Does Fiber Cement Siding Need A Rainscreen

The simple answer is no.

Does fiber cement siding need a rainscreen.

High performing fiber cement siding is water repellant when it s properly installed. James hardie products including but not limited to use with fiber cement siding products made by other manufacturers or siding products made of other materials. A predictable rainscreen air gap behind fiber cement sidings like hardie plank and hardie shingle adds durability to the exterior. The ventilated rainscreen cladding system is effective in dealing with moisture management and temperature regulation.

If i were the contractor on a project where the client was insisting on this look i d plug a serious disclaimer into my warranty document and recommend. Fiber cement is a siding material that was introduced to the market in the 1980 s as a replacement for asbestos cement siding products. Mti s corrugated lath strip creates a capillary break that prevents entrapped water and promotes airflow to dry out the siding and substrate. If you choose to install your fiber cement siding without a rainscreen it will probably last a long time.

Rainscreen or no rainscreen looking back at the picture on the op those long horizontal flush joints look awfully vulnerable to me especially with a milled top edge to the siding material. Today s building code requirements for long lasting weather protection and in wet climates like florida materials are tested for water penetration. But the materials and the paint job will last even longer with a rainscreen. Osb wall sheathing hardi or certainteed cement fiber board lap siding 40 60 inches of rain a year so i need some type of capillary action wrap between the sheathing and siding bob i veteran member.

It has become common in some parts of the country offering design versatility and a solid feel. An architectural design with the use of fiber cement panels in a rainscreen application is the perfect solution for designers looking to achieve an energy efficient building utilizing exterior insulation to prevent thermal bridging and reduce condensation. It will also keep the osb dryer. Nichiha panels bring the look of wood stone brick metal more to your commercial or residential projects with high performance fiber cement.

Trust me you don t want damp osb. A rainscreen will allow the siding to dry much faster. Nichiha s fiber cement panels address home moisture protection in a couple of ways.