Installation Guide

horizontal panel installation

FIG 12.2

EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION

To allow for expansion and contraction, panels should over-

lap each other by approximately 1/2" (FIG 12.1). A minimal

amount of expansion and contraction will occur during hot or

cold temperatures. The normal rate of expansion and contrac-

tion is 1/16" per 12' panel over a 100°F temperature change. In

some regions, panel temperatures can swing 100°F in a single

day. Therefore, it is critical to leave a 1/16" gap at the end of

the panel into all channels and corner posts to prevent waving

and buckling.

MINIMIZING SEAMS

To diminish the visibility of seams, start installing panels away

from entrances and work towards them. On the side of the

structure, begin at the rear corner and work towards the front to

make lapping less noticeable.

RANDOM SEAM STAGGERING

To achieve attractive installation, strategically stagger seams

between panels of siding. Plan to have a minimum of 2' dis-

tance between seams. For seams that line up vertically, have

a minimum of two rows of siding between them. Avoid panel

arrangements that call attention to seams such as stair stepping.

Instead, use a random pattern (FIG 12.2).

FIG 12.1

steel siding installation