Should You Install Your Own Cladding?
With summer in full swing, many people are working in their gardens with various building projects. Maybe some are building a storage shed, while others are building a workshop. At some point, you’ll want to finish the outside of your structure. At this point, should you install your own cladding? The truth is, if you can read instructions, you probably will do just fine. Here are some tips for installing cladding on your own.
Use Vapor Barrier
May people forego the use of a vapor barrier when they are just building a shed. But, keep in mind that this shed is protecting your property, and you want it to last. A vapor barrier will help to reduce water condensation that can damage the structure and allow moisture to damage the materials in the shed. This added protection will prolong the life of your shed and the items inside.
Use Clamps
Depending on the lengths of cladding you plan to install, you may need clamps. It’s hard to nail up a 3 metre strip of cladding all by yourself. Place the strip where it needs to be, and clamp one end of it in place. Then, follow the strip down a bit, and fasten it in place. Move down a little more, and add another nail or screw. This way, your cladding will be straight. If you have someone to help, that’s even better, but at least with clamps you will be able to support both ends of the strip of cladding.
Start at the Bottom
It is important to start at the bottom of your structure as you install cladding. The strips are designed to shed water, and you want to overlap across the top of each strip. It is important to make sure your cladding is acclimatized to your area so that it won’t warp or split once it is installed. If you keep it level, overlap at the top, and use properly cured timber, the cladding will protect your building.
Step Back
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After every 2 or 3 rows, you should step back and look at your work. Does it still look straight? Are there any gaps? Take your level and your plumb bob and check everything. A fraction off, and when you reach the end of the job, you will be off much more. It tends to get worse with each row.
Not Just Buildings
If you have any scraps left over, there are a lot of things you can build with them. In fact, some of these are worthy projects on their own, and can add versatility to your outdoor spaces.
Cedar cladding, which resists rot, is great for building planters. Build your frame, just as you would if you were building a tool box, and attach the cladding to the frame. You can add a wooden bottom, if you like, or mesh, if the planter won’t be moved.
Cladding is also great in fencing and as a border around your deck.
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