Expansion Gap For Siding

Choose the right nails.

Expansion gap for siding.

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. Allowing for expansion and contraction. Do i need to seal edges at a butt joint. James hardie recommends that a slip sheet joint flashing is installed behind each butt joint in the siding.

Hardie boards should be joined in moderate contact. Vinyl siding must be nailed so expansion and contraction are not restricted. Do not caulk between siding and any built in receiving channels located at or around windows. Vinyl siding contracts and expands as the outside temperature changes.

If joint moulding option is selected add the thickness of the web to the gap allowing a net 3 16 in. Siding must be cut in lengths to provide for expansion. 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. Always caulk between the siding and the trim.

If you are using primed siding you must seal all exposed cuts of siding including those at butt joints. For horizontal applications start with the bottom course and work up with the channels pointing upwards. 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. There is no need to leave a gap for expansion.

This means that the boards should be touching each other when they are installed. Allow a 1 4 in. Lap siding can be installed horizontally or vertically. When installing in freezing weather below 40.

These will serve as starter strips in which to lock the vertical siding. To avoid structural or aesthetic problems associated with temperature fluctuation take the following steps. Allow for expansion and contraction. By having the small additional overlapped piece of siding you are still allowing for expansion but you are effectively covering all the gaps in the siding.

Vertical trim gap caulking. If the panels are 20 feet 6 1 meters or longer refer to the manufacturer s instructions for how to increase the gap. And it can move a lot through expansion and contraction especially along the length of the clapboard style panels. For siding up to 6 inches wide use one nail one inch up from the lap.

Allow a 1 8 inch expansion gap between pieces if the siding is air or kiln dried. Do not nail through overlaps. Leave a 1 8 gap between the siding and the trim or other materials to allow for structural movement.