Advanced Techniques for Siding Installation: Enhance Your Home’s Exterior
If you want to bolster your home’s structure, resale value, curb appeal, and protection from extreme weather, your starting point has to be upgrading the siding. It’s important to choose siding that’s easy to install and maintain, on top of having pleasing aesthetics and high durability. You also need to consider your home’s exterior cladding ability to withstand strong storms, hurricanes, and long summer sunlight, among other elements.
If you want to bolster your home’s structure, resale value, curb appeal, and protection from extreme weather, your starting point has to be upgrading the siding.
It’s important to choose siding that’s easy to install and maintain, on top of having pleasing aesthetics and high durability. You also need to consider your home’s exterior cladding ability to withstand strong storms, hurricanes, and long summer sunlight, among other elements.
Intricate Siding Installations Techniques For Your Siding
Half the cost of any siding project is labor, which means installing it yourself can cut your budget by half. That being said, it’s important to partner with a local siding professional throughout your siding project, even if you will end up installing it yourself.
A local siding expert understands all siding needs in your location, so they will help you choose the most functional siding option in your area based on your budget and preferences. For homeowners in Kansas, you can partner with these James Hardie siding professionals in the Kansas area for added siding efficiency.
These professionals not only comprehend all installation instructions but also comply with applicable building codes in Kansas, so you don’t have to worry about your siding project violating local laws. They also have a reputation for strict compliance with OSHA silica dust regulations and all other health & safety regulations in all the siding projects they handle.
Upgrading Your Sidings Yourself
For homeowners in other areas, these advanced siding tips will help you install your siding all by yourself:
General Requirements
- Compliance with all applicable codes.
- Wood or steel where you’ll attach Hardie® Trim boards.
- Installation must be in such a way that the boards don’t stay in contact with standing water.
- A minimum of 1/4 in. ground clearance for vertical installation and a 1 in. clearance roofing clearance.
Storage and handling
- Store the boards flat in a dry place before installation to prevent shrinkage.
- Cover the boards to prevent breakage around the edges and corners.
>Cutting
- Set up the cutting station in such a way that dust from the boards is blown away from the user. That minimizes dust inhalation.
- Use a circular saw that has a vacuum dust collection system attached to the saw blade.
- Shears (manual, pneumatic, or electric) are recommended for added safety and efficiency.
Installation
During installation, you have to fasten the panels to wood, steel, or any other nailable substrate. You will also need additional framing for effective fastening. Also:
- Ensure that the fasteners are galvanized and corrosion-resistant, e.g. hot-dipped galvanized nails. If your home is located in a humid area, especially near big water bodies, stainless steel fasteners will work best for you.
- Use spacer materials between the panels and the fasteners to prevent direct contact.
- Pneumatic fastening with a pneumatic tool or hand nailing is recommended for siding installation.
Face Nailing
When attaching the trim boards to the wood framing, use 2 in. minimum 16 ga. stainless steel finish nails and be sure to position them no closer than 1/2 in. from the edges of the trim boards. When attaching them to a steel frame, screws will work best for you. The screws must be no closer than 3/4 in. from the edges. All fasteners must be no more than 16 in. apart for adequate fastening.
Trimming Corners
Installing corners can be quite challenging for an untrained builder. Your best option would be to use pre-built corners. Your job would be to secure the pre-built corners of the wall.
Caulking
Get yourself an elastomeric joint sealant for easy & efficient caulking. Be sure to comply with all the caulking/sealant manufacturer’s instructions while you’re at it.
Painting
You should paint your siding within the first 6 months after installation. The best painting options are 100% acrylic topcoats. Avoid powder coating, stain, and oil/alkyd base paint when installing siding. Also, you shouldn’t paint your siding when wet. Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dust, dirt, or mildew. As for the finish coating, back-rolling will be your best option if the siding is sprayed.
Final word
Siding is one of the most durable and appealing siding materials. It’s also cost-effective considering its durability and raw beauty. It, however, isn’t the easiest type of siding to install. It is always better to work with a siding expert for the best siding results.