Cladding clips

[Currantbun]

Hi

I was told that this post didn't belong in the building section, so here goes...

I shall be using a lot of 8mm t&g and am wondering if cladding clips are worth using instead of nails?

Also, are they used for horizontal or vertical cladding?

Thank you.

 

[JohnD]

indoors?

 

[Currantbun]

In a summerhouse. I'd like to clad it horizontally, but looking at the location of the pin hole on the clip, it looks like I'd have to clad from top down, therefore I'll be unable to fit the bottom length of cladding in place due to the tongue.

 

[JohnD]

in a summerhouse, you'll need to use something that can't rust. Clips tend to be steel. Allow a swelling/shrinkage gap. I used small countersunk brass screws to put my shiplap cladding onto battens. This is outdoors, where vertical cladding would rot from the bottom. Only one screw in the centre of each board at each batten; if they are restrained more they will split when they shrink in dry weather.

View media item 4848

 

[Currantbun]

I'm referring to internal cladding.

 

[JohnD]

yes, but it will still get substantial swings in humidity and temperature, so allow for the timber shrinking and swelling.

 

[Currantbun]

I think this is why clips were recommended by my neighbour's handyman.

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.j...ndid=9275450&ecamp=trf-005&CAWELAID=266923041

(shown upside down?)

It doesn't look like they are designed for hanging cladding horizontally, due to the position of the nail hole.

 

[masona]

I shall be using a lot of 8mm t&g and am wondering if cladding clips are worth using instead of nails?

Yes because thin nails tend to split 8mm groove

Also, are they used for horizontal or vertical cladding?

Both

 

[masona]

In a summerhouse. I'd like to clad it horizontally, but looking at the location of the pin hole on the clip, it looks like I'd have to clad from top down, therefore I'll be unable to fit the bottom length of cladding in place due to the tongue.

If you want to start at the bottom, you can use the clips just at the bottom then use secret nails on top. You can start at the top using the clips then at the bottom just nails to the batten which is normally covered by skirting boards

 

[Currantbun]

Thanks for the diagrams! If I start at the top as I mentioned, the bottom length will have to have its tongue sawn off otherwise it won't fit in.

 

[masona]

On the bottom, you should be able to hook the tongue in

 

[JohnD]

if you start at the top, you will need someone to help by lifting each board and holding it up to the one above

if you start at the bottom, gravity will hold them in place for you

 

[KenGMac]

One other thing to consider is why not apply the paint or varnish finish, at least one coat prior to fixing the boards? reason is that when the boards shrink you will have reduced the tendency for a thin line of undecorated timber from showing as a different coloured line on the boards. Also a layer of paint applied to the tongue and into the groove will prolong the life expectency of the entire panel by offering some weather proofing in these areas.

Conventionally the boards tend to be laid from ground up so there can be a tendancy for moisture to enter into the groove.

 

[JohnD]

quite agree, I do that

even though they will be indoors.

always fit with the tongue facing up and the groove facing down, prevents water or dirt getting in.

 

[Currantbun]

Thank you very much for your advice - I'm a lot clearer in my mind which way to go.