T-111 Siding Installation Procedures

Nailing

• T-111 comes in standard 4-by-8 feet sections as plywood does. Because it is virtually the same as plywood many homebuilders use it directly over the exterior sheath of the home without any additional siding on top of it. Zinc or stainless steel nails are used to prevent rusting. Screws, such as those used for a deck, can also be used but are more expensive and give no extra value in return.

Two-Person Crew

• The average single-story home is built to allow a standard sheet to drop into place without any cutting. Siding with T-111 works much better with a two-person crew, one to fetch and hold, and the other to nail. Start with the corner edge of the home and work toward the center. The holder centers the sheet on the home framing studs, while the nailer places several nails around the edges to hold it in place. While the assistant is off fetching the next sheet the nailer finishes nailing around the edges to give the T-111 a secure seating.

Trimming

• T-111 cuts quickly with a table, jig or circular saw. When approaching a window or doorway careful measurement is required to cut the siding into the proper shape. The window or door trim will cover any mistakes but a good craftsman doesn't want to leave any potential gaps for moisture or cold air to seep through. The T-111 edges are butted against one another at the side of the home without a miter. Flashing underneath the siding and an edge trim piece are required to prevent moisture or air from entering at that point.

Stain and Paint

• A two-story home requires two pieces of T-111 be stacked upon each other. If the roof line is horizontal then there will be little or no cutting of the higher pieces. A cathedral ceiling requires the siding be cut along the top to match the angle of the roof line. Plywood T-111 can be stained or painted, but the newer style can only be painted. T-111 lost much of its popularity after several decades because the siding didn't weather well with only stain or paint protecting it.