davidfite1978
Well-known member
Those that have installed SmartSide panels, I would love to hear your comments.
I've ordered my panels and will hopefully start installing this weekend. I have a couple of questions about how you guys think I should install though. My previous garage used SmartSide panels, but the walls were 8ft high, so I didn't have any seams. I'm going to have at least 1 seam (shortest wall is 9ft), and maybe 2 seams on the big walls. The manufacturer's instructions say to use z-flashing on the horizontal seams. My wife is worried about the "look" of the garage with those visible horizontal lines. That being said, here's my questions...
1.Regardless of voiding the warranty, would it be possible to just caulk those horizontal joints heavily and put a good thick coat of paint over them and get it sealed up good?
2.If I DO use the z-flashing, how does that work on the corners? How do you transition into the corner (inner or outer) without there being a point of heavy caulking or something? I can't see an easy way to make that transition without messing up the intended point of using z-flashing on the horizontal seam, and corner mold on the corners. If there ISN'T a good way to transition without heavy caulking or something, then does that mean my answer to number 1 should be yes, I can just caulk it, because it's no different than the weak/caulking points at the corners when using z-flashing?
3.Also, my windows are the new construction type with built in J channels for siding. I think there's going to be a gap between the face of the smartside and the lip of the window. Should I just fill all that in with caulk, or cut down a board and slide in their and seal it in good or what? I don't want water coming down and getting in behind the smartside at the bottom of the window.
Hopefully that makes sense.
I've ordered my panels and will hopefully start installing this weekend. I have a couple of questions about how you guys think I should install though. My previous garage used SmartSide panels, but the walls were 8ft high, so I didn't have any seams. I'm going to have at least 1 seam (shortest wall is 9ft), and maybe 2 seams on the big walls. The manufacturer's instructions say to use z-flashing on the horizontal seams. My wife is worried about the "look" of the garage with those visible horizontal lines. That being said, here's my questions...
1.Regardless of voiding the warranty, would it be possible to just caulk those horizontal joints heavily and put a good thick coat of paint over them and get it sealed up good?
2.If I DO use the z-flashing, how does that work on the corners? How do you transition into the corner (inner or outer) without there being a point of heavy caulking or something? I can't see an easy way to make that transition without messing up the intended point of using z-flashing on the horizontal seam, and corner mold on the corners. If there ISN'T a good way to transition without heavy caulking or something, then does that mean my answer to number 1 should be yes, I can just caulk it, because it's no different than the weak/caulking points at the corners when using z-flashing?
3.Also, my windows are the new construction type with built in J channels for siding. I think there's going to be a gap between the face of the smartside and the lip of the window. Should I just fill all that in with caulk, or cut down a board and slide in their and seal it in good or what? I don't want water coming down and getting in behind the smartside at the bottom of the window.
Hopefully that makes sense.
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