1. Tear Off and Wall Preparation:
- *Tear Off and Inspect the Substrate*: Tear off existing siding to the wood substrate and ensure the substrate is flat, nailable, and free from rot. Repair any damaged wall sheathing if necessary prior to installing house wrap. (When installing wood siding, a substrate is not always required since it can be fastened to studs, and therefore, local building code requirements must be confirmed prior to installation)
- *Install House Wrap*: Fasten house wrap with cap nails to the wood substrate to provide a moisture barrier. Overlap seams by about 6 inches and tape them with house wrap seam tape.
- *Install Flashing*: Install z-flashing and other cap flashings around doors, windows, and other openings to prevent water infiltration. Apply the seam tape around the flashings for double protection.
2. Install the Starter Strip Blocking:
- *Mark the Level Line and Studs*: Use a chalk line to mark a level line around the base of the wall, typically ¼” above the foundation such that the siding overhangs the foundation/sheathing transition. Crews should also mark the wall for studs so that the siding is not only attached to the substrate, but also through the studs for a more secure finished system.
- *Attach the Starter Strip Blocking*: Position the starter strip along the level line and nail it in place every 16” to the studs. There should also be a ¼” space between the strips to allow for expansion.
3. Install 1x4 or 1x6 (Most used trim widths) on Outside and Inside Corner Boards and Trim:
- *Position Corner Boards*: Place corner boards at each corner of the house, ensuring they extend from the bottom of the starter strip to the eaves.
- *Nail the Outside and Inside Corner Boards*: Attach the corner boards using nails, starting at the top and working down, keeping nails centered in the nail slots for a cleaner aesthetic. Nail no more than 10” apart.
- *Install Trim Boards**: Install trim boards around doors, windows, openings, transitions, and along the roofline/under soffits if desired by the homeowner. These pieces will help seal the edges of the siding and create a more dimensional/desired look.
4. Install the Wood Siding Panels:
- *Start at the Bottom*: Begin with the first siding board, aligning it with the starter strip and ensuring it is level. Nail it into place, leaving a small gap between the nail head and the siding to allow for natural movement of the wood. The siding panel should sit over the starter strip such that the bottom is not left open.
- *Overlap and Space Boards*: Install subsequent boards, butting and applying seam flashing, similar to James Hardie. Speciality spacing tools are required so that the siding isn’t installed in a crooked manner.
- *Flash Seams*: There should be a metal piece of flashing installed behind all seams similar to the James Hardie installation requirements to prevent water from going behind the siding.
- *Check for Level*: Regularly check that the boards are level as you work your way up the wall.
- *Cut Boards as Needed*: Measure and cut boards to fit around windows, doors, and other openings, using a circular saw or miter saw.
5. Seal Joints and Gaps:
- *Apply Paintable/Stainable or Color Matched Caulk**: Use exterior-grade caulk to seal all joints and gaps around windows, doors, and trim. This helps prevent water infiltration and air leaks. This is CRUCIAL and needs to be maintained every 3-4 years so that water doesn’t penetrate any cracks or separation in the caulk.
6. Install Top Trim and Finishing Pieces:
- *Cap Off the Siding*: Use a top trim board to cap off the top row of siding. Ensure it is securely fastened and sealed.
7. Clean Up, Magnet Sweep, Final Inspection
- *Inspect Your Work*: Ensure all panels and trim pieces are cleanly sealed.
- *Clean Up*: Remove any debris, magnet sweep for all nails, double check flower/mulch/grass/walkways and ensure the area is cleaner than when arrived to do the project.
- *Walk Around with Homeowners*: Perform final walk around to ensure work is completed to homeowner satisfaction and to answer any potential questions.
Helpful Wood Siding Install Tips:- *Ensuring Wall is Properly Sealed* - It is crucial to caulk at all trim/siding junctions. If these areas are not sealed, water will get between the siding and trim and cause rot and water swelling. It is also important to make sure all seams are properly flashed with metal flashing at the time of installation.
