Expansion Gap For Siding

Choose the right nails.

Expansion gap for siding.

These will serve as starter strips in which to lock the vertical siding. Allowing for expansion and contraction. Allow a 1 4 in. Vinyl siding contracts and expands as the outside temperature changes.

To compensate for this movement adjacent siding panels are overlapped so that they can slide sideways past each other without buckling or creating gaps see nailing details and expansion gaps. Hardie boards should be joined in moderate contact. For horizontal applications start with the bottom course and work up with the channels pointing upwards. Lap siding can be installed horizontally or vertically.

There is no need to leave a gap for expansion. This means that the boards should be touching each other when they are installed. When installing in freezing weather below 40. To avoid structural or aesthetic problems associated with temperature fluctuation take the following steps.

Do i need to seal edges at a butt joint. Allow a 1 8 inch expansion gap between pieces if the siding is air or kiln dried. Siding must be cut in lengths to provide for expansion. Gap for expansion wherever siding butts accessories.

Do not caulk between siding and any built in receiving channels located at or around windows. And it can move a lot through expansion and contraction especially along the length of the clapboard style panels. Leave a 1 8 gap between the siding and the trim or other materials to allow for structural movement. If joint moulding option is selected add the thickness of the web to the gap allowing a net 3 16 in.

Allow for expansion and contraction. James hardie recommends that a slip sheet joint flashing is installed behind each butt joint in the siding. Allowance should be made for expansion and contraction by leaving a 1 4 6 4mm gap between the siding and all corner posts and channels. Leave 6 4mm gap at the top and bottom.

By obtaining some additional siding and carefully preparing it small pieces can simply be snapped into place covering the wide gap your home builder is forced to leave for expansion. If you are using primed siding you must seal all exposed cuts of siding including those at butt joints. If the panels are 20 feet 6 1 meters or longer refer to the manufacturer s instructions for how to increase the gap. Do not nail through overlaps.

Always caulk between the siding and the trim. Increase to 3 8 9 5mm when installing in temperatures below 40 f 4 4 c. Vinyl siding must be nailed so expansion and contraction are not restricted.