Expansion Gap For Siding

Gap for expansion wherever siding butts accessories.

Expansion gap for siding.

Allow for expansion and contraction. 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. Allow a 1 4 in. Choose the right nails.

Face nail with two nails per piece for 8 inches patterns and wider keeping nails 2 1 2 to 3 inches apart to allow for dimensional movement without splitting. Use a keyhole or reciprocating saw with a fine tooth blade to remove enough material from one of the pieces of lap siding. An improper expansion gap may have similar consequences to the results shown above especially if the milling process is irregular. Do not caulk between siding and any built in receiving channels located at or around windows.

Increase to 3 8 9 5mm when installing in temperatures below 40 f 4 4 c. Leave a 1 8 gap between the siding and the trim or other materials to allow for structural movement. Vinyl siding must be nailed so expansion and contraction are not restricted. For siding up to 6 inches wide use one nail one inch up from the lap.

Vertical trim gap caulking. Allow a 1 8 inch expansion gap between pieces if the siding is air or kiln dried. When installing in freezing weather below 40. Always caulk between the siding and the trim.

Remove any sawdust dirt or debris from the gap to prep it for finishing. Do not nail through overlaps. If the panels are 20 feet 6 1 meters or longer refer to the manufacturer s instructions for how to increase the gap.