installing Hardie lap siding & trim
confused2
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Do you put the corner & window trim pieces on first, then place the lap siding between, butting up against?
Is there a standard size normally used for the corner trim pieces ie: 3.5 (4) or the 5.5 (6) ? Or is it all just a matter of preference?
Replies
I like to run a 2" strip thick enough to be the same as the hardi under where the trim would go. Butt all siding, less a minor gap, then lay over with my finish trim boards. Prevents need to caulk where it shows and makes for a tight corner and windoe.
confused...here's a photo essay that shows a lot of the techniques you are looking for....
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=92880.206
Thanks Mike, I like the angle on the top of your windows
Confused - Size (width) of trim boards is personal preference, usually determined by size of windows in relation to size of house. Always install corner boards and window trim before the Hardie siding. Leave a small gap between siding and trim and caulk. Be sure to either get the thicker (4/4 or 5/4) trim boards, or fur out with strips - to be sure the trim is thicker than the siding at the lap joints, this will give you a good caulk bead. Good luck, we've done a lot of James Hardie (cement board) siding lately and the customers love it!
Thanks. I know we will be happy with it once we get it up. I am really concerned about installation of the trim boards - I have read alot of old posts that it is pretty difficult to work with. We have a couple of trouble spots - there 3 DR windows that the space on the left side of the middle one is 7.25" - perfect size for the 8" nominal, but on the right side it is only 7.0". I think this will mean we will have to rip it 1/4 " - not sure that is even possible.
5/4x4 seems to be popular around here. You might look into Miratec boards. Believe it or not, their ads about being water resistant and what not are not too far off the mark. I had to replace some at my house purely for cosmetic purposes and since I couldn't decide on a suitable replacement, I just whent back to Miratec. The old boards weren't caulked properly but still held up fine.
I couldn't locate a Miratec dealer here. LP smart trim is what is used mostly here. Just don't like that the trim would need to be painted every few years & you can't pressure wash it. Really want (need) no / low maintenance. I was thinking about using Azek, until I saw the price. I found a site for Kleer Trim - which seems to be the same type of product as Azek - cellular PVC - I'll check out the pricing.