Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 2/6/2008

Question
Our condo HOA is considering replacement of cedar siding w/Hardiplank or other brand of fiber-cement siding.  Can you comment on possible problems with need for expanding our building ventilation and also possible problems with standing snow resting against our building as they are not currently planning any rock skirting. Cement siding would be installed just at ground level.

Answer
Lisa,

Fiber-cement siding has proven to be a very durable product in a variety of climates.  I don't see any weathering problem with snow being in contact with the siding.  However, it is much thinner and therefore less rigid than cedar siding; if you do not have solid sheathing beneath the siding, then the pressure of piled-up snow may be a problem for fiber-cement lap siding.

I don't know what you mean by "expanding building ventilation."  Your siding is a weather-barrier only; in a cold-climate insulated wall, it will have a negligible effect on overall R-value or indoor air issues.

Good luck, and feel free to follow-up if need be.  -Ted