Siding On Cinder Block Houses: A Smart Choice?

Yes, you can put siding on a cinder block house. In fact, vinyl siding is a popular choice for covering concrete block walls to give a home an updated, polished look. The process is similar to installing siding over wood. Firstly, you need to install wooden furring strips to the concrete wall. The thickness of these strips is crucial, as they provide a secure base for the siding. After marking the wall and drilling holes, the furring strips are attached using concrete nails or sleeve anchors. Next, insect netting is installed along the bottom edge to prevent insects from nesting. Finally, the vinyl siding panels are nailed into place, with seams staggered for a seamless finish.

Furring strips: 1x3 or 1.5-inch thick?

Furring strips are an important component of siding installation on a cinder block house. They serve as a support system, creating a level surface to attach the siding and providing essential ventilation and drainage to prevent water damage.

When it comes to the thickness of furring strips, the standard sizes range from 1"x2" to 1"x3", with actual measurements of 3/4"x1 1/2" and 3/4"x2 1/2", respectively. The choice between 1"x3" or 1.5-inch thick furring strips depends on several factors, including the type of siding, local building codes, and personal preferences.

Using 1"x3" furring strips offers a wider surface area for attachment, which can be beneficial for certain types of siding that require a larger backing. Additionally, the increased thickness can provide more stability and support for the siding material. This option may be preferable for heavier siding options or when a stronger structural framework is desired.

On the other hand, 1.5-inch thick furring strips, such as the Sturdi-Strips™ Rainscreen Furring Strips, are also a viable option. These strips are designed to hold siding away from the wall, creating a ventilation gap that allows trapped moisture to drain effectively. The 1.5-inch thickness is sufficient to provide the necessary drainage plane and ventilation while also reducing the overall material cost compared to thicker furring strips.

It is worth noting that the spacing between furring strips is typically kept at 16 inches for siding applications, and vertical anchoring is generally recommended for ease of installation. When attaching furring strips to cinder blocks, it is crucial to use concrete anchors specifically designed for these materials, such as sleeve anchors or Tapcon Concrete Screws, to ensure a secure and safe installation.

Ultimately, the decision between 1"x3" or 1.5-inch thick furring strips depends on the specific requirements of your project, the type of siding being used, and local building regulations. Consulting with a professional or referring to manufacturer guidelines can help determine the most suitable thickness and spacing for your cinder block house siding project.

Screws or nails?

When it comes to installing siding on a cinder block house, there are a few different methods that can be used. One common method is to use furring strips, which are wooden strips that are nailed or screwed to the concrete wall. The siding is then attached to these furring strips. This method is similar to installing siding over wood and provides a neat, updated appearance to the concrete home.

Now, onto the question of screws vs nails. If you are using furring strips, the general consensus is to use concrete nails to attach the strips to the concrete wall. These nails are specifically designed for use with concrete and provide a strong and secure hold. The process involves nailing 1 1/2-inch-thick wooden furring strips to the wall at 4-foot intervals. It is important to note that you should not install a horizontal wood strip near the ground, as this can block water from draining properly.

However, when it comes to attaching the siding itself, there are differing opinions. Some sources recommend using small nails, leaving 1/8 inch of the nail shank showing to allow for the vinyl to contract and expand with weather changes. Others suggest using screws for a more secure hold. It is recommended to talk to professionals at your local hardware store to determine the best method for your specific project.

Additionally, if you are considering gluing the siding directly to the cinder blocks without using furring strips, screws are generally recommended over nails. This is because screws provide a stronger hold and are less likely to cause the brittle cinder blocks to shatter. In this case, you would drill a small hole and then screw directly into the blocks. This process is slower but is considered the only permanent option. You can also use construction adhesive to reduce the number of screws needed.

In summary, the choice between screws and nails depends on the specific method you choose for installing siding on your cinder block house. For attaching furring strips, concrete nails are typically used. For attaching the siding itself, either nails or screws can be used, with screws providing a more secure hold but taking a longer time to install. If you choose to glue the siding directly to the blocks, screws are generally recommended for their strength and permanence.

Vinyl siding: wavy without insulation?

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners looking to update the appearance of their homes. It is a simple process that can be done by following a few steps. However, one common issue that homeowners face with vinyl siding is waviness. There are several factors that can contribute to this problem, and understanding these factors can help prevent and address waviness in vinyl siding.

One of the main reasons vinyl siding becomes wavy is improper installation. If the siding is nailed too tightly or the nails are placed too close to the ends, the vinyl cannot expand and contract properly with temperature changes, leading to warping and buckling. To avoid this, it is important to ensure that the siding is installed correctly, leaving enough room for expansion and contraction.

The type of siding used can also impact waviness. Dark-coloured vinyl siding, for example, absorbs more heat than lighter options, making it more susceptible to warping. Additionally, low-quality siding may already have waves before installation, and these imperfections can worsen over time with sun exposure and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, it is recommended to invest in high-quality siding and consider lighter colours to minimise the risk of waviness.

Another factor that can cause vinyl siding to become wavy is the presence of insulation. While insulation is important for energy efficiency, it can affect the waviness of vinyl siding if not properly installed. For instance, attaching the siding directly to the insulation without a proper backing can restrict the movement of the vinyl, leading to waviness. To prevent this, it is crucial to use a suitable backing material, such as furring strips, to provide a solid nailing surface and allow for drainage.

Furthermore, the foundation of the house can also contribute to waviness in vinyl siding. If the foundation has shifted significantly, it can cause structural changes that result in warping of the siding. Therefore, it is recommended to have a professional inspect the foundation if no other cause for the waviness can be identified.

To summarise, waviness in vinyl siding can be prevented by ensuring proper installation techniques, choosing high-quality and light-coloured siding, using appropriate insulation and backing materials, and addressing any foundation issues. By taking these factors into consideration, homeowners can maintain the aesthetic appeal and functionality of their vinyl siding.

Foam insulation: necessary?

Foam insulation is a great way to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your cinder block house. Cinder blocks are porous, allowing outside air to enter and causing discomfort and high energy bills. By insulating your cinder block walls, you can combat this airflow and create a more comfortable and cost-effective living environment.

There are several options for foam insulation, each with its own advantages and considerations:

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is an effective method to insulate concrete block walls. It is recommended to install this type of insulation before putting up the drywall, as it allows the foam to get behind the studs and prevent thermal bridging. Thermal bridging occurs when certain areas of a building have higher heat transfer than surrounding materials, resulting in reduced thermal insulation. Spray foam creates a continuous insulation layer and an effective air barrier, but it tends to be more expensive than other options.

Injection Foam Insulation

Injection foam insulation is similar to spray foam and is often used for existing concrete block walls. It involves drilling holes in the middle of the wall and filling the cavities and crevices in the concrete blocks with foam, creating an effective air seal. This method ensures that all nooks and crannies are filled, providing a comprehensive insulation solution.

Polystyrene Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

Polystyrene beads are commonly used when the concrete walls are open at the top. The beads are poured into the cavities from the top, but they can also be found pre-filled in some older homes. While effective, this method has a drawback: if you need to cut into the blocks, the beads will spill out, creating a mess and requiring additional work to contain them.

Foam Board Insulation

Foam board insulation can be applied to the exterior of the cinder block wall before installing the siding. It is important to properly seal the seams with caulk or tape to prevent air leaks and potential condensation issues. While this method may not provide the same performance as spray foam, it can still improve the insulation of your home.

Loose-Fill Masonry Insulation

Loose-fill masonry insulation, or mineral wool insulation, involves filling the cavities of the concrete blocks with a sand-like material. This method is used when the cavities are open at the top. However, similar to polystyrene beads, if you cut into the blocks, the insulation will pour out. Additionally, it can be challenging to ensure that all cavities are completely filled.

In conclusion, foam insulation is a necessary step when installing siding on a cinder block house. Not only will it improve the energy efficiency of your home, but it will also enhance your comfort by maintaining a more stable indoor temperature. By choosing the right type of foam insulation for your specific needs and applying it correctly, you can create a more enjoyable and cost-effective living environment.

Moisture barrier: needed?

When installing siding on a cinder block house, it is important to consider the potential impact of moisture. While vinyl siding can give a cinder block house an appealing, polished look, the presence of moisture can lead to issues such as mould and rot.

To address this, it is recommended to install a moisture barrier or vapour barrier. This can be in the form of insect netting or screening, which is installed at the bottom of the siding near the ground. This netting should reach about one foot up the wall and slightly overlap the ground to form a barrier that prevents insects from nesting between the siding and the concrete block. Additionally, a horizontal wood strip near the ground should be avoided, as it can block water that gets behind the vinyl siding panels.

Another option is to use a housewrap system that provides drainage and ventilation. These systems create a consistent gap to prevent condensation and allow for the drainage of liquid water. For vinyl siding, the Flatwrap HP Housewrap System can offer basic protection, while the Drainable Housewrap System is ideal for coastal rain or insulation-backed vinyl siding.

In addition to the moisture barrier, proper insulation is crucial. Foam board insulation or blown-in foam insulation can be considered, along with the use of furring strips or gluing and screwing the siding directly to the blocks.

Overall, the presence of a moisture barrier is essential to prevent moisture-related issues when installing siding on a cinder block house.

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