Using Screws On Hardie Siding

The term applies to a nailing screwing method for joining hardieplank planks to hide nail or screw fasteners.

Using screws on hardie siding.

Use a number 8 1 1 4 inch long by 0 375 inch wide hd ribbed wafer head or equivalent screw on steel studs. Hardie panels weigh 2 3 pounds per square foot and are only 5 16 thick. Insert the screws and tighten securely using a drill with screwdriver bit attached. From the top edge and no closer than 3 8 in.

If a homeowner intends to install his own siding the importance of using the correct nails can not be expressed enough. Fasteners shall be installed between 1 in. From the ends of the plank. Be sure to use the specified screws 1 1 4 no 8 18 by 3 8 hd hi lo s or s 12 for metal studs ribbed phil wafer head self drilling corrosion resistant screws.

James hardie recommends installing a rainscreen an air gap between the hardiepanel siding and the water resistive barrier as a best practice. Unfortunately some contractors don t realize that hardie panels need to be fastened to the studs in a consistent pattern with full headed screws or nails. Hardiplank fiber cement siding can enhance the beauty of any home but if the installer uses the wrong nails it will ruin the exterior look of your home with potential rust stains especially in humid climates. James hardie prefers and recommends installation of hardieplank lap siding by the blind nailing technique such that fasteners are hidden by the course above.

The manufacturer does not list an appropriate wood stud screw. Three screw threads must penetrate the steel stud. You don t want to use drywall screws as the chemicals in the cement board will rea. If you continue to have difficulties we recommend switching to 1 1 4 galvanized roofing nails.