Steve Easley is joined by CertainTeed's Steve Booz to discuss the siding being used on the EnergyWise House. CertainTeed WeatherBoards FiberCement Siding is manufactured in the exclusive DuraPress System, from silica, portland cement and post-industrial recycled wood fibers. The result is siding with a far greater life span and durability for less money than wood and wood composites. The DuraPress System creates more authentic and consistent wood grains, with an extra precuring step that dramatically reduces chalking. WeatherBoards has a higher interlaminate bond strength - up to 60 percent stronger than competitive sidings - for superior freeze/thaw protection. The proprietary FiberTect Sealing System is more than a primer, bonding with the panel, then bonding to an acrylic latex topcoat for a long-lasting, better-looking finish. FiberTect seals against moisture significantly better than competitive priming systems, and WeatherBoards requires painting less frequently than wood.

If you're looking for an alternative to wood or vinyl siding, try a fiber-cement product. Cementicious siding is generally a more affordable option. It can be installed quickly and easily and has several key advantages. It's termite resistant, fireproof, and very durable to the elements. In addition, fiber-cement siding can be painted or stained, giving it added flexibility.

Bob is back at our urban townhouse. He walks down the side and points out the two-story rear porch that has been recovered with asphalt siding, which, though sturdy, is also ugly. Bob meets with Carlton Bergere who explains the installation of the new vinyl siding on top of the asphalt. First the corner posts are installed so that the siding can be slid in. Then a starter course is put on the wall so that level is maintained. A bottom course of siding is clipped onto the starter course. Wood siding is installed one clapboard at a time, but the vinyl siding goes up much faster since it comes in eight or ten inch widths of three or more clapboards depending on exposure. Vinyl has replaced aluminum siding because of its cheaper price point and its sturdiness. Unlike aluminum, vinyl siding does not dent and it is colored all the way through. The siding is hung for expansion and contraction. When a window transition occurs, the window is first caulked. Then, a j-channel is laid against the casing to receive the siding, which is trimmed to size. The vertical seams overlap so that weather does not penetrate, and the siding is laid in one direction so that the seams cannot be seen from the street.

While the house is being dried out, the siding can be put in place. The furring strips are attached to the foam exterior with an adhesive foam. Fasteners are used to affix the fiber cement siding and make sure it's secure. Bob talks with Jack Armour from Powers Fasteners about the fasteners used to secure the siding. Holes are drilled into the structure that are the same diameter as the fasteners . The fasteners are built with a "S" shape and are heat treated so that when the fasteners exert pressure against the cement walls and heat up, they try to return to their original shap, causing them to tighten their grip within the walls . Powers Fasteners is a company that is almost 100 years old. The fasteners were originally made of jute and then gradually started being made of plastic. HardiPlank, a product made of fiber cement, will be used for the siding. The planks are made of a mix of wood fiber and cement, which work well together. The planks are durable and hold paint well. The siding being used is prefinished.