Introduction to James Hardie Siding Installation Tool

Aug 4

James Hardie siding contractors Oklahoma City

James Hardie fiber cement material is a popular choice among homeowners because of the wide range of aesthetics they can accomplish while providing unmatched durability. That starts with a top-notch installation, and you'll need the correct equipment on the jobsite to make it happen.

If you're new to James Hardie installer or siding contractor, this checklist is an excellent place to start to ensure you have all you need. Consider this a refresher if you are installing these products for a while to ensure you're utilizing the finest tools and techniques for the job.

Shears

Siding installation necessitates a significant amount of cutting. With a set of electric or pneumatic shears, cutting your boards to size is a breeze with little to no dust. Make shear cuts with the board facing down for the smoothest results.

Miter Saws - Circular or Power

Cutting large volumes of Hardie siding and trim materials on the jobsite using power saws is possible if you use the right procedures. Both alternatives should be utilized only outside in a well-ventilated location. If you're buying a new saw, be sure it has a port where you can attach a vacuum to properly collect cutting dust and comply with OSHA regulations.

HardieBlade

When cutting Hardie fiber cement products, using a HardieBlade saw blade is the right choice. The blade cuts fiber cement with less dust than regular or continuous rim diamond blades because of its distinctive pattern. The HardieBlade saw blade, unlike shears, may be used on the whole James Hardie exterior product line.

Pro tip: If you only use the blade to cut fiber cement, you can extend its life.

Jig Saw

This could be useful, especially if you're working with older homes or those with a lot of detailing. Curves, scrollwork, service apertures, and other irregular shapes can be cut with a jig saw equipped with a fiber cement cutting blade. Jig saws should only be used outside and for specific, detailed cutting tasks.

Carbide-Tipped Hole Saw and Masonry Bits

If you need to drill holes in Hardie siding or trim, you should use masonry bits because it's constructed of Portland cement, cellulose, sand, and water. Consider using a carbide-tipped hole saw for larger holes. It's better if you get one that's made specifically for cutting fiber cement.

Gauge for Laps

While there are a variety of ways to assure proper lap siding spacing and overlap, the siding gauge outperforms all other alignment devices in terms of ease of use, speed, and efficacy. By supporting the next course of siding for nailing, a lap gauge can be employed as a second set of hands. Many of these components may be adjusted to accommodate various siding thicknesses and reveals.

Hand Tools

There are several necessary hand instruments that will make the procedure easier if you are well equipped for the job. The majority of construction crews will already have these tools on hand, but here's a handy checklist: