Expansion joints in sapele exterior trim ?

[fesfrank]

Hi all.  I'm an interior trim carpenter and I just took on an exterior trim package which is very daunting. I'm curious as to whether or not leave expansion contraction contraction joints on my running joints,  I'm using the domino and tight bond three with the Sippo dominoes on all my running joints. I also square butt everything but outside corners on the three-quarter material I'm just screwing. then when IM tying into the house should I keep 1/4 gap away from house wrap then let cedar shakes cope around it.  Also what's a good height to keep off cedar shake roof 1"?  I'm using oil based primer on all exposed grain.  Especially end grain. Any tips or pointers.  This house is $1000.00 sq ft so it's very detailed even on outside.  Thank you in advance.

 

[hopper]

I am interested in what you guys do down there concerning painting or staining wooden siding.  Up here they have gotten away from painting exterior siding ( composite or solid wood), instead they are using a solid hide stain.  It goes on and looks like paint, but it doesn't peel or crack like paint.  When it needs to be redone there is no scraping or sanding you just coat over it again.