How do you find studs behind siding?

Summary:
Finding studs on exterior walls with siding can be challenging due to the thickness of the walls and the additional layers such as stucco, vinyl siding, and brick. However, there are methods you can use to locate studs. One method is to drill small holes behind the loose siding at 1″ intervals until you reach framing. Once you hit a stud, you can drill 1/2″ left and right to find the rough center. Another way is to measure from a fixed point, such as the siding corner or a window, and flex the siding back onto the retention rib to locate the stud. Additionally, you can use alternative methods like measuring from corners, light switches, or windows, looking for dimples in the wall, knocking on the wall, or using magnets to find studs on exterior walls. It’s important to note that stud spacing is normally 16 inches in exterior walls, but 24-inch spacing of 2×4 studs is acceptable if the wall sheathing or siding is of adequate thickness.

Questions:

1. Can a stud finder work through siding?
– Unfortunately, most stud finders cannot effectively scan through siding due to the thickness of the walls and the dense materials used in exterior walls such as stucco, vinyl siding, and brick.

2. How do you find studs on exterior walls with siding?
– One method is to drill small holes behind the loose siding at 1″ intervals until you reach framing. Once you hit a stud, drill 1/2″ left and right to find the rough center. Another way is to measure from a fixed point, such as the siding corner or a window, and flex the siding back onto the retention rib to locate the stud.

3. How do I find a stud on the outside of my house?
– There are several ways to find wall studs without a stud finder. Some methods include measuring from the corner, measuring from a light switch or electrical outlet, measuring from a window, looking for dimples in the wall, knocking on the wall, or using magnets.

4. How do you find a stud in wood siding?
– One method is to measure from one known stud to another. Studs are typically spaced 16 inches apart, and they are often marked with red on a tape measure.

5. Does siding get nailed to studs?
– Yes, siding must be secured into studs or nailable surfaces such as exterior drywall or gypsum board. When using vinyl siding, it can be installed over steel stud framing instead of typical wood framing.

6. Why can’t I find studs on an exterior wall?
– Finding studs on an exterior wall can be challenging. Some methods you can try include locating the nearest light switch or power outlet, looking for dimples in the wall, using windows as a guide, tapping the wall, drilling a hole, fishing around with a wire hanger, or using a stud finder app.

7. How far apart are studs on an exterior wall?
– Stud spacing is normally 16 inches apart in exterior walls. However, in one-story buildings, 24-inch spacing of 2×4 studs is acceptable if the wall sheathing or siding is of adequate thickness to bridge across the studs.

8. How far apart are studs on the outside of a house?
– Stud spacing on the outside of a house is typically the same as on exterior walls, which is normally 16 inches apart. However, as mentioned earlier, 24-inch spacing is acceptable in certain cases if the wall sheathing or siding is of adequate thickness.

9. What materials can the tools sensors not scan through?
– The sensors of stud finders may not be able to scan through dense materials such as stucco, vinyl siding, or brick.

10. What should I do after finding a stud?
– Once you find a stud, you can mark its location and use it as a reference point for other purposes such as hanging shelves, installing cabinets, or mounting televisions.