Installation Video Series, Part 2: Installing LP® SmartSide® Lap Siding

Previously, we took a look at how to install trim and fascia on a home using LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding products. Now that your trim has been installed, let’s explore a few helpful guidelines to installing lap siding.

LP SmartSide Precision Series Lap Siding can be installed over code-approved nailable sheathing, or directly to framing. If you install lap siding over framing, use Precision 76 Series Panel Siding for framing spaced 24″ on center, or use Precision 38 Series lap siding for framing spaced 16″ on center.

Ensure Level Hanging

Begin installing by snapping a level chalkline along the bottom of the wall. Make sure it is level by measuring from the top of the wall down to your clearance height. Remember, the ground clearance is required six inches above grade and one inch above all other surfaces. Do not install the lap siding in contact with concrete, masonry or brick.

Before you can hang your first course of lap, you will want to install a starter shim to give you the proper angle for the first course of lap. You will have to make many cuts throughout the job to fit your materials to the home. When you cut LP SmartSide products to size, always apply primer and paint to the field cuts with a high-quality, 100% acrylic latex paint.

Using a nail gun makes quick work of installing LP SmartSide products. You will want to use a minimum of .113-inch shank diameter, hot-dipped, galvanized box-style nail with a minimum of .270-inch head diameter. The nails should be long enough to penetrate the structural framing by at least 1-1/2 inches. 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 hole by more than 1/8″, seal the hole and renail it.

Hanging the First Course of Lap

Now that the level starter shim is fastened and in place, you can begin your first course of lap siding. Make sure that the piece is level, and that the ends land on studs. Then start nailing from one end to the other on every stud. When blind-nailing LP SmartSide lap products, place the nails roughly 3/8″ from the siding’s ends and roughly 3/4″ from the top edge. Be sure to allow for 3/16″ space at each end of the lap and each butt joint. Overlap successive courses by a minimum of one inch, and remember to stagger your joints over stud locations for a more natural appearance.

Once your trim and siding is hung, it’s time to seal all expansion joints and corner joints with an ASTM C920, Class 25 sealant.

Find detailed installation instructions for LP SmartSide Lap Siding in the LP SmartSide Installation Video Series.