Helpful Hints

CORNERS: At inside corners, siding is frequently butted against a trim strip. It can also be butted against adjoining walls with a trim strip used to cover the joint.

At outside corners, some builders choose mitered corners for a professional looking finish. Mitered corners are most common on horizontally applied siding and they must fit tightly for the full depth of the miter. To maintain a tight fit, the siding should be properly seasoned before installation and protected from the weather at the job site. The ends are often set in caulking compound when siding is applied (see Figure 1).

Corner boards are a popular alternative to mitered corners. Corner boards are applied to the sheathing with siding fitting tightly against the narrow edge of the boards. Joints should be fitted with caulking compound when siding is applied (see Figure 2).

A useful tip in installing corner boards is to apply metal corners over the building paper. The corner boards and the ends of the siding are nailed through the sheet metal which anchors the wood for a maintenance-free joint. Designing roofs with an eaves overhang to protect the corners from weathering also helps ensure trouble-free joints. When butt joining siding, cut ends at 45 angles to form an overlapping joint. Butt joints between boards should be stag- gered and made on studs. Caulking butt joints is recommended.

* Always check with your Local Building Inspector Office for Updated Installation Requirements or Building Code Requirements. It is the responsibility of the Installer to insure that the siding is correctly applied according to local building codes.

Figures


Download printable PDF version of the Application Instructions.

For further information, view the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association's installation information.