Should I remove the siding and start over?

Question

I've sheathed/sided my 10x12 shed with grooved T-1-11 4x8 plywood panels. The panels are constructed with rabbet type ends so one side of the board will overlap the end of another board at the seam. Each wall of the shed uses 3 panels, so there are 2 seams on each wall.

Unfortunately I did not put the recommended 1/16" expansion slots between the panels where they overlap, so the panels are in contact at the overlap.

Is the lack of a gap a significant risk factor when there are only 3 panels / 2 joints on a wall? Can I live with it or do I really need to unscrew the zillion screws and reposition these panels to have a 1/16" gap?

Answer 1

They will be fine. If you are really concerned, you could take a circular saw and saw in a shallow expansion joint.

Answer 2

You should be ok with what you have. Ideally, you want to leave a small gap for expansion, but 1/16" is not that much anyway. You should seal/stain/paint all of this siding (particularly the joints with extra coats) so that it will be much less likely to absorb moisture (the main reason for leaving an expansion joint in the first place). And screws were a good choice - nails left exposed can work their way out a bit over years but screws stay put.

Answer 3

You will prob. be O.K. Depending on where you are and weather conditions. I advise you to keep close eye on prob. for 1st year or so but wouldn't change unless i saw potential prob. There is less of risk if you just put them snug if you jammed them tight you are more likely to have problems.

Answer 4

do NOT saw in an expansion joint,if you seal the t-111 well it will most likely shrink,not expand,you should be alright unless your climate is especially humid

Answer 5

On a shed this size you should be able to live with this.