Everything You Need to Know About Crane Board Siding Installation

By Lilyanne Rice - On Aug 18, 2023

Replacing the siding is a sure way to uplift the exterior and enhance the curb appeal. Siding is also important in protecting your home from harsh weather conditions while reducing energy bills. Moreover, you are likely to enjoy a peaceful life in your home away from outside noise. However, if replacing the siding of your home has become your second name, you need to start thinking of more durable choices. And, that is where crane board siding comes in. Read on to learn everything that you need about this most preferred siding among homeowners. Whether you are using a professional or changing the siding yourself, this guide can help you through the process.

Benefits of using Crane board siding

Crane board siding is highly regarded among homeowners. And, it is all for good reasons. Here are the benefits that you stand to gain with crane board siding:

Compared to other siding options such as cement, brick, engineered wood and vinyl, crane board siding offers more protection to your home against different elements such as harsh weather conditions, noise, and termites
It comes with a variety of designs and colors to give your home’s exterior a clean and polished look. This also means that you say goodbye to painting as crane board siding comes with finishes that remain intact over a long time
Crane board siding expands and shrinks with the changes in the environment. This means that it doesn’t crack, sag or warp easily. It is also built to withstand hard impacts such as strong winds without becoming dented
It gives your home a look of stunning cedar siding with less maintenance requirements that come with other types of siding such as engineered wood
Crane board comes with a solid core that minimizes outside noise by up to 45%, letting you enjoy a life of peace

Installation process step-by-step

Installing crane board siding can be a complicated process especially if you aren’t so handy. It would be ideal to work with professionals to achieve the look that you expect. Engaging providers of siding services in American Canyon, Sacramento, San Diego or any other city leaves the guesswork out for a more professional finish that will protect your home from calamities such as water damage. But if you are up to the task, here are the steps to take.

Get all the tools needed to make your installation easier ready. These tools include a circular saw, utility knife, hammer, step ladder, zip tool, tape measure, nails, speed square among. It is also important to ensure your safety eye and ear protection and a mask.
Remove the old siding
Install a house wrap if your home doesn’t have one to prevent your home from water damage
Mark the outline of the siding using chalk marks
Install the starter strip while leaving room for corner posts
Start by installing the inside corner posts at about three quarters inch from the starter strip
Then install outside corner posts and make sure to cap to cap them. It is ideal to leave a gap where the posts meet the eaves at about a quarter inch
Install the J-channel trim on all four sides of the doors and windows and don’t forget to install flashing
Start installing the crane board siding panels while working your way up
Lastly, work around the gable

Essential tips for a successful installation

Embarking on a siding installation project is no mean feat. You want to make sure that you do a clean job to avoid costly rectifications later. Here are some helpful tips:

Leave room for expanding and contracting by not nailing tight. Make sure to nail at the center of the slot and leave enough space in channels to allow for this
Use a wider starter strip to protect your home from pests snow and rain
Make sure to cap the corner posts to keep pests such as bees and mice away
When nailing the panels, apply some little pressure upwards to ensure that they are locked together well
Be sure to use the right saw for cutting the siding panels to avoid shattering
Remember to nail a piece of flashing on the windows before installing the J-channels to ensure proper drainage of water and avoid water damage issues in the future
Install the J-channel underneath the corner posts to give water that gets into the J-channel a way out
Ensure that you do your measurements properly and allow the panels to overlap by an inch

Conclusion

Crane board siding has been proven to protect homes in a way that other siding options cant. Deciding on this type of siding is a sure investment that not only leaves your home looking good, but also adds value. However, you need to be able to install it perfectly to avoid troubles later on. The above steps can be a guideline on how to go about this. The tips provided also go a long way in ensuring a successful process.