Alternative to caulk - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Jer · 04-02-2009, 02:56 PM

Any ideas on hiding nailheads in fiber cement siding? Caulk just shrinks so much it seems there must be something better out there.
I have never had to worry about it till now as the general always had the painter do all that.

Mike(VA) · 04-02-2009, 04:19 PM

Well, I would have to ask if you are face nailing the boards or is it just the top row nails and ends? If you are face nailing, you shouldn't be. If it is the top and end nails, I use Drydex and screed to simulate a grain, (if the boards are grained), or just flatten if boards are smooth. Prime and paint. If the boards are pre-painted, I will use the color matching caulk and screed or flatten.

Out-Sider · 04-06-2009, 10:43 PM

How big of nails are you using and where?? There shouldn't be many nails to hide, it should be blind nailed when possible. If you need to keep something tight to the wall, use an 18 gauge brad nail - the holes aren't large enough to notice if the caulk does shrink.

tomstruble · 04-07-2009, 05:28 AM

some of the wider exposures or in high wind areas need face nailing