Finding Studs Through Aluminum Siding

Insulation sheathing vapor barrier.

Finding studs through aluminum siding.

Keeping these points in mind here are the ways i ve been most successful at finding studs. Walk very slowly along the exterior siding while holding the stud finder. The better way is to locate the edges of the osb sheathing. A little light will go off or the finder will make a beeping noise when it finds a stud.

Too many layers will give you a false reading. Ranging in price from 10 to 50 an electric stud finder will locate the center of any stud that that is covered by less. Remove the section of siding at the elevation you plan on mounting the awning at. Best way is from the inside.

For example if you locate an interior stud 12 inches from the corner add the thickness of the drywall usually 1 2 inch plus the thickness of the studs which is 3 1 2 inches if the studs are two by fours. Since the baseboard is attached to the studs. You may detect a nail in the sheathing and it won t be a stud. Add another 1 2 inch for the boxing and 3 4 inch for standard lap siding.

Stud finders are the best way to consistently locate the center of studs. This is not always the case depending on the installer. The best way to find a stud while working on on the outside whether brick siding or stone is to use an electronic stud finder. The manufacturers listed above are not available at all locations.

Look at the trim for where it has been nailed to a stud. Print cd flanged pdf. Home shop flanged capacitor discharge studs aluminum flanged capacitor discharge studs aluminum 20 00 345 00. Using a stud finder on the outside is hit or miss.

Using a window as a location guide use a stud finder on the inside to locate a stud or two and transfer that to the outside. Add the 5 1 4 inch thickness of the wall to the 12 inches. Draw a mark at the exact location where the stud finder locates a stud. In theory the siding should be nailed at the studs.

Welds can be made to thin sheet without pronounced distortion burn through or discoloration.