Siding choice

[mark2457]

Hi All

My build is progressing. Got doors and windows installed and all the housewrap (except gable ends). Roof is almost completely sheathed and we're planning shingling on sat as weather will be 49 and sunny here in Chicago.

I need to decide on siding. i was thinking about using LP SmartSide panel for several reasons:

• Don't like look of vinyl
• SmartSide comes in 8x4 sheets
• Can paint any color I want

I calculated that the cost would be about $900 (22 x 24 foot with 9-foot high walls, a 16 foot door and 4:12 pitch roof (4 ft from bass of truss to peak).

One of my buddies said hardie fiber cement board is not too expensive, but I'm having problems calculating how much it would be.

I saw that an 8.25 inch by 12 foot piece is $5.99 at Lowes: http://www.lowes.com/pd_122359-34299-6000265_1z0uaw0__?productId=999968871&pl=1#img

How much do you normally overlap?

Anyone know of a good calculator anywhere?

Thanks

Mark

 

[purplezr2]

With that size 7" exposure is typical which would leave you with 7sqft per 12ft length.

Don't forget you will need some extra.


I would look at LP smartside Lap siding vs Fiber cement, easier to install.

 

[reader2580]

If you go with Smartside panels try and find a real lumberyard or other place that can order 4x9 panels so you don't have a joint.

 

[Baada]

The new LP stuff has had extremely low post installation problems compared to the hardie stuff and looks virtually the same. Only real advantage to the hardie is the fire resistance. Good luck, it's the hardest choice to make.

 

[stikman56]

The new LP stuff has had extremely low post installation problems compared to the hardie stuff and looks virtually the same. Only real advantage to the hardie is the fire resistance. Good luck, it's the hardest choice to make.

I believe the LP Smartside is cheaper as well. It's a rougher grain texture than Hardi-Plank so it's harder to paint with a brush as I found out. Hardi-plank is an option with our builder vs. Smartside meaning it costs more. The Smartside has marine waxes and Zinc Borate in it now and is said to have no more of the issues it once did. Hardi-Plank is very heavy.

 

[reader2580]

Sherwin-Williams told me to use a 1/2" nap roller to paint Smartside. It worked great. The rougher grain texture makes it look more like real wood.

LP has never had issues with Smartside. It was other siding products before Smartside that had all the issues. We probably won't really know if Smartside is bad for at least another decade. Some have claimed that Smartside has issues, but they admitted the real issue was lack of proper caulking and improper installation.

 

[matt_i]

Paint....life is too short to paint the exterior of buildings

 

[reader2580]

My house has the factory painted Smartside that will last for a long time before needing paint. I used Duration paint on my garage. Vinyl just looks like **** unless you buy the very best and have a perfectionist for an installer.

Some of the best siding I ever had was seamless steel on my previous house. Way too expensive to consider for my current house.