Brad the Builder shares some important information on handling pre-finished siding products, such as our RusticSeries, on the job site. Also, he shares some tips to help boost on-site productivity!
Did you know? The average construction worker spends 90 minutes every day looking for things like misplaced parts, tools, and equipment. I want to help you and your team to maximize productivity on the job site so you don’t lose precious time and money.
Proper Storage:
Today I received a lift of prefinished fiber cement siding from Woodtone, and I want to make sure it’s in the same great condition when it’s installed, as it was when it arrived. One thing to keep in mind when you receive the product is the weather. Can the product be stored safely outside or does it need to be kept inside? It’s going to be a couple of weeks before we install the fiber cement siding, so we want to make sure the product is properly stored 6 inches off of the ground on a pallet to protect it from ground moisture. We also want to make sure the product is well protected from direct exposure to the elements, so covering it with a roof or tarp is imperative. Woodtone recommends palettes be stored in a garage, protected area, or under a tarp if you won’t be using them right away.
Before installing Woodtone materials, please ensure you inspect the materials for:
- Breakage
- Foreign objects
- Surface defects
- Correct product
- Correct color
- Color consistency
Also, check for wet or saturated products. Do not install product you are not comfortable with!
To eliminate any wasted time on the job, sort the materials when they arrive. Prioritizing items in the order you’ll need them is a big time saver on the job site.
Handling Materials:
When handling any siding materials, always pick up the boards from the center and carry by the narrow edge. If handled incorrectly, the surface of the prefinished boards will scratch. Do not slide boards when removing them from the pallet as sliding one board against the other will mar the surface of the board below. Always use corner protectors when banding the product to avoid damage.
Installation Practices:
Now let’s move on to some installation tips. One of the most important things you can do to make the job go smoothly is to make sure that all tools are in good shape and everyone understands how to use them. When cutting the fiber cement, it’s very important to wear your proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Such as proper footwear, eye protection, and apparel. Ensure you follow all PPE requirements for the substrate you are cutting.
Before you start cutting, make sure the siding product is face down with a soft cover on the saw table to avoid scratching the face of the product. Cutting Woodtone products requires carpentry skills and knowledge that is unique to fiber cement, engineered wood and wood products. For fiber cement or engineered wood products that are not manufactured by Woodtone, please follow the manufacturer’s information. When Woodtone products are cut or drilled, dust will be created. If you are cutting fiber cement, this dust may contain crystalline silica, which can pose a health risk. To minimize dust, use cutting tools equipped with a dust collector, and never use water when cutting. Ensure adequate ventilation by working outdoors or by using mechanical ventilation to reduce potential exposure. Always wear safety goggles and dust protection equipment when operating cutting tools.
Finally, once the siding has been cut and installed – don’t forget to seal all field cuts with acrylic paint or primer when the job is complete. As Woodtone does not manufacture all the substrates for which they pre-finish, please ensure you are following the substrate manufacturer’s installation instructions properly. Failure to install the product correctly can result in a voided warranty.
