Vinyl Siding

A great resource for installing vinyl siding is the Vinyl Siding Institute. This site is found at vinylsiding.org . Many of the ideas, instructions and directions for this page came from this valuable resource.

Allow for Expansion and Contraction:

• As temperatures change outside, the vinyl siding will contract and expand. In order to avoid structural or visual problems with your vinyl siding, take the following steps:

o Apply nails or other fasteners in the center of the nailing slot. Make sure installed panels move freely from side to side.

o Do not drive the head of the nail tightly against the siding nailing hem. Allow 1/32" (about the thickness of a dime) clearance between the fastener head and the siding panel. Drive nails straight.

o Leave a minimum of ¼" clearance at all openings and stops. When installing in temperatures below 40 degrees F, increase minimum clearance to 3/8".

o Do not face nail or staple through siding.
Keep It Straight and Level:

Keep in mind, siding is only as straight and stable as what lies under it. Below are some issues to address before you start installation:

• In residing, strapping or removal of uneven original siding may be necessary.

• In new construction, avoid the use of green lumber as the under-layment.

• When installing a siding panel, push up lightly along the bottom until the lock is fully engaged with the piece below it for the full length of the panel.

• Throughout installation, check the panels' horizontal alignment every few rows to make sure the siding is hanging straight and level on the wall. Also check for panel alignment around corner posts and above doors and windows.