Cutting Fiber Cement Siding Tips

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Cutting fiber cement siding tips.

We use the bullet tools cutter and a shear for dust free cutting. Fiber cement siding averages 4 per square foot for standard siding for a total of 770 for the project. If builders don t use shears for cutting the panels they should use a circular saw with a fiber cement blade. These are specialized to reduce the dust caused from cutting these planks.

From traditional lap siding to modern farmhouse from cape cod to craftsman socal siding has you covered. However insulated as well as more decorative options such as panels and fillers board and batten shingles 1 octagons and half rounds will cost approximately 6 8 sq ft. You can make your own fiber cement starter strip by ripping a piece of hardieplank lap siding into 1 1 4 inch strips. Cut the frieze board to length photo 3.

Fiberboard cement siding is highly abrasive. Fiber cement siding hardiplank cutting tips. When cutting fiber cement siding with circular saw use a blade that has only four or six teeth. I have found that the shears cut better from the back side.

Socal siding is one of the premier family owned and operated construction companies in southern california. It s best to stagger the joints in each successive course to avoid noticeable patterns. Even a carbide tooth blade will last for only part of the day. When you cut fiber cement it s important you cut it on the back side explains tim larson with allura.

You have to make the cuts very slowly. Use your eyeware and ear protection. Additional materials such as nails saw and caulk 2. Even if you do invest in higher end tools the total cost per job is low.

At home centers you can buy diamond blades made specifically for cutting fiber cement. Plus you could potentially cut costs by using a vacuum to extend the life of your tools and reduce cleanup and housekeeping time. These blades cut quickly and create less dust. To keep dust to a minimum use a circular saw that s equipped with either a dust collection bag or electric fan that blows dust into a bucket.

How to stagger lap siding for walls longer than 12 feet you ll need to butt additional lengths of siding together. Use a specialized blade used with the saw such as mikita hardiblade or dewalts filber cement blade. When cutting fiber cement panels using the right protective equipment and tools is crucial.