Not all exterior siding options are created equal. LP shed products are beautiful and exceptionally durable to make your storage building or other structure a cut above the rest. If you’re ready to start a shed project, check out this video to see some quick tips for success when installing LP® SmartSide® panel siding.
When building your shed, make sure to keep LP SmartSide panel siding at least six inches from the ground. To achieve this, use blocks on a gravel base or materials designed for ground contact under the skids. You’ll get the proper ground clearance and be able to level your shed.
Avoid making long vertical cuts by ensuring all LP SmartSide panel joints meet on a stud. If they don’t, you can always add an extra stud where the panels meet. If you have to cut a panel, make the cut at the end of the wall where it will be covered by trim.
Always install your windows and flashing to the studs before you hang your LP SmartSide panel siding. Carefully cut the window opening in the panel with a 3/16-inch gap along the sides and the bottom of the window, and a 3/8-inch gap along the top. This will allow you to slope the flashing to channel water over the window head.
It’s easy to install LP SmartSide panels perfectly straight by nailing a level 2×4 ledger board around the floor joists. Position and secure the panels per your nailing instructions, then remove the ledger board.
LP offers many siding design ideas that will put your shed project a cut above the rest. To view a gallery of projects and complete installation instructions, visit www.LPShed.com.
See Lap Application Tips and Tricks for LP SmartSide. Stay tuned for more Quick Tips Videos, coming soon!
At LP, we understand the challenging dynamics of the building industry—deadlines, limited skilled workforces, potential liabilities, reputation management and inventory shortages, just to name a few—and how those are amplified during this time of unparalleled unknown amid COVID-19.
Continue ReadingWhile LP® FlameBlock® Fire-Rated Sheathing offers both flame-spread and burn-through resistance, it’s important to remember these are different concepts as they relate to construction and the code. Flame spread is the propagation of flame across the surface of a material and can be minimized with “fire retardants” that delay ignition. Burn through is the penetration of flame through an assembly and is countered by the “fire resistance” of the assembly. And then there is the notion of “fireproof” materials. As a refresher, let’s ask a few experts the definition of each term.
In the building business, in-person communication has always been a vital component in talking to potential clients in a personable, efficient way. With social distancing disrupting common business practices, like in-person meetings, building professionals have had to pivot plans to adjust to the current landscape while maintaining a steady stream of business.
LP® Structural Solutions products help you build better and stronger. To make our high-performance products even easier to install, here are a few Structural Solutions installation tips from pro contractors Jordan Smith of @jordansmithbuilds and Kyle Stumpenhorst of @rrbuildings: