As lumber quality has worsened over the years, manufacturers have developed siding made from synthetic, composite, or engineered materials. Though durable, they also tend to be less tolerant of installation errors. Each siding product has a unique set of installation guidelines that the installer must follow to avoid failure. The proprietary nature of these products means it would be impractical to cover all the nuances here. However there are some general techniques and best practices that should apply to all products.
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Q: I live in northern coastal California, in the heart of the redwoods. We're currently remodeling a simple structure (in a highly visible town-square location) into an elaborately detailed storefront, in keeping with the surrounding 1880s architecture. While all the vintage storefronts (and their framing) are constructed of old-growth redwood, we would like to use modern alternatives — such as engineered products — that would be more environmentally responsible. Since the exterior will be painted, the panels, columns, and crown and detail moldings can be built with any product that will withstand our moist climate. Do you have any recommendations? More
Q: I plan to install clapboard siding using the rain screen method. The siding will be fastened to 3/4-inch vertical battens, nailed over each stud. At the top, I plan to ventilate the rain screen into the soffit area. What is the best detail to ventilate More