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
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
Sep 12, 2021
Catarina,
Sorry here are the link to the images... https://images.app.goo.gl/9xz36Yd8TMX46ERs8
https://images.app.goo.gl/vgDuwPPikA2sJY7N9
As for the horizontal transition, we'll typically add some trim with the z flashing to make it a little more decorative. Kind of depends on the overall design if you want to draw attention to it, or pretend it's not there. The first image hides it, the second decorates it. Here is a nice detail, you can vary the thickness and height of the outboard trim as makes sense for the design.
https://inspectapedia.com/exterior/Board-and-Batten-Horizontal-Butt-Joint-111-DJF-JamesHardie.jpg
This whole page is nice for board and batten detailing actually...
https://inspectapedia.com/exterior/Board-and-Batten-Siding.php
Thanks,
Elijah
On Sun, Sep 12, 2021, 10:17 AM Catarina Mota <catarinamfmota@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. That sounds like a great idea! Your email said "When we've used the large fiber cement panels we always have gone to a board and batten look. Something like this..." but there was no link or attachment. If you have a drawing or photo it would be great!
Am I correct in assuming that instead of fastening the vertical edges of the panels with wafer head screws (which would stick out) you'd drive regular (exterior grade) screws through the trim, across the panel siding, and into the studs? And what do you usually do with the horizontal seams between panels? We'd have z-flashing there but maybe we need something else to make it look nice?
Thank you! Catarina
PS: I use LP engineered wood trim a lot. I haven't had it long enough to see how it holds up to the weather, but it's great to work with. It's so easy to patch up and conceal the screw holes that I often have a hard time finding them again :)
On Sun, Sep 12, 2021 at 12:02 PM Elijah Pearce <epearce2@gmail.com> wrote: Catarina,
When we've used the large fiber cement panels we always have gone to a board and batten look. Something like this...
More labor/material than strictly necessary but it can look really nice. We use LP Siding trim out here a lot and I do think you can counter sink and patch/paint. I'd check with manufacturer to see about available matching trim. Let me know if this makes sense.
That, Elijah
On Sat, Sep 11, 2021, 7:26 AM Catarina Mota <catarinamfmota@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Elijah,
How have you been?
We've been prototyping houses like crazy :) We are currently finishing version 1 of the Rosebud house model and already have the main structure of version 2 up. Marcin - can you send Elijah a link to the timelapses, etc?
Version 2 has some changes in relationship to what we discussed with you. The main ones are: 1) we decided to, instead of T1-11, make the wall modules with OSB (so they install in a manner similar to SIPs) and 2) we're trying out fiber cement siding (which is installed after the house is built, as is typically done in non modular construction).
We purchased both 4x8 fiber cement siding panels and lap siding to test out. There was a delay on the lap siding order, so for now we only have the panels. But I'm having trouble figuring out how to install and finish 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 that. 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
Sep 11, 2021
Hi Craig and David,
