/main/hardware/fasteners-connectors/screws/cement-board-screws/c-12989.htm?queryType=storeItems

Install Tips - https://hw.menardc.com/main/items/media/PLYCE001/Install_Instruct/A1503-Basic-Install-Panel-fnl.pdf

Communications

Hi Craig and David,

I hope you're both well. We're still working out the design changes and testing some things on a new prototype. As recommended by Bob, we swapped the T1-11 for fiber cement siding and I was wondering if we could please get your advice on how to install it. We purchased both 4x8 panels and lap siding to test out. There was a delay on the lap siding order, so for now we only have the panels. The question I have for you is on how to install the panels.

With the T1-11 we drove screws through the grooves and countersunk them on the rest of the panels. Since the screws were brown and the panel was stained the fasteners are barely visible. And even if we decided to paint the panel, we could always caulk over the screws and then paint over it. But the fiber cement panels have no grooves (only shallow indentations to create the visual impression of grooves). And the manufacturer says we must use wafer head screws and they can't be countersunk. So we're at a loss of how to conceal them... And I suspect that having all of those screws perfectly visible all over the walls will not look good at all :)

We've never worked with this material so we're likely missing something here. What would you recommend?

Thanks,

Catarina