Cement Siding Steps 1-3: Contractor, Removal, Prep

This is part 1 of 2 on the topic of Cement Board Siding installation.  We give this guide to our customers to help them understand important aspects of a cement board siding project.

1. Selecting a Cement Board Contractor:

• Select an experienced cement board siding contractor you have complete confidence in
• Check that your contractor is properly insured and request to see documentation of Workers Compensation and liability insurance
• Know the best way to contact your Project Manager and verify how they should contact you.
• Confirm a couple references.  A good contractor should be able supply several without hesitation.
• Check for appropriate contractors license, such as Mass HIC License.

Beware of:

1. A contractor that competes based on price alone.  This is a project you only want to do once.  Make sure it’s done right the first time.  On dozens of occassions, we’ve been called to fix a problem from poor installation.
2. Someone who doesn’t use contracts or is very vague in their scope of work. (time may pass from when your project is estimated and when it is actually performed. A written contract helps both the contractor and the customer get what they expect)

2. Siding Removal:

• Timely contracting for delivery of trash container (dumpster or trailer)
• Removing nails and old siding down to sheathing, exposing any potential problems present on the surface of walls
• Legal and sanitary disposal of all materials removed from the home
• General area clean-up before new siding installation

3. Preparation and inspection

• Replacement of any rotting wood
• Inspection of visible insulation
• Inspection of plywood sheathing or barn board sheathing
• Repairs to wooden sheathing or other carpentry not being replaced
• Full siding areas are covered with permeable vapor barrier

Beware of:

1. Contractors trying to save money by doing partial or improper prep work. Professionals will agree that necessary prep is the single most important aspect of any home improvement project. Conversely, poor preparation will result in deterioration of siding and any paint or stain application.
2. Poor or ineffective flashing must be replaced. Controlling water flow will add years to the life of any siding or trim installed.