For some homeowners in St. Paul, the New Year offers an opportunity to improve the efficiency of their home’s exterior. A good way to achieve this feat is to opt for a durable replacement siding product like fiber cement siding. Tim Carter of the Chicago Tribune offers a few reminders on do-it-yourself fiber cement siding installation.
The first thing you need to do before you install this magical siding is to take a few minutes and read the written installation instructions thoroughly. By doing this and following the instructions, you will ensure that you will not void any warranty that comes with the product. That’s very important.
Be sure to wear all of the safety gear, including approved dust masks, that the manufacturer recommends. The dust that’s created when cutting fiber cement siding contains silica. Silica is not a good thing to get into your lungs.
I’ve cut thousands of feet of fiber cement siding using an older electric miter saw outfitted with a carbide blade. You can use an abrasive blade made for cutting masonry, but I find that creates even more dust.
Siding installation, though, is not a “one size fits all” process. For instance, James Hardie, one of the leading manufacturers of fiber cement siding in the country, offers lap siding and shingle siding options. While homeowners can arm themselves with the necessary tools, safety gear, and installation manuals, it should be noted that proper installation of fiber cement siding in St. Paul requires thorough adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Whatever homeowner should bear in mind is that installation problems can affect the performance and longevity of any siding product. It would be a lot wiser, therefore, to turn to a trusted St. Paul siding contractor like Twin Cities Siding and Roofing for the best results. These professionals have the training, certification, and experience necessary to ensure a siding installation job of exceptional quality.
The New Year is about doing away with the old and embracing the new, and this is also true when it comes to any siding replacement project. Durable and stylish fiber cement siding, in particular, can bring a positive and significant change in terms of curb appeal and resale value. Rather than risk damage to their homes and siding, homeowners may want to entrust the task of installing or replacing this important exterior component to trusted contractors like Twin Cities Siding and Roofing.
(Article Information and Image from Key to installing fiber cement siding: Follow manufacturer’s instructions, Chicagotribune.com, Published 30 September 2013)
