Use a circular saw to get straight, even cuts on the HardiePlank.
HardiePlank is an exterior siding, manufactured for light commercial and residential use. It is 8mm thick, and is made of fiber cement board. Fiber cement contains cellulose, ground sand and Portland cement. HardiePlank does not contain gypsum, asbestos, formaldehyde or glass fibers. Installing HardiePlank yourself can cut the cost of siding your home substantially.
Getting Started
It is important to attach the HardiePlank to the studs. To make this job easier, use a pencil and go around the house, marking the spot where the studs run, on both the soffit and the foundation. Once you cover the walls with paper sheathing, come back around and snap a chalk line from the soffit to the foundation, on the building paper. Now you know where all your studs are.
Covering the Wall Sheathing
Wrap building paper around the house vertically. Start at the bottom and overlap each section over the section below it by at least 2 inches. Use a staple gun to fasten the building paper to the wall sheathing.
Cutting HardiePlank
HardiePlank is extremely hard and abrasive. You can score it with a utility knife and break it, but that gets tiring if you are cutting more than a few sheets. You can cut through the HardiePlank with a circular saw, but invest in a diamond blade made specifically for fiber cement board. It will last longer than other types of blades and will create less dust. Even with a diamond blade, this will be dusty work, so make the cuts outside and wear a protective mask.
Attaching HardiePlank
HardiePlank can be attached to the home with nails or screws. Make sure the fasteners that you select are corrosion resistant. They should be long enough to extend an inch into the studs. To make attaching the HardiePlank easier, pre-drill pilot holes before you insert the nails or screws. Take care when you do attach the fasteners that you don't overtighten, which can crush the fiber board around the fastener head. If you are using nails to fasten the HardiePlank, consider renting a pneumatic coil nailer. This makes the work go faster, and nailing through the hard fiber board easier. Practice using the nailer on a scrap of HardiePlank first, so you know how much pressure is needed to get the nail heads flush.
Finish Work
It is important to prevent water from seeping in between the HardiePlank and the wall sheathing. Caulk around window trim, pipes and electrical entries. Make sure that you completely fill any openings or joints with caulk to make it watertight.
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