02/2021
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Table of Contents Glossary ..............................................................2 Top 10 Fiber Cement Installation Tips .......5 Section 1: Before You Begin .........................8 First Steps to a Successful Project ............8 Section 2: Estimating ......................................9 Siding.................................................................9 Soffit ...............................................................10 Porch Ceiling ...................
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Glossary Because this manual was written for building professionals, we have freely used the language and jargon of the siding industry. To avoid confusion, we thought it a good idea to share our understanding of each of these terms with you. Back Sealing/Back Priming—Applying a sealer or primer to the back of a cladding material. This practice is not recommended with Allura Fiber Cement.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Face Nailing—Fastening through both the overlapping and the overlapped panel; the fastener head will be visible. Fascia—A flat, horizontal band that covers the rafter tails and runs along the bottom edge of the roof line. Flashing—A thin, impervious material, usually metal, placed around openings to prevent water penetration or to direct the flow of water over the cladding. Frieze—The horizontal trimboard connecting the top of the siding with the soffit.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Panel Projection—The distance that the bottom edge of the siding projects from the wall. Profile—The contour or outline of a siding panel as viewed from the side. Rainscreen Wall—A method of constructing walls in which the cladding is separated from a membrane by an airspace that allows pressure equalization to prevent rain from being forced in.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Weather-Resistant Barrier—A building membrane that protects building materials from exterior wind and water penetration. Z-flashing—A piece of flashing bent into the shape of a “z” and used to divert water from horizontal joints over window trim, band boards, panel intersections, and other vertical surfaces. NOTE: When the terms “recommend” and “should” are used in this manual, the step is optional for installing fiber cement.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual DO DON’T Install lap siding and vertical siding to structural framing when using non-structural sheathing, builder board, foam-type sheathings, and gypsum board. 4 Sheathing & Wraps See the recommendations on page 29 before installing Allura Fiber Cement Siding over Structural Insulated Panels thicker than 1”. Install Individual Shakes over wall construction with framing spaced no more than 24” o.c. and a minimum o S or plywood sheathing.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual DO DON’T When using a chop saw cut the siding face up. 7 Cutting (continued) If Fiber Cement Lap Siding with Allura ColorMax® Finish is covered by protective film, leave the film on the siding until it is nailed to the substrate; then remove it before applying the next course. If protective foam is inserted between siding panels, remove it before cutting or installing fiber cement panels. Re-seal cut ends with 100% acrylic latex primer or paint.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Section 1: Before You Begin Please read the instructions completely. The installation techniques in this manual describe and illustrate the steps involved in installing Allura Fiber Cement Siding, soffit, and trim. Their purpose is to provide detailed information and how-to tips that will simplify the installation process.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual An important note about Allura warranties: Failure to comply with Allura installation instructions and/or applicable building codes may affect product performance and void the product warranty. Please refer to ICC-ES ESR-1668 and other technical information available at www.AlluraUSA.com. Section 2: Estimating Siding Use the illustrations and formulas below and enter totals on the estimating form in this section.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Soffit Measure width of eave to be covered. Measure length of eave. x (height) Repeat for remaining eaves. = (width) (surface area) Porch Ceiling x Measure length of porch area to be covered. Measure width of porch.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Estimating Form Siding¹ Areas not to be covered Walls ft² Gable ends ft² Dormer sides ft² Upper gambrel walls ft² Total wall surface area ft² (A) Garage doors/sliding glass doors ft² x .5 = (B) Subtract B from A for total net surface area ft² Soffit ft² Porch ft² Ceiling ft² Fasteners Nail gun nails coils Hand nails lbs Screws lbs ¹ If you are using multiple profiles on the same project (e.g.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Coverage Chart This chart indicates the number of pieces of Allura Fiber Cement Siding you will need. It does not include waste, and all numbers have been rounded up.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Section 3: Safety Ventilation When fiber cement is cut or drilled, it will create dust. This dust may contain crystalline silica, which can pose a health risk. To ensure adequate ventilation, work outdoors or use mechanical ventilation to reduce potential exposure to below OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs). IDEAL: Cut outdoors and use cutting tools that minimize dust.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual manufacturer’s rated capacity. ▪ Use ladders only for their designed purpose. ▪ Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement. ▪ Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slipresistant feet to prevent accidental movement. Do not use slip-resistant feet as a substitute for exercising care when placing, lashing or holding a ladder up on slippery surfaces.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Do not use framing nail guns to apply fiber cement because they will over drive nails. Do not use finishing nail guns or staplers. ▪ Allura Fiber Cement Siding can be hand nailed. Do not over drive the nail; seat the bottom of the nail head flush with the surface of the board. When hand nailing face-nailed rake-angle cuts, you may have to predrill the holes. ▪ We recommend using an EZi gauge - FC Model (https://wellsdesigntoolco.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual More information about personal protective equipment is available at www.osha.gov/ SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on our website www.AlluraUSA.com and a qualified industrial hygienist for further health and safety information related to this product.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Proper Storage: Store covered, on pallets. ▪ Do not store Allura Fiber Cement Siding or trim directly on the ground. If a covered area such as a garage is not available on the jobsite, place pallets on wood blocks to allow air flow underneath the pallet. ▪ If palletized fiber cement is to be placed on a damp surface, place a vapor barrier on the ground underneath the pallet.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Proper Handling ▪ Always carry fiber cement boards by holding the narrow edge. Proper Handling Pick up the boards from the center; carry by the narrow edge. ▪ If handled incorrectly, the surface of prefinished boards will scratch. ▪ Do not slide boards when removing them from the pallet as sliding one board against the other will mar the surface of the board below. Always pick up the boards from the center.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Corner Protectors reduce the risk of marring the surface. ▪ Always use corner protectors when banding Allura Fiber Cement Siding or trim. ▪ The outside face of Allura Fiber Cement Cedar Lap siding with ColorMax® finish is covered with a patented protective film. To prevent surface damage prior to installation, do not remove this film before cutting or fastening.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Bullet Tools EZ Shear #113 Cuts panels and trim up to 1” thick x 20” wide Malco Fiber Cement Angle Cutter Cuts anels u to thick x 11” wide Best Practice: For minimal dust and a clean cut, use a circular saw equipped with a polycrystalline diamondtipped blade. ▪ Circular Saws with Dust Collection—Circular saws create dust and, for that reason, should be used in outdoor, well-ventilated areas.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual NOTE: Do not cut wood with a polycrystalline diamond-tipped blade because wood will dull the blade. ▪ Miter Saw—When equipped with a polycrystalline diamond- tipped blade, a miter saw will cut up to five pieces of Allura Fiber Cement Siding at a time. ▪ Jig Saws—Jig saws equipped with carbide-tipped blades are typically used to cut service openings, curves, radii, and other irregular shapes.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Alignment ▪ Alignment tools ensure a onsistent o erla and allo one erson installation of fiber cement panels. Examples include: • PacTool Gecko Gauge #1 • Malco® Facing Gauge • Bear Clips • Simplicity Tool Alignment Clip Accessories The right accessories can improve the overall quality of the siding project and make the job go faster.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Section 6: Cutting Installing Allura Fiber Cement Siding requires carpentry skills and knowledge that are unique to this material. There are two key techniques to the way the material is cut and fastened. Also, good wall preparation is extremely important to a quality job, so much so that we have devoted a full section to it starting on page 35. Personal Protective Equipment When fiber cement is cut or drilled, it will create dust.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Proper Cutting Setup Use good support and position the siding face down when using a circular saw or mechanical shears. ▪ Cut fiber cement board face up when using a chop/miter saw. ▪ When cutting fiber cement, support the board along its length and near the cut. ▪ To avoid breakage, use extra care when you cut near the edge. Leave Protective Film on Cedar Lap Siding with Allura ColorMax® Finishing System until board is installed.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Section 7: Fastening Fiber Cement should be fastened to studs or solid framing a maximum of 24” on center (o.c.). In some instances, there may not be a stud or framing member available to fasten into—such as along a rake, inside or outside corners, or at a window or door opening. In these areas, the fiber cement must be fastened to a structural-rated sheathing. Refer to t e asi Fastening S edule or a li ations in ind ones u to m t high, Exposure B).
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Acceptable Fastening Alternatives Fastening to Structural Materials Fastening to Wood The maximum stud spacing allowed is 24”. Refer to local building codes for structural requirements. ails must enetrate a minimum o into t e stru tural raming enetration ma in lude t e t i ness o t e stru tural s eat ing l ood I ou use s re s a minimum o s re s ma re uire more t an manufacturer for requirements.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual You can hand nail fiber cement. However, fiber cement is harder than wood, so be sure the nails are well set before driving them. It may be necessary to predrill the holes at the corners to prevent the edges from breaking. Fastening to Wood Fastening to Metal Framing Allura Fiber Cement Siding can be installed over metal framing. Fiber cement must be attached to the metal framing members.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Fastening to Metal Determining Approved Heights for Installing Allura Fiber Cement Siding Allura does not limit the height at which Allura Fiber Cement Siding can be installed.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Fastening Requirements for Atypical Walls Non-vertical Walls Fiber Cement can be installed on non-vertical walls when the walls are no more than 30° off the vertical, or no less than a 60° angle, measured from the plane of the ground, and the wall is not a functional roof above occupied space. The top of the wall cannot be higher than 30’ above grade. Because of different wind-load requirements, your local building code may stipulate a lower height.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Allura Fiber Cement Siding Allowable Wind Load Lap Siding u to Lap Siding Vertical Siding Fastener Fastening Method Allowable Wind Pressure roo ing nails, double HD gal ani ed ead Blind nailed 8” o.c. 40.44 psf; 125 mph in “B” exposures up to 30’ roo ing nails, double HD gal ani ed ead Blind nailed 12” o.c. 27.0 psf, 105 mph in “B” exposures up to 30’ roo ing nails, double HD gal ani ed ead Blind nailed 8” o.c.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Fastening to Concrete Masonry or Poured Concrete Walls Structural Rainscreens (Steel Studs/Steel Furring Strips) Rainscreen systems are designed to promote airflow and moisture management behind exterior cladding products. They must be designed by an architect, designer or project engineer.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual When incorporating Allura Fiber Cement Siding into a rainscreen system, adhere to the following recommendations: ▪ The rainscreen system must be designed to ensure that all appropriate wind load and anchoring requirements are met. ▪ Use 20 gauge (minimum) steel furring. Steel furring strips must be applied to steel framing members in such a manner that they provide equivalent load-bearing capability.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual cladding must not exceed 1”. Requirements for the thickness of lathe/furring strip may vary, so check with your local code official or governing body for the building requirements in your area. ▪ For best results, apply lathe/furring strips directly over weather-resistant-barrierclad structural sheathing that is attached to framing members. ▪ Adhere to all flashing, cutting, and sealing requirements outlined in the most current version of this manual.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Fastening Requirements for Allura Fiber Cement Siding 1 ind esign m osure t t s I C I C 2 Refer to Building Code or ESR-1668 for applicable requirements or other wind conditions. 3 Fasteners must be corrosion resistant (HD Galvanized or Stainless Steel).
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Section 8: Wall Preparation and Sheathing Before installing Allura Fiber Cement Siding, review and comply with all local building codes and regulations regarding wall construction, including the proper use of framing (24” o.c. max.), weather-resistant barriers, flashings, and other building materials and systems. If the sheathing is thicker than 1”, consult the recommendations below for installing Allura Fiber Cement Siding over continuous insulation systems.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Sheathings Structural For best results, Fiber Cement should be installed over plywood, OSB, or comparable structural sheathing. Allura Fiber Cement Siding can be installed over braced wood or steel studs in accordance with local building codes. Non-structural Installing Allura Fiber Cement Siding over non-structural sheathing, builder board, foamtype sheathings, and gypsum board is also acceptable if the siding boards are fastened to structural framing.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual 1. Strip off the old siding and level the wall. If there is felt under the old siding, either nail it securely to the wall or strip it off completely. If there is no solid sheathing under the siding, you will have to install it. OR 2. Apply rigid sheathing over the old siding. Nail it securely and evenly, taking care to bridge the low spots. OR 3. Nail vertical furring on top of the old siding. Apply rigid sheathing to the furring.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Flashing Allura highly recommends the use of flashing to ensure a long-lasting, weather-resistant installation. ▪ Install flashing tape around all doors, windows, rake boards, and other areas where needed. Be sure to follow manufacturers recommendations with regard to installing flashings and weather resistive barrier. ▪ Apply drip cap, Z-flash, water diverter, and butt end/joint flashing as appropriate.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Section 9: Trim For best results with Allura Fiber Cement Siding, we recommend you install Fiber Cement Trim. Other trims may also be used in conjunction with Allura Fiber Cement Siding. Refer to the trim manufacturer for compatibility and installation instructions. NOTE: Allura recommends 4/4” (5/4” nominal) trim for all lap and Shapes Allura Fiber Cement Siding, and 3/4” (4/4” nominal) trim for vertical siding and veneers.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Fastening Schedule Trim Size Number of Fasteners Spacing 4” wide or less 2 12” to 16” o.c. 5” wide or more 3 12” to 16” o.c. ▪ Drive the fastener perpendicular to the surface of the trim. ▪ Penetrate the framing at least 1”. ▪ Always nail from one end to the other. Never nail from both ends to the middle—it will stress the trim board. ▪ Drive the fastener flush with the trim.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Fascia, Band and Frieze Boards, and Rakes o install iber ement as ia ▪ Install the fascia over a wood substrate. ▪ Butt the ends of the fascia and nail it every 12” to 16”. ▪ as ia an also be installed as band boards rie e boards and ra es Install trim over wood substrate. Band Boards: ▪ Install iber ement trim o er urring stri s it t e a ro riate las ing ▪ Butt the ends of the trim and nail every 12” to 16”.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Before You Begin Review the general cutting, fastening, and wall preparation instructions in Sections 6, 7, and 8. Remember: ▪ Install Fiber Cement lap siding over a flat, vertical wall surface. ▪ Cut the siding face down with mechanical shears or a circular saw. Cut face up with a chop or miter saw. When cutting siding face down, cover the saw table with a carpet or other soft material to prevent scratching the surface of the siding.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Blind Fastening 1. Ma e sure t e anel o erla s lea e a ga o Always caulk between the siding and the trim. 2. la e t e astener from the edge. rom all trim be ore astening rom t e to o t e anel and no loser t an 3.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual 3. ails must enetrate a minimum o into t e stru tural raming s re s re uire enetration enetration ma in lude t i ness o stru tural rated s eat ing (OSB or plywood). 4. Do not over drive the fasteners. Seating fasteners below the surface of the siding reduces their holding power and creates an entryway for moisture. Do not place fasteners in the center, unsupported area of the siding. 5.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Establish a Chalk Line 1. Find the lowest point of the sheathing(s) and make a mark that is 1” above the lo est orner e bottom edge o t e siding ill be belo t e mar ou ust made. Make sure this point is high enough to ensure that the bottom edge of the siding is installed at least 6” above the finished grade or 1” above surfaces where water may collect. 2. From this mark, snap a level chalk line to the opposite end of the wall. 3.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Installing Subsequent Courses ▪ erla all la siding ▪ Butt end/joints should be staggered two stud bays for 16” o.c. framing, or one stud bay for 24” o.c. framing. 32” Lap Stagger Pattern for minimum waste and staggered butt end/joints. Cut and stagger the points as indicated. Butt and End Joint Application There are three ways to fasten butt and end joints: 1. Into solid framing 2. Into structural sheathing 3.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Examples of butt end/joint flashing materials include: ▪ #15 felt ▪ Trim coil (painted or PVC coated) ▪ Bear Skin Joint Flashing Butt End/Joint Application: Fastening to structural sheathing Some flashing manufacturers, including Simplicity Tool and ProTrim, make joint flashing products that do not extend 1” over the top of the siding. They rest on top of the lap. These products are also acceptable.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Butt End/Joint Application: Fastening to stud or framing member NOTE: Pin-backed corners may be done for aesthetic purposes only. Allura recommends using finish nails for pin-backs but siding nails may also be used. Place fasteners no closer than 2” from butt joint ends and 3/4” from plank edge into structural sheathing or framing. NOTE: Pin-backs are not a substitute for blind or face nailing.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Butt End/Joint Covers Do not caulk fiber cement butt joints/edges. Applying caulk to the butt joint is ineffective because the gap is not large enough to accommodate the sealant. Also, on prefinished products, caulk may leave an unsightly looking finish. Spreading or feathering the sealant into a thin film will create a noticeably different appearance, and it can remove the needed thickness required to withstand UV exposure and joint movement.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Off-stud Joiners NOTE: Do not fasten the off-stud joiner to the wall. Laced (Prairie-Style) Corners Laced or prairie-style corners, which are frequently used on single-story homes, emphasize the horizontal lines of the siding. Laced corners are created by mating each successive course of siding with its counterpart on the adjoining wall.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Laced Corners To create a laced (or prairie-style) corner: ▪ Flash all corners. Allura recommends installing prefinished metal flashing that extends a minimum of 10” on each side. ▪ Install the first board flush with the corner of the sheathing. ▪ Install the board on the intersecting wall so that it overlaps the width of the previous board. ▪ Reverse this pattern on the next course of siding.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual ▪ Be sure to install all siding with the proper textured, sealed, or painted surface facing out. ▪ Do not over drive the fasteners. When a fastener is driven below the surface of the siding, its holding power is reduced. ▪ Irregularities in framing may be visible in the finished application. To minimize the effect of uneven walls, shim the wall as necessary. ▪ If you are hand nailing, it may be necessary to predrill to help prevent the corners from breaking.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual 2. The panels should be installed over wall construction with framing spacing 16” to o ma and a minimum o S or l ood s eat ing 3. Shake Select Square Straight Edge and Staggered Edge siding must be installed only over a flat, vertical wall surface. 4. When a window or doorway breaks a course continue the application as if the opening were not there to ensure the random shake look is maintained.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Find the lowest point of the sheathing(s) and make a mark that is 1” above the lowest orner e bottom edge o t e siding ill be belo t e mar ou ust made Ma e sure this point is high enough to ensure that the siding is installed at least 6” above the nis ed grade or abo e sur a es ere ater ma olle t 1. From this mark, snap a level chalk line to the opposite end of the wall. 2. Repeat the procedure around the entire house. 3.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Installation Sequence for Shake Select Square Siding Second, Third and Subsequent Panels 1. Match up the corresponding panel V notches (1 to 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3). Attach the corresponding panels to the wall in the same manner as the first panel. 2. Continue this sequence to the end of the wall. Second Course To ensure a random shake pattern, start the second course using a #3 panel.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual 4. Install the panels by matching up the identifying V-notches (1 to 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3) in the recommended sequence, continuing from left to right horizontally across the wall. 5. Backfill the space on the left side of the #3 panel to the cornerboard with a #2 panel (cut to fit). Third Course To continue the random shake pattern, start the third course with a #2 panel and follow the same procedures as the second course. Fourth and Subsequent Courses 1.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Starter Course To ensure that the keyways are fully backed by fiber cement, install the first course of tagons or al ounds siding o er a ull starter ourse o la siding I ou are transitioning rom less t an la siding to S a es siding use la siding as our starter course at that transition.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual First Course 1. Drop a plumb line to find the center of the gable. Finding the Center of Gable 2. Locate the first piece relative to the centerline of the gable/wall. The panel may be positioned anywhere along its length, as long as the keyway or shingle face is centered. Center the Panel on the Gable 3.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Keyways Line Up with Center of Tab 4. Finis installing t e irst ourse to t e rig t and le t sides lea ing the trim and the side of the first and last panels. ga s bet een 5. Always caulk between the siding and the trim. Second Course 1. Starting at the left side, locate the first full panel installed on the first course. 2.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Subsequent Courses in Gable Areas 1. Make a rake angle template for gable: a. Hold a short piece of siding along the starter strip against the left edge of the gable. b. Hold a second piece of siding against the trim at the rake angle of the gable. c. Use this template as a guide when you cut the panels to fit the gable. 2. Run a pencil along the edge of the template piece, transferring the rake angle to the piece of siding. 3.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Before You Begin Review the general cutting, fastening, and wall preparation instructions in the Cutting, Fastening, and Wall Preparation sections (page 23-38). Some important reminders: ▪ Cut Allura Fiber Cement Siding face down with mechanical shears or a circular saw. Cover the saw table with carpet or another soft material to avoid marring the surface of the siding. ▪ Prime, paint or caulk all field-cut edges of siding.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Aluminum Trim Systems In recent years the use of Allura Fiber Cement Siding in conjunction with third-party reveal trim systems (such as Easytrim Reveals) has been increasing, especially in light commercial construction. These trim systems provide a unique aesthetic appearance to projects, providing clean, visually attractive surfaces with crisp horizontal and vertical panel transitions.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Fasten Vertical Siding 6. Space fasteners a maximum of 6” o.c. on all edges and 12” o.c. at intermediate framing members. Refer to ICC-ES ESR-1668 for specific fastening requirements. 7. Paint all field-cut edges. 8. Butt all vertical panel joints together. Do not caulk vertical joints unless covering vertical joint with trim batten. Vertical Butted Panel Joint 9. Install las ing and lea e a horizontal joints.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Attaching Vertical Siding to Wood Panel Stacking Detail Board and Batten Application Allura Fiber Cement Siding can also be applied in a board and batten style. You can use wood, fiber cement, composite lumber, or cellular PVC as battens. If you install battens cut from fiber cement, paint or stain the cut edges.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual To install fiber cement battens: ▪ Paint or stain cut edges. ▪ se orrosion resistant ot di ed gal ani ed nails min ga ead ▪ Ensure that nails penetrate through the siding and at least 1” into solid wood. ▪ Position fasteners no closer than 1” from the sides of the batten and no closer than 2” from the end. ▪ For battens ide or less asten on alternate sides o t e batten s a ed no more than 24” o.c.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Before You Begin Review the general cutting, fastening, and wall preparation instructions in the Cutting, Fastening, and Wall Preparation sections (page 23-38). Remember: ▪ Cut fiber cement soffit face down with mechanical shears or a circular saw. Cover the saw table with carpet or another soft material to avoid marring the surface of the soffit. ▪ Prime or paint all field-cut edges of fiber cement soffit. Do not prime or paint the back of the soffit panel.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Total Attic Area Calculation Determining Soffit Ventilation (Example) 1. Determine the local code requirement for total attic ventilation: ▪ 1:300 requires 1 sq. ft. of ventilation for every 300 sq. ft. of attic space. 2. Determine the total area of the attic (sq. ft.) to be ventilated (see illustration): ▪ 40 ft. x 30 ft. = 1,200 sq. ft. 3. Total free area of ventilation required for the attic: ▪ 1,200 sq. ft. / 300 = 4.0 sq. ft. 4.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Installation 1. Fiber Cement soffit should be applied to structural framing members spaced no more than 24” o.c. with the longest dimension perpendicular to the framing. Vent Soffit to Outside of Eaves 2. Nail a 2”x 2” (minimum) nailer board along the wall, with the bottom edge of the nailer board level with the bottom edge of the fascia. 3. At every butt joint of the soffit, back up the joint with 2x framing going from the fascia back to the wall.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual review and comply with all local building codes and regulations regarding wall construction including the proper use of sheathings, framing, weather-resistant barriers, flashings, and other building materials and systems. Before You Begin Review the general cutting, fastening, and wall preparation instructions in the Cutting, Fastening, and Wall Preparation sections.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual ▪ For easier installation, we recommend a double stud at panel joints. ▪ For 2x wood framing, use 6d nails (min.) spaced 6” on center at panel edges and field framing members. Do not use finishing nails. ▪ For lig t gauge steel rame onstru tion use ead diameter long (min.) ribbed bugle head fiber cement screws spaced 6” o.c. at panel edges and field framing members.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Section 15: Finishing Caulking Use a high quality, exterior-grade caulk or sealant. For 4/4 and 5/4 trim, use caulk that complies with either ASTM C834 (latex) or ASTM C920 (urethane). The caulk or sealant should be color matched or paintable. It should be compatible with both Allura Fiber Cement Siding and the materials used for the trim. Check the gloss and texture of the caulk to make sure it is compatible with the paint.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual It is never acceptable to leave a gap of any size at a butt end/ joint. Butt end/joints should be installed with factory-sealed or factory-prefinished ends butted together in moderate contact. Allura recommends (but does not require) the use of a butt end/ joint flashing made of a durable, non-corrosive material that is compatible with Allura Fiber Cement Siding (e.g. #15 felt, trim coil, Bear Skin joint flashing).
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Staining For a stained look, we highly recommend that you purchase Fiber Cement Prefinished with Stain. This will give the best overall appearance and performance of the product. If you do elect to field-apply stain to primed fiber cement, we recommend that the stain be applied before installation and with the fiber cement in a horizontal, flat position.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual NOTE: We do not recommend power washing Allura Fiber Cement Siding as it can cause moisture intrusion, damage, and/or discoloration. Protecting Allura Fiber Cement Siding Moisture Management and Gutters Water management is key to protecting every part of your home, including your siding. Each area of the country is affected by moisture, whether it’s an occasional thunderstorm or high levels of rainfall.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Allura Fiber Cement Siding and the materials used for the trim. Check the gloss and texture of the caulk to make sure it is compatible with the paint. Before you begin to caulk, remove any dust or debris. Caulk wherever siding meets the trim vertically at the corners and around windows and doors. Do not caulk where the siding is installed into J-channel or a pocket/accessory. Follow the caulk manufacturer’s application instructions.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual Wear rubber gloves and goggles when applying the solution. Protect any shrubbery with a plastic drop cloth. As mildew spores can soon settle on the cleaned surface and renew their growth, a mildew resistant paint specifically recommended by your paint supplier as suitable for Allura Fiber Cement Siding should be applied as soon as the cleaned surface dries.
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installation Manual What Can Be Done About It? While some efflorescence may weather away naturally on its own, it is best to take steps to treat it using one of the methods described. Vinegar and Water Solution Efflorescence can be removed with a dilute solution of household white vinegar and water. The dilution ratio is 20 to 50% vinegar in water by volume. For most cases of efflorescence, a 25% solution works well. For best results, follow these cleaning instructions: 1.
Allura products are designed to work together and compliment each other in color and style to give your home a beautiful finished look. Superior Design As a low-maintenance alternative to wood, Allura o ers a broad lineu o ro iles de orati e siding shakes, soffits and trims. Historically accurate wide board and batten, wide profiles and vertical panels create attractive architectural designs.