Installing Panel Siding | Better Homes & Gardens

Sheet panel siding is an affordable option for covering a home's exterior. These products have gotten a bad reputation in recent years due to reports of panels that buckle, delaminate, or come loose from the wall. But if you choose the panels and fasteners carefully and follow correct installation procedures, plywood panels can last a long time.

Cement-fiber panels are somewhat more water-repellent than plywood but should be installed with the same care as plywood. Hardboard panels are often the least expensive option, but they are easily damaged and soak up moisture like a proverbial sponge if not kept well covered with paint at all points.

Panels are typically available in 8- and 12-foot lengths. Longer panels may enable you to minimize the number of horizontal joints between panels. Either way, expect to spend about a day installing 1200 square feet of panel with a helper. Before you begin, cover the sheathing with building wrap and install trim boards and flashings.

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Installing Panel Siding | Better Homes & Gardens