Hardie Plank / Hardie Board siding ???

[EddieWalker]

Smart siding is OSB with a wood grain finish on it that cuts and installs like any other wood. The guys I know who use it because it's lighter and easier to install. You have to be sure to seal the ends of it where you cut it before installing it, or moisture will get in behind the finish and expand, which leads to failure pretty quickly. When Hardie first came out it was hard to cut and very dusty if using a diamond blade. With the newer blades designed to cut Hardie, it's just as easy to cut as wood. The dust is not longer an issue, but you have to wear safety glasses because of the debris flying off of the blade.

I would NEVER have a joint any bigger then possible. Caulking works just fine on the smallest of gaps. The smaller the better. The trick to caulking is getting it into the gap, then smoothing it with a wet finger. I keep a small cup of water next to me with caulking and I dip my finger in it repeatedly to get a good finish. You do get what you pay for, but you also have to remember that the white is better then the clear. The clear tends to shrink up and need multiple applications to get the same results as the white.

On the exterior of a house, I don't know anything that comes close to Hardie for trim or siding. Smart siding is alright, but not in the same league. On the inside of a porch, I love Smart siding and use it over Hardie because it's lighter to handle and you have more options for ceilings. It is also better at spanning ceiling joists then Hardie, which is another big plus.

Eddie

 

[sld]

I agree. Hardie expands and contracts very little. Cut it tight and you don't use near as much caulk. Trust me, you will be recaulking well before you are residing. Clear caulk is pretty much worthless. The paintable white is the best.

 

[efam3300]

Hardie Board Cement siding releases Silica dust when cutting with a circular saw. Be sure to cut in open areas and use proper mask, use shears if possible.

 

[Little Tractor]

There has been a lot of good advice posted to this subject. Hardie products are well worth the time and expensive to use. Having watched Hardie products for many years in the industry, here are some more hints. Follow the instructions closely. Work safely as many have said. Back paint, even if is primed, paint the back side before installing. Paint the cut ends. Use the little metal flashing behind the joints. Leave the joints as specified and not too big like some installers. Yes, it weathers very well and holds good paint well. Have seen 25 year old projects that after a spring wash look like great. It holds the value of the property and can be repaired or renovated as time goes along. Hope this helps. Yes, have Hardie board siding on my own home and it is just great and will use it for any additions planned.