Installation Video Series, Part 3: Installing LP® SmartSide® Panel Siding

It can be common practice for some builders to finish the front of a home with lap siding, and the remaining walls with panel siding. LP® SmartSide® Panel Siding comes in lengths of eight to 10 feet long, and equipped with shiplap edges. This can save money and time during installation.

Once flashing and trim have been properly installed, you can begin hanging your panel siding. But first, let’s not forget some of LP’s basic requirements that we covered in Part 2 of this series.

Installing Panel Siding

All LP SmartSide panel siding may be installed over 16" on-center framing. When installed over 24" on-center framing, you must use Precision 190 Series panel siding. Using a nail gun makes quick work of installing LP SmartSide products. You 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 one and one-half 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 a nail is overdriven by more than 1/8", seal the hole and renail it.

Proper Flashing Guidelines

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. The base trim piece must be flashed with Z-flashing. Allow for a 3/8-inch gap above the flashing before installing your panel siding. You'll want to treat every horizontal joint with flashing and spacing when hanging LP SmartSide panel siding.

Position your panel siding so it is level, and the shiplap edges fall on the center of studs. You will then use a double nailing technique along the shiplap edge. Nail through the shiplap on the first panel, then nail 1" from the edge at the overlap flange on the second overlapping panel. When nailing the rest of your LP SmartSide panel siding, make sure you space your nails no more than 6 inches apart from the panel edges, around the perimeter, and no more than 12" apart at the intermediate stud supports.

Whenever your panels butt against windows, doors or trim, leave a minimum of 3/16" space. Remember, when installing LP SmartSide panel siding around windows, Z-flashing will be required above the window. Don't forget to allow for a 3/8" space between the flashing edge and the siding edge. Do not apply sealant in any space where flashing is integrated.

For more detailed information on siding products from LP SmartSide and complete installation instructions, visit the  LP SmartSide Installation Video Series.