[derf36]

This all started with a simple idea. My wife mentions that maybe we should 'think' about changing our windows. Seemed like a good idea. But why couldn't we just leave it at that, an idea. No we had to actually do it, crap!

Like a good DIY'er, of course I couldn't just do the windows. Why wouldn't I rip off the aging aluminum siding while I'm at it eh? Decided to do the full Monte and install Hardi Siding along with the windows. Thank good for small houses.

First some background... I've been chipping away at my house since buying it 10 years ago. Over the course of the last 2-3 years we got a little carried away and completely gutted the inside, removed walls, new kitchen, maple hardwood, and on and on. With the inside the way we want it why would we just want to live in the house and enjoy it for one summer? Nope that not our style, we like the chaos of a good reno.

I'm starting on the 'easy' side wall and am working my way around the house doing the front of the house last. My theory is it will keep me motivated to finish it that way and I'll get 'practiced up' by the time I get to the front.

I'm now 9 days in and have snapped a lot of pictures along the way.

Day 1 Hour 1. first snap a photo of the before and then attack the wall:thumbsup:
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I was left with a pile of aluminum. I took it to a Salvage Yard and they paid me $32. Spent it on beer.


Left with a bare wall, a fresh and clean slate.
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to be continued...

 

[shumakerscott]

Dog

The dog sure looks impressed! "Damn, I didn't know my master was so strong, he can tear a house apart by hand." :laughing: Waiting for more pic's, dorf dude...

 

[Speedball]

Look at the bright side.....isn't the price of aluminum up?:laughing:

 

[derf36]

Look at the bright side.....isn't the price of aluminum up?:laughing:

yep, so far I'm $32 up by selling the aluminum. I figure I'll wind up with about $200 once the whole house is done. Of course I'm into materials for about $10k so 2% return. Not bad, better than the stock market or the horse races :yes:

Here's another couple of pics, actual progress.

One shows me and the boy up in the air, no comments please on my ladder safety techniques.

The other pic shows the back patio door, installed and sided. Super sweet I must say.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

What did you use to cut the board?
And what are those green things?
I know they are a spacer of sorts to hang/gap the boards

 

[DaVinci]

looks realy good!

We're always looking for qualified installers!

Keep-up the good work!

Paul

 

[Speedball]

Nice looking job!

Scuba Dave had a question about how you cut the board. Just the other day in a home store I noticed a really nice looking little Rigid saw designed for Hardiboard with a vacuum port attached. I may purchase that saw and give our new/old garage a new covering of Hardiboard....someday.

 

[derf36]

What did you use to cut the board?
And what are those green things?
I know they are a spacer of sorts to hang/gap the boards

The green things are siding gauges called 'Solo Siders'. They are my extra hands to allow me to hold the boards up working by myself and they also allow me to make micro adjustments in the size of the reveal.

I'm making my cuts with a pair of fibre cement shears that attach onto my drill. There is silica in the hardi plank so keeping dust down is important. The shears don't make any dust.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Thanks I guess I'll buy a set of those
I ended up w/6 sq free so I guess I can afford them

 

[Speedball]

SoloSiders

The things I learn on this website.:thumbsup:

 

[derf36]

Day 11 and 12

Here's a few pics showing the transformation on my back wall. I have this week off so am hopeful to make some progress.

My guess it will take about 40 days to finish. Now that I'm well into it the novelty and excitement of a new project is over. I still enjoy the little accomplishments and seeing the before and after but if I could blink and have it done I'd do it. But no magic lantern, just have a tool belt. :yes:

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Looks good
I started on the back of my addition
I ordered a set of the Solo-siders
They should be here before I get too high up
Of course now they foreecast rain off/on for the next 10 days

 

[derf36]

well, finished Day 16 so here are a few more pics. I'm trying hard to get the entire back finished before I have to go back to work Monday morning.

I'd be a bit further along but I don't get motivated and start before 9:30 am. By the time I get up, drink my coffee and watch the Tour de France it's after 9am! Hey don't judge, I am on vacation you know

 

[jomama45]

Derf, I'd say your making great progress on the siding, as well as doing a superb job. Nice to see when people take a few extra minutes to get the Tyvek, flashing, tapeing & head flashing done correctly. :thumbup:

 

[derf36]

well... I'm half done! Side and back of the house are complete :thumbsup:

So far I'm into it for 19 days and my back hurts just thinking of the other two sides of this house.

It's going to slow down a bit now, I've burned up 2 weeks vacation so have to go back to work tomorrow. Kinda looking forward to pushing paper around my desk for a bit, when I close my eyes all I see is Hardi Plank.

btw... the balcony and arbour will be stained a dark colour later. Also the facia gutters are phase II after the siding.

 

[jackie treehorn]

One shows me and the boy up in the air, no comments please on my ladder safety techniques.

I didn't see you put the ladder on the trampoline to get higher up there, so I assume it was safe Looks good though, I'm especially interested in those tools, never knew of them, and they look like they would be real handy.

 

[Shamus]

Nice to see someone that's commited to getting the job finished. Your more than half done. You have all that experience under your belt. :thumbsup:

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I'm curious as to the trim used around the hose connection & other places
Is it just wood trim painted to match?

I bought a pair of the solo-siders too after I saw them here :thumbsup:

 

[derf36]

I'm curious as to the trim used around the hose connection & other places
Is it just wood trim painted to match?

I bought a pair of the solo-siders too after I saw them here :thumbsup:

you got it right Dave. I 'boxed' the things that stick out with trim and painted with a matching colour, then installed flashing.

It will look better when I'm done. Picking up a plastic box extender tomorrow before I can install the waterproof plug cover. Then caulk, fill the nail holes, then another coat of paint.

Good to hear that you picked up the solo siders. How are they working for you? How are you cutting this stuff? Are you using the shears or a blade? btw. I saw your post with the portico, good times eh?

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I bought a saw blade for Hardi, goggles & air mask
So far I have been working on a smaller are on the back
Due to the heat I'll be doing a lot more tomorrow
So I'll find out then how they work - but should be nice
Too hot too roof