Step By Step Process Of Installing Masonite Siding
Masonite siding is usually used when it comes to covering or protecting the exterior walls of some homes. In spite of the fact that it is not as frequently used as other sidings, however, those who do use it find that it is often the preferred siding. This is usually due to the reason that it has good durability and the pre-painted finish generally needs less maintenance. The time period needed to install Masonite panels can be reduced by installing them using an air gun. Installing Masonite siding is not a difficult task, however, you still will need to take care in aligning these panels before nailing them.
Thing's You Will Need
- Safety Goggles & Air Gun
- Circular Saw & Chalk Line
- Pencil & T-Square
- 4-Foot Level, Nails & Marker
- Masonite Siding & Tape Measure
Step 1: Measure Your Wall Surface
Due to the reason that Masonite is generally supplied in 4' X 8' panels, it is important to determine the number of panels needed in order to cover your home's exterior walls. You can do this using a tape measure having a long tape, and calculate or compute the height as well as the width of each wall surface you are planning to cover. Now, multiply the height times the width. For instance, if the height of your wall is 10 feet and the width is 30 feet, the square footage will total 300 square feet. Then, you need to divide this figure (32 square feet) by the square foot area of your Masonite panel. The result will be roughly 10, meaning you would normally need about 10 panels.
Step 2: Make Allowance For Odd Shaped Pieces
If you are planning for the number of sheets required to cover your 10-foot wall and to install your panels vertically, then you will have two feet at the top of each panel that you are looking to cover. To cover the length of your 30-foot wall, install seven panels side-by-side, leaving a two-foot space left to cover. You will need to cut two-foot strips from other panels in order to cover these two-foot top as well as side spaces, so take this into account when purchasing your panels.
Step 3: Attach Your First Row Of Panels
Before you attach & secure your first row of panels, it is important to determine if you are looking to place the panels vertically or horizontally on your wall. Next, position your four-foot level at the outside edge of the house where you are planning to install your first panel. Make sure that the edge of the house is plumb. If it is not plumb, and if you are going to install your first sheet even with the outside edge, all your panels will be installed marginally off plumb. To avoid this, trim the edges of your first panels in order to make sure when you attach them they will be plumb and level. Then, all consecutive panels will be plumb.
Step 4: Nail Your Panels
Place your first panel on the wall with the edge arranged or grouped with the outside wall edge. Use your air gun in order to insert nails at the two top corners of the siding, before inserting additional nails down the edges of the panel and across the bottom at six-inch intervals. Attach the rest of your panels exactly the same way, adjoining the panel edges as long as you have covered the entire wall.