Installation Instructions
Allura Fiber Cement Siding Installaon Manual
42
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 Cedar Lap Siding with ColorMax
®
finish: When cutting, leave
the protective film on the siding until it is nailed to the substrate; then remove it
before applying the next course.
Prime, paint or caulk all field-cut edges of siding. Do not prime or paint the back of
the siding panel. Refer to instructions on butt joints and trim locations for specific
requirements.
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 and it creates an entryway for moisture.
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 or using screws, it may be necessary to predrill corners to
help prevent breakage.
Clearances
Allura Fiber Cement Siding should be installed to meet local building code clearance
requirements between the bottom edge of the siding and adjacent finished grade.
Maintain 1” minimum clearance between fiber cement products and steps, decks, and
driveways and 6” above the finished grade.
Where roofs and vertical surfaces meet, flashing and counter flashing must be
provided according to the roofing manufacturer’s instructions. Maintain a minimum of
1” clearance between the roofing and the bottom edge of the fiber cement or other
vertical surface.
Determining the Appropriate Fastening Style—Face or Blind.
Determine if the siding will be blind fastened or face fastened. While blind fastening
maes or a more aestetiall leasing inised loo la siding tat is ider tan
must be face fastened. Other factors that determine fastening style include wind load,
exposure, wall construction, and type of fastener.
Refer to the “Basic Fastening Schedule” on page 34 for more information or to ICC-
ES-ESR-1668 report at www.AlluraUSA.com.