Aluminum sidings are one of the trendiest products in the building industry that architects and designers use to create a more efficient cladding system for their projects. Precise management and planning are the primary keys to have a successful application with aluminum sidings. An appropriate installation of these products is essential for ensuring the cladding materials live up to their reputation for quality. The installation method of soffit and aluminum sidings with various features is similar for new construction and renovation projects. However, instructions for different structures are required occasionally. Proper preparation of any project’s design involves care and maintenance, which should prioritize builders. Additionally, contractors and architects must review the local construction codes and regulations before starting the aluminum siding installation process.
Pre-Installation Measurement for Ideal Results
Aluminum sidings installation requires precise measurement for better results in stability and quality. All buildings can be broken down into various shapes, including rectangles, triangles, and a combination of both. The section of the building which requires siding for its facade is determined by measuring the building’s heigh ad width. This includes doors, windows, and other functional elements of the facility. The architects should sum all measurements for the building’s facade while not deducting the dimensions of doors and windows. Including different sections of the building’s cladding will allow architects to determine the waste factor. However, for substantial areas such as the garage, some deduction will be essential.
Aluminum Sidings Installation Guideline
Before starting the installation procedure for aluminum sidings, it is crucial to check several factors and rules for the cladding application. Like other cladding materials such as ACM panels or ACP, efficient building products expand and contract due to temperature change. Depending on the construction’s location, the expansion and contraction factors can vary. Thus, architects are responsible for accounting and considering these factors for preventing the aluminum sidings from having severe damages and bulking. These damages will affect the appearance of the building’s facade, so experienced builders suggest a standard aluminum sidings installation guideline for obtaining the best results. The followings are the essentials required for the installation standard.
- The aluminum sidings or even wood sidings should not be stored in an area where temperature can exceed fifty-four centigrade.
- Whether they are ACM panels or sidings, the panels should have space for free momentum to move efficiently from side to side, preventing damages from contraction and expansion.
- Builders should push up the product from the bottom until the attachment solution locks completely compact with the below section during the process. However, it is essential to force up or down the facade material when fixing it in the position. Stretching the aluminum siding or ACM panels upward can warp the natural radius and increase the friction in the locks.
- Installers should avoid nailing at the edge of the material. Thus, it is recommended to use nails in the slot center with precision to avoid permanent damages. However, in case of need for nailing at the slot ends, it is crucial to extend the length with tools such as nail slot punch.
- Avoid caulking the ACP materials or aluminum sidings in the section where they meet the j-trim receiver, inside and outside corner posts.
- Another essential thing in the installation standard is to avoid face-nailing or to staple through the siding material.
- Furring and removing old or damaged aluminum sidings will be necessary for renovation or residing projects.
Required Tools and Equipment
Like other industrial materials installation processes, installing aluminum sidings requires some primary tools such as hammers, tooth saws, chalk lines, levels, tape measures, and squares. However, they are other equipment that is necessary for the process and are as followed:
Utility knife: This tool helps cut, score, and trim aluminum sidings. It is good to note that fabricating metal claddings that are made from aluminum is relatively easy.
Tin Snips: For increasing the speed of cutting and shaping metal sidings, it is good to use high-quality compound aviation-type supplies and tin snips.
Snap Lock: These tools are perfect for punching lugs in the cut ends of the building’s cladding materials. Snap locks and their punches are practical for finishing the course of the top of the material and the area underneath the windows.
Slot punch: Hole elongation is required for providing allowance in materials for contraction and expansion movements. Installers can use nail hole slot punch to create holes for further screwing and attaching.
Detaching Tools: For removing or replacing old siding panels, it is essential to use detaching tools. Using this tool requires precision and experience due to its complexity compared to other aluminum sidings installation equipment.
