Always caulk between the siding and the trim.
Expansion gap for siding.
Gap for expansion wherever siding butts accessories.
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.
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.
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.
James hardie recommends that a slip sheet joint flashing is installed behind each butt joint in the siding.
Do i need to seal edges at a butt joint.
If you are using primed siding you must seal all exposed cuts of siding including those at butt joints.
And it can move a lot through expansion and contraction especially along the length of the clapboard style panels.
Vinyl siding contracts and expands as the outside temperature changes.
Choose the right nails.
Allow for expansion and contraction.
Allow a 1 4 in.
Vinyl siding must be nailed so expansion and contraction are not restricted.
Vertical trim gap caulking.
This means that the boards should be touching each other when they are installed.
To avoid structural or aesthetic problems associated with temperature fluctuation take the following steps.
Siding must be cut in lengths to provide for expansion.
Lap siding can be installed horizontally or vertically.
Leave 6 4mm gap at the top and bottom.
If joint moulding option is selected add the thickness of the web to the gap allowing a net 3 16 in.
Do not caulk between siding and any built in receiving channels located at or around windows.
Hardie boards should be joined in moderate contact.
For siding up to 6 inches wide use one nail one inch up from the lap.
Increase to 3 8 9 5mm when installing in temperatures below 40 f 4 4 c.
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.
These will serve as starter strips in which to lock the vertical siding.
Leave a 1 8 gap between the siding and the trim or other materials to allow for structural movement.
Allowing for expansion and contraction.
For horizontal applications start with the bottom course and work up with the channels pointing upwards.
When installing in freezing weather below 40.