Utilize the Broader Starting Stripe
The end of the starter strip (where the bottom panel attaches) needs to be positioned at least an inch below the top of the foundation. However, installing the vinyl siding as low as possible provides superior protection for the sheathing.
rain
, snow and pests. Most providers offer two sizes of starters: 2-1/2 inches and 3-1/2 inches. It’s worth spending a little more for the wider option and beginning your siding slightly below the usual level.
Cap the Corner Posts
Mice
Bees and various other creatures enjoy nesting within vinyl corner posts. Prevent infestations by sealing each post prior to installation. Begin by trimming several inches from the J-channel section of the post. Bend back the leftover tabs and lightly score them using a hammer. Cut notches in the tabs to ensure a tight fit against the wall. These posts can easily break if they’re cold, so make sure to heat them up—either place them in sunlight or move them indoors—if the weather is chilly when you start working.
Lift As You Succeed
Most vinyl siding failures
happen when sections separate from one another. After this occurs, it won’t be long until the wind grabs hold of them and propels them into your neighbor’s property. Make sure to always exert some gentle upward force as you do so.
nail each piece
This ensures the panels stay securely fastened and snug. Avoid “power-lifting” each section.
Or you might exert too much pressure on the nailing flange, leading to it breaking.
Overlap Your Top J-Channels
It’s impossible to halt this process.
rainwater
From entering through the J-channel located at the top of windows and doors. However, you can prevent water from seeping behind the side J-channels. Install a flap within the top J-channel that overlays the sides.
Buy a Vinyl-Siding Blade
Forcing through vinyl siding using a wooden blade can be done.
circular saw
This could make it break into pieces, leading to frustration and potential hazards. Invest in a blade specifically designed for cutting vinyl siding; they are affordable and can be found at any local hardware store. Should you be utilizing a sliding miter saw and encounter continued chipping of the siding, consider gently retracting the saw as you slice through the material.
Nailing Fundamentals
Use 2-inch galvanized roofing nails for installing vinyl siding unless the sheathing includes foam insulation; in that case, opt for longer nails instead. Avoid driving the nails too tight so each panel can expand and contract freely—otherwise, the siding may bulge when temperatures rise significantly.
Expansion and contraction
Some of the siding may cause nails that are secured solely to the sheathing to become loose.
Twitch the Bottom Edges of Windows
Cut a section from the felt paper to create a strip of flashing, then place it in the lower corners at the base.
windows
Before installing the side J-channels, place the flashing over the row of siding directly beneath the window. This way, any water entering the J-channels will exit above the siding through the designated weep holes.
Install Longer Panels First
During the installation of vinyl siding around every window edge,
door
Begin with the edge that requires the longer panels. Larger siding sections do not stretch as easily compared to shorter ones, making them more difficult to align if they become misaligned. Prior to securing the final few pieces on the narrower side, ensure both edges are level by measuring up to the top of the window.
Mind the Overlaps
Always consult the specific installation manual for your chosen vinyl siding as guidelines can vary; however, generally, ensure that each panel overlaps by at least one inch. During warmer weather, increase this overlap by another 3/8 inches since the material tends to shrink when temperatures drop. When applying siding along the exterior walls, begin each new horizontal section starting near the rear corner of the building wall. This technique hides the joints from view when looking directly at the facade from the front yard. Conversely, aligning these joins towards the visible area would make them quite noticeable and unappealing.
At both the front and rear parts of the building, ensure the joints are overlapped such that they remain inconspicuous from spaces frequented the most, including near entryways at the front.
decks and patios
If the appearance of a seam isn’t important, install the vinyl siding such that the dominant wind direction blows across the seams rather than into them.
Avoid Trapping Water Behind Corners
The corners at the top of the roofline are a common spot for water leakage issues. When a corner post is placed snug against the
shingles
And when the J-channel ends there, any water flowing through the J-channel could accumulate around the post and potentially seep into your home. To prevent this, lift the corner post slightly and place the J-channel under it instead.
Install Kick-Out Flashing
Kick-out flashing
Stops water from flowing down the roof and getting behind the siding on the neighboring wall. While it’s troublesome to work around it with the siding, failing to show this to the inspector could result in a failed check. Ensure the kick-out flashing remains loose and position the initial panel beneath the flashing before securing it to the wall. Overlap subsequent pieces above it as well; sometimes, using a slim trim nail helps keep the siding seams snug (applying a bit of caulk over the trim nail is advisable too).
Crush and Seal the Uppermost Row
Make sure you carefully examine the section where the uppermost row of siding panels meet.
soffits
The typical method involves installing sill trim at the soffits, cutting the upper row of siding to size, and bending the siding so that the sill trim secures it effectively. Generally, this technique proves reliable; however, applying several dabs of caulk beneath the lower edge of the upper siding row can provide additional stability.
Correct Errors Using a Zip Utility
To take out a section of siding that is already fastened with nails, insert a tool underneath and lift it up.
zip tool
Underneath the bottom lip of the siding, catch the locking tab and tug downward. Next, move the instrument side-to-side parallel to the lock to disengage it. Raise the freed section of siding to reveal the fastening flap beneath. Prior to removing the nails, mark a guideline on the wall following the upper border of each row of siding.
