27 Oct Siding Installation
Are you exploring siding installation? When looking to improve the overall look and function of your home, siding is a great option as it can be easy to install and last you a lifetime. Many homeowners decide on siding for the exterior of their home over paint because it is durable, long-lasting, easy to install, and will need little-no maintenance over the lifetime of the home, depending on what product you choose.
Basic Siding Installation 101
With basic siding materials such as vinyl or wood, you need to make sure your home is prepped for the siding to be attached. This means removing any old siding, replacing any rotten wood, and repairing any damages if the home is not a new build. With new and existing homes, you will want to know your local building codes to determine what you need before you are able to put up siding. This can include sheathing/backer board, water-resistant barriers, insulation, and flashing.
With basic siding, you need to install it with the understanding that it will expand and shrink over time – so be sure you are familiar with the climate you are installing in and how your siding will be affected. You will also need to be sure you pick the right nails to use and leave a bit of space when drilling them in to allow the boards to shift and expand when needed.
To determine how much siding you will need to cover your home, you can follow this guide on vinylsiding.org
EverLog Siding Installation
Installation of our EverLog Siding is simple and can be completed by any contractor or do-it-yourselfer. In conjunction with our installation guide, this video will show you just how easy installation can be.
Installation requires a few common tools. A four-and-one-half-inch electric angle grinder and accompanying four-and-one-half-inch masonry blade are recommended for most, if not all, cutting. A hole saw may also be needed for round cuts, such as dryer vents or plumbing penetrations. A high-speed cordless drill or two with extra batteries is also recommended. EverLog Systems recommends using GRK Cabinet® Screws along with the companion HSS Bit Holder, also made by GRK, to ease installation.
As with any construction task, proper safety and protection equipment such as safety eye and ear protection, respirators and gloves should be used at all times when handling and cutting concrete materials.
Prior to installing any siding, outside and inside corners need to be installed first. Our corner posts come in stock ten-foot lengths, so most corners will need to be cut to fit on-site prior to their installation. After measuring the short and long lengths, mark the corner with a speed square with the length or angles needing to be cut. Care should be taken when planning cuts and strap locations. The angles can then be cut using the angle grinder.
Once the corner is cut and fits nicely, unfold the embedded installation straps and securely fasten the corners to the wall using two screws per strap.
After cutting and installing corners, you’re ready to begin horizontal siding installation. Install and secure HSS Bit Holder into the drill; refer to GRK instructions for the bit holder’s adjustment instructions. Place the Cabinet® screw onto the bit holder and press against the panel flange, the magnetic bit holder will secure the screw during driving.
Using a high-speed setting, drive the self-tapping screw into the center of the flange, a minimum of two inches from the end. Speed should be reduced just before setting the screw snugly against the siding flange, taking care not to over-tighten. Repeat the process taking care to hit the stud locations. Panels should be spaced a minimum of a one-eighth inch apart end to end and end to corners to allow for expansion and contraction. All butt joints should be factory end to factory end with cuts placed against corners or other trim.
What can EverLog Siding be attached to?
Everlogs siding can be attached to almost any surface homes are built with. The most common surfaces we work with are traditional 2x wood/steel framing, SIP panels, and ICFs. Each of these types of surfaces are the most commonly used in home building – so it is easy to add our log siding to any project. With our simulated log siding being ultra-lightweight, it should not structurally affect the wall it is being attached to. A standard 12′ siding panel weighs approximately 42-55 pounds depending on the profile. While very light, we recommend two people to lift and apply EverLog Siding. Please consult our siding Siding Installation Guide for additional details.
Learn More About How EverLog Siding, Logs, and Timbers Can Give Your Home the Perfect Log Cabin Feel With Zero Maintenance
In our free catalog, you will learn about the benefits of EverLog™ Systems’ family of products.
