Our home is partially covered with a masonite, stucco-like finish siding
that is starting to degrade. I want to replace these 4 x 8 panels with
Hardipanel cedar mill sidings. Having never done this before, I'm
soliciting suggestions that anyone might have to help me do this. I'll have
to replace about 1/2 of the house---almost 32 panels. (Rest of house has
different siding and most under a porch). The rear will be the toughest.
It's two stories tall--about 8 panels up and 12 panels down. I'm going to
borrow scaffolding from a neighbor for the upstairs work.

I know I will need eye protection and mask when I cut the material. Is a 7"
rotary saw okay? I'll need to buy some kind of masonry blade I suppose.
What about nails: size, special type? Hardipanels are heavy. Does this
cause any problem when I try to hang it on existing framing?

Thanks for any suggestions you might have.