Installation Video Series, Part 1: Installing LP® SmartSide® Trim & Fascia

Previously, we took a look at some of the important benefits of LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding products in the Introduction to the LP SmartSide Installation Video Series. Now let’s take a look at detailed installation guidelines that will educate you on how to install our trim and fascia products.

Installing Trim & Fascia

LP SmartSide trim and fascia can be applied over studs spaced a maximum of 24 inches on center. When installing your trim, keep in mind your trim must extend beyond the thickness of the lap siding. For base trim applications, be sure to allow proper clearances between other structures and the trim: a six-inch clearance above grade and a one-inch clearance above all rooflines, sidewalks, patios, decks and other finished surfaces.

Remember, do not install your trim and fascia in contact with masonry, concrete or brick. When you cut your LP SmartSide products to size, always apply primer and paint to the field cuts with a high-quality, 100% acrylic latex paint.

Nailing Requirements

Using a nail gun makes quick work of installing LP SmartSide products. You’ll want to use a minimum of .113-inch shank diameter hot-dipped galvanized box-style nails with a minimum of 0.27-inch head diameter. The nails should be long enough to penetrate the structural framing by at least one inch. Always set your nail gun so the head of the nail is snug against the siding or flush with the siding surface. Try to avoid overdriving the nails. If you do, seal the hole and exposed substrate with an ASTM C920, Class 25 Sealant.

If you overdrive the nail by more than 1/8-inch, seal the hole and renail it. When applying the trim, you must space all butt joints and ends a minimum of 3/16-inch, then fasten with four nails into the stud, two nails on either side of the butt joint.

Installing Trim on Vertical Corners

You’ll want to position the trim so that the long, vertical seam is not showing at the front of the home. To do this, extend the piece of trim on the front side of the home beyond the end of the wall, so that the adjacent piece of trim can butt its edge behind the front piece. This will give your trim a seamless look from a curb appeal view.

All LP SmartSide trim should be fastened with the nails spaced a maximum of 24 inches apart, with at least two nails in each stud. Or you may fasten every 12 inches with a pattern alternating edges along the trim. Every nail should be placed 3/8-inch from the corresponding outside edge. It is common when applying trim to corners to have to nail into the edge of the adjacent trim board. LP SmartSide trim may be fastened in this way, but remember that you must pre-drill all nail holes first.

Installing Trim Around Windows & Doors

When installing trim around windows and doors, there are two preferred methods: butted end joints and diagonal cut joints. Keep in mind you do not need to space the ends of trim when installing around windows and doors only. Give your trim a little extra room around the perimeter of the window or door by leaving a 3/16-inch space around the window frame. Fasten the trim with the same nailing requirements mentioned earlier.

Windows will require a Z flashing above the window. Don’t forget to allow for a 3/8-inch space between flashing and the trim edge. Do not apply sealant in any space where flashing is integrated. Use the same nailing requirements when installing LP SmartSide fascia over a sub-fascia. Remember to use Z flashing above all horizontal trim and bandboards.

In addition to watching this video, we highly recommend that you follow the detailed installation instructions for LP SmartSide trim and siding for homes found at www.LPSmartSide.com.