You can also cut holes using a jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade or a drill fitted with a carbide-grit hole saw. When using a jigsaw to cut a round or square hole, start by drilling a hole through the backer board with a 3/8-inch-diameter masonry drill bit. Then insert the jigsaw blade into the hole and start cutting.Click to see full answer. Likewise, people ask, can I screw into Hardie board?Fasteners must be corrosion resistant, galvanized or stainless steel. James Hardie prefers and recommends installation of HardiePlank® lap siding by the blind nailing technique, such that fasteners are hidden by the course above. Fasteners shall be installed between 1 in. and 3/4 in.One may also ask, how long does HardiPlank last? Another aspect of fiber-cement siding that makes it a green building material is that it lasts for so long. James Hardie warrants the material for 50 years. HardiePlank can last longer than that, especially if painted and properly maintained. Herein, do you need a special blade to cut Hardie board? To cut this type of siding, use a masonry blade. The blades are designed to be used with most cutting tools, including circular, table and miter saws. Reciprocating and jigsaws, which can be equipped with carbide-encrusted blades, are convenient to use when making small or circular cuts in Hardie board siding.What type of screws do you use for cement board?Cement board attached to plywood or similar underlayment will hold with only 1 1/4-inch screws; for thick or heavy metal fixtures, use 1 5/8-inch screws. In general, 1 1/2-inch galvanized nails will hold the board firmly in place.
