Everlast Composite Siding is a high-performance, durable, and aesthetically versatile exterior cladding solution designed to mimic the natural beauty of wood without the associated maintenance challenges. Its advanced composite construction—combining inorganic minerals and polymer resins—ensures resistance to moisture, insects, and fading. Proper installation is critical to maximizing the product's performance and longevity. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of the installation process, including surface preparation, panel alignment, expansion considerations, and finishing techniques.
Overview of Everlast Composite Siding
Everlast Composite Siding is a product of modern material science, featuring a solid composite core (referred to as “C CORE”) fused with a color-tinted acrylic capstock. The capstock is embossed to replicate the texture of cedar wood, offering an elegant, natural look. The inorganic mineral and polymer resin core provides structural integrity, while the acrylic cap enhances UV resistance, impact resistance, and overall durability.
The siding planks are available in two primary widths: 4-1/2 inches and 7 inches, with an embossed cedar grain texture. Additionally, Everlast offers a board and batten style, expanding its suitability for a variety of architectural designs. One of the key advantages of Everlast over traditional wood or engineered wood siding is its minimal maintenance requirements—routinely washing with a garden hose is typically sufficient to maintain its appearance.
Everlast planks are designed with an interlocking horizontal edge, allowing for a secure and watertight connection. Unlike some other composite products, Everlast does not feature interlocking ends, enabling panels to be installed from either side of the wall as long as the cut is straight. For panel alignment and joint security, seam brackets are used in the nailing hem, ensuring a strong connection without visible fasteners.
Preparing the Surface for Installation
Before installing Everlast Composite Siding, the wall surface must be properly prepared. A clean, smooth, and dry substrate is essential for achieving a secure and long-lasting installation. The surface should be free of debris, protrusions, or any other material that could interfere with the siding's fit or performance.
A quality underlayment or house wrap is recommended beneath the siding to provide additional protection against weather and moisture. This layer helps to direct water away from the wall structure, reducing the risk of moisture-related issues such as mold, rot, or insulation degradation. On areas where the wall surface changes—such as at rake boards, chimneys, doors, or windows—proper flashing must be installed to manage water runoff effectively.
It is also important to ensure the wall is level and plumb. A plumb line can be used to verify straightness and alignment before proceeding with panel installation. Any irregularities in the wall surface should be addressed before installing the siding to prevent gaps, misalignment, or other issues during the installation process.
Everlast Composite Siding must be installed by a certified Everlast installer. The installation process is extensive and requires precise adherence to the manufacturer’s specifications. While experienced DIY enthusiasts may attempt the project, it is strongly recommended to hire a licensed and trained contractor to ensure compliance with local building codes and to achieve a professional-grade result.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
The installation of Everlast Composite Siding follows a structured approach, beginning with surface preparation and concluding with final inspection. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process.
1. Measuring and Ordering Materials
Before beginning the installation, it is essential to accurately measure the wall dimensions to determine the required amount of siding panels. This includes accounting for windows, doors, and other architectural features. Ordering the correct quantity of panels ensures that the installation can be completed without unnecessary delays or waste.
In addition to the siding panels, it is important to order any necessary accessories, such as starter strips, J-channels, corner posts, and trim pieces. These components help to achieve a polished finish and provide structural support and protection for the siding.
2. Installing the Starter Strip
The first step in the installation process is to attach a starter strip along the bottom edge of the wall. The starter strip serves as a stable base for the first row of siding panels and must be installed level and secure. It is fastened using corrosion-resistant nails or screws, ensuring that it remains in place during the rest of the installation.
The starter strip also provides a reference point for panel alignment, helping to maintain consistent spacing and positioning as the installation progresses.
3. Installing the First Panel
The first siding panel is placed against the starter strip, ensuring that it is aligned correctly and spaced properly. A small gap is left at the ends of the panel to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. This gap is typically the width of a dime or approximately 1/32 inch.
The panel is then secured using corrosion-resistant nails or screws, driven into the wall studs. It is important to ensure that the fasteners penetrate at least ¾ inch into the studs for a secure connection. The nails or screws are positioned in the center of the nail flanges, ensuring that the panel remains flush with the wall surface.
4. Interlocking Joints and Panel Alignment
Subsequent panels are installed by interlocking the tongue and groove joints, creating a seamless and watertight bond. Each panel should be carefully aligned to ensure that it is level and straight. A level can be used to verify the panel’s position as it is installed.
It is important to stagger the seams between panels to improve the appearance and durability of the siding. Seams should be staggered at least two studs apart, or a minimum of 32 inches for walls framed at 16 inches on center. Staggering the seams also helps to distribute stress and prevent the formation of weak points in the wall covering.
5. Cutting and Fitting Panels Around Openings
As the installation progresses, panels must be cut to fit around windows, doors, and other architectural openings. This requires precise measurement and cutting to ensure that the panels fit snugly and maintain the proper expansion gap.
A utility knife or snips can be used to cut the panels to size. When cutting, it is important to maintain a ¼ inch gap around the edges of the cut panel to allow for expansion and contraction. This gap prevents the panel from becoming compressed or buckled due to thermal changes.
For areas where the panel meets a corner or edge, J-channels or trim pieces can be used to cover the exposed edges and provide a finished appearance. These trim pieces also help to protect the panel from weather exposure and physical damage.
6. Installing Trim and Finishing Touches
Once all panels are installed, trim pieces are added to cover the exposed edges and provide a polished finish. This includes corner posts, J-channels, and other trim components that help to reinforce the structure and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the siding.
For vertical installations, such as board and batten siding, the leftmost and rightmost panels must be centered to ensure a balanced and proportional appearance. This is done by measuring the length of the wall, converting it to inches, and dividing it by the panel reveal. The resulting number indicates the total number of panels needed for the wall. The first and last panels are then adjusted to ensure that the spacing is even and symmetrical.
7. Final Inspection and Adjustments
After the installation is complete, a thorough inspection should be conducted to check for any gaps, misalignments, or imperfections. Any issues that are identified should be corrected before the project is finalized. This includes adjusting panel positions, replacing damaged panels, and ensuring that all fasteners are secure and properly placed.
A final visual inspection is also important to confirm that the siding is level, plumb, and aligned with the rest of the wall. This step ensures that the installation meets the manufacturer’s specifications and that the siding performs as intended.
DIY Installation Considerations
While Everlast Composite Siding can be installed by experienced DIY enthusiasts, it is important to consider the level of skill, time, and resources required for the project. The installation process involves precise measurements, careful panel alignment, and the use of specialized tools. Without proper training or experience, it may be difficult to achieve a professional-grade result.
Additionally, the installation must comply with local building codes and regulations. This includes ensuring that the underlayment, flashing, and trim components meet the required standards for weather resistance and structural integrity. A licensed contractor can help to ensure that all aspects of the installation are performed correctly and that the siding meets the necessary performance criteria.
Professional Installation Recommendations
Given the complexity of the installation process and the importance of proper execution, it is strongly recommended to hire a certified Everlast installer for the project. A professional contractor has the knowledge, experience, and tools required to complete the installation efficiently and to the highest standards.
Working with a certified contractor also ensures that the installation is performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. This is important for maintaining the product’s warranty and performance guarantees. A qualified installer can also provide advice on panel selection, color coordination, and design options to help achieve the desired aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Cost Considerations
The cost of installing Everlast Composite Siding can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the project, the complexity of the installation, and the availability of labor and materials. DIY installation can reduce labor costs but requires a significant investment of time and effort. Hiring a professional contractor ensures a high-quality result but increases the overall project cost.
In addition to the cost of labor, the price of materials such as siding panels, trim, and underlayment should be considered. These costs can vary based on the supplier, location, and market conditions. It is important to obtain multiple quotes and compare prices before making a decision.
Expansion and Contraction Considerations
One of the key features of Everlast Composite Siding is its ability to expand and contract in response to temperature changes. This is due to the composite nature of the material, which includes both inorganic minerals and polymer resins. While Everlast does not expand as much as pure PVC, it still requires proper spacing and trim pockets to accommodate movement.
During installation, it is important to leave the recommended expansion gaps at panel ends, seams, and trim connections. These gaps allow the material to expand without causing buckling, warping, or other structural issues. The use of pocked trims and color-matched trim pieces also helps to absorb movement and maintain the integrity of the installation.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
One of the major advantages of Everlast Composite Siding is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood or engineered wood siding, Everlast does not require regular painting, sealing, or staining. An occasional rinse with a garden hose is typically sufficient to maintain its appearance and performance.
However, it is important to inspect the siding periodically for signs of damage, such as cracks, warping, or fading. Any issues that are identified should be addressed promptly to prevent further deterioration. In areas with heavy rainfall or high humidity, it is also important to ensure that the underlayment and flashing are functioning properly to prevent water infiltration.
Conclusion
Everlast Composite Siding offers a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and low-maintenance exterior cladding solution for U.S. homeowners. Its advanced composite construction provides resistance to moisture, insects, and fading, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of architectural styles. Proper installation is critical to ensuring the product performs as intended and maintains its appearance over time.
The installation process involves careful surface preparation, precise panel alignment, and the use of specialized tools and materials. While experienced DIY enthusiasts may attempt the project, it is strongly recommended to hire a certified Everlast installer to ensure a high-quality result. A professional contractor can also help to ensure that the installation complies with local building codes and the manufacturer’s specifications.
Whether installed by a professional or a knowledgeable DIY user, Everlast Composite Siding provides long-term value and performance. With proper care and maintenance, it can enhance the curb appeal and structural integrity of a home for years to come.