Siding start...

Today we started installing the cement fibre board siding and this the first wall. We started at the back recognizing that there would be a learning curve in cutting and nailing the stuff. It is made from cement, fly ash and other stuff and comes in 12ft x 8 1/4" "planks". The planks are only 5/16" thick and quite heavy so a lot of care is needed in handling them or they will break. Cutting them is also tricky although Mike has a guillotine gadget that makes a nice clean cross cut. Ripping (cutting lengthwise) requires a table saw or skilsaw and generates lots of nasty dust that you really don't want to breathe. A good dust mask is essential.
But for all its "issues" the end result is very nice. We opted for the pre-painted version and chose this olive green colour. The vertical corner pieces will get painted the same colour as the siding. So a start has been made. Mike estimates about another 12 days to get the siding finished. With winter approaching, the push is definitely on...