How to: Garage Exterior Wall Sheathing T1-11
T1-11 siding contains plywood with vertical grooves and displays a natural wood look. The 4-foot by 8-foot sheets create the feel of wood siding without having to attach small, individual slats. The size of the panels makes sheathing a garage quick work. Sheathing the exterior walls of a garage occurs before the walls are insulated or the inside work is done. It creates a finished look to the outside and provides weather protection to the inside of the work area.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Twine
- Carpenter’s level
- Galvanized nails
- Hammer
- Circular saw
- Primer
- Paint
- Sealant
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1
Remove any debris and dirt from the side of the garage. Brush the wall studs down with a stiff-bristled broom. Tie up any branches and shrubs with twine that may interfere with the installation of the siding. Create a clear path around the garage.
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2
Place the first sheet against the wall and use a carpenter’s level to keep the T1-11 siding straight. Start paneling the garage in one of the bottom corners. Attach the siding to the wall with galvanized nails and a hammer. Place a nail into each corner to hold the sheet in place. Drive a nail into the T1-11 every 12 to 18 inches along each stud behind the siding.
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3
Set the next sheet of T1-11 next to the first piece, lining up the side grooves on each piece. Continue to nail the sheets of siding to the garage. Measure and cut pieces of siding with a circular saw to fit around windows and doors. Cut pieces of siding that don't fit the space near the corner.
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4
Measure and cut the pieces of T1-11 to fit under the eaves of the garage. Attach the second row of siding by lining up the grooves, which makes it look like it was installed all in one piece. Do not overlap the bottom pieces with the top pieces. The siding pieces should fit tightly together in a neat, even seam.
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5
Cover the T1-11 siding with two or three coats of exterior primer with a large paintbrush, paint roller or a paint sprayer hooked to a compressor. Let the primer dry completely, then paint the siding with the desired color of exterior paint. Finally, weatherproof the siding with a coat of exterior sealant.
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1
Tips & Warnings
This project is easier with multiple people working on it. Three or four people are ideal. Two people can hold the siding, another checks the straightness and another person nails the sheet in place.
Don't leave T1-11 unpainted since it's vulnerable to moisture. T1-11 siding warps, shrinks or swells when wet. If the paint chips or scratches, then the siding begins to rot.
