Replies

1. 
   Scott | Nov 02, 2009 11:31pm | #1

   >>>Hello. Just to be sure. Do butt joints on Hardiplank siding have to fall over studs?

   Good question. This issue has changed over the years. I'd start by having a look at the Hardi instructions for your region, available on their website.

   In my area, the instruction used to allow for nailing 12"OC without hitting studs as long as you were nailing into OSB. Now I see that they want you to hit studs.

   I opted not to, and haven't had any problems.

   >>>Should I use stainless fasteners or hot dipped galvy?

   There's plenty of discussion in the archives; you might want to do a search. Most guys use SS if you are face nailing, HDG if blind, which is what I did.

   Scott.

1. 
   blownonfuel | Nov 02, 2009 11:46pm | #2

   Thanks Scott. I will hit studs when I can but was not sure about a butt joint needing to be over a stud. I looked at their website and downloaded the install instructions but it is not clear on the butt joints. One other thing. How should the siding be staggered as far as the joints go?
   Would you do something like first row 12', next row 10',next 8'and so on?

1. 
   frammer52 | Nov 03, 2009 12:00am | #3

   The first row of siding I always used the 9,6,3 formula.  After that, the drops were the starters.

   I always try when siding to hit the studs.  Whild not critical if you follow the protical, I always tried as mostly worked on new construction and the insulators liked not having to watch out for the nails.

    

   Dave

2. 
   Scott | Nov 03, 2009 12:06am | #4

   >>>I looked at their website and downloaded the install instructions but it is not clear on the butt joints.Yeah, the text doesn't mention it explicitly, but I see that EVERY picture shows butt joints over studs.>>>How should the siding be staggered as far as the joints go?
   Would you do something like first row 12', next row 10',next 8'and so on?Yup, it's all about aesthetics. I staggered mine as you say, but if you really want to hit studs and they are 16"OC, then you'll need to stagger them a little tighter.Scott.

1. 
   blownonfuel | Nov 03, 2009 12:29am | #5

   Thanks Guys.

3. 
   DanH | Nov 03, 2009 06:28am | #10

   IMO, a random pattern for the joints looks better. If you skip over a uniform amount on each course the stair-step pattern can get pretty obvious.
   A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter

1. 
   Scott | Nov 03, 2009 06:53am | #11

   >>>IMO, a random pattern for the joints looks better.True. Problem is, if you relax your mind, throw caution to the wind, and let the randomness come forth, you might end up with an ugly surprise. (Don't ask me how I know this.)Hence, most of the siding guys I know take a somewhat formulaic approach. I know, randomness and formulaic don't always belong in the same sentence, but in this case it works.8, 10, 12 etc....(or some other dimension).Scott.

1. 
   DanH | Nov 03, 2009 07:03am | #12

   Well, you've got to think about it a little. Working with 16' sticks on 16" centers I tend to go over 8' with the first, then 32", then 8' + 32", then 64" etc. Usually by then a window comes into play to break things up further.
   A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter

   Edited 11/2/2009 11:04 pm by DanH

2. 
   Snort | Nov 04, 2009 03:33am | #14

   Hardi only comes in 12'... and with corner boards, you're cutting anyway, if you want to land on studs, which is where I like to land... all while mixing things up.http://www.tvwsolar.com

   We'll have a kid

   Or maybe we'll rent one

   He's got to be straight

   We don't want a bent one

   He'll drink his baby brew

   From a big brass cup

   Someday he may be president

   If things loosen up

2. 
   blownonfuel | Nov 03, 2009 06:12pm | #13

   Thanks Dan.

2. 
   Dam_inspector | Nov 03, 2009 02:23am | #6

   There is a company that makes "off stud joiners" for fibercement. I can see if I can find out any more info if you're interested.

   http://www.prosidingaccessories.com/files/OSJ_Installation.pdf

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/2/2009 6:26 pm ET by Dam_inspector

1. 
   blownonfuel | Nov 03, 2009 04:46am | #7

   Thanks but I'm going to go ahead and make sure I am over a stud.

3. 
   danno7x | Nov 03, 2009 05:13am | #8

   I say don't worry about the ends landing on the studs, are you going to nail that close to the edge on each piece? I belive you will break the siding trying to nail that close to the ends, so it wouldn't do much good.  I try to keep them back about an 1 1/2" or so, by all means aim for the studs for the body of the piece but not the ends.

   12,9,6? 12,10,8? Do you want the siding to look like a staircase? I prefer a "random" look. 12 - 6 - 9 - 3. looks completely "random" and nice.

   You ask about nails, what kind are you using? Siding nail (6) or a roofing nail? I use roofers electro plated or however they come, unless your in a salt environment I think thats fine

1. 
   blownonfuel | Nov 03, 2009 06:09am | #9

   Thanks for the info. Danno.

   I like the idea of the random look. I'll have to see if my wife likes that or not. If moma is not happy, nobody is happy.

   I'm using Maze HDG 6d siding nails.