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CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Installation Guide
70
Section 7 — Installing Horizontal Siding
Top Ten Tips for Installing Vinyl Siding
CertainTeed provides quality vinyl siding and accessories that are
backed by one of the industry’s best warranties. However, even
the best products fall short of expectations if they are not installed
properly. Following these ten recommendations—the basics of a
professional installation—can help ensure a quality installation that
fulfills homeowners’ expectations and reduces call backs.
1. Install all siding and accessories over a smooth, flat surface.
Always install siding over a rigid sheathing, and never install it
over open studs.
2. Vinyl siding is not a watertight material. Install a weather-resistant
barrier, like CertainTeed CertaWrap, and flash around all
windows and doors before installing vinyl siding and trim.
3. There are three recommended ways to cut vinyl siding: For rip
cuts, score the panel with a knife or vinyl blade and bend the
panel back and forth. Use aviator snips or shears to fit panels
around windows and doors. For cross cuts, use a circular saw
with a plywood blade in the reverse position.
4. Always leave room for expansion and contraction into receiving
channels like outside cornerposts, inside cornerposts, and
J-channel. If the temperature is above 40°, leave 1/4"; if the
temperature is below 40°, leave 3/8".
5. When installing horizontal vinyl siding panels 12' 6" in length or
shorter, overlap the factory notches 1" to 1-1/4" (depending on
the temperature).
6. Always nail in the center of the nail slots: 16" on center for
siding; 8" to 12" for accessories.
7. DO NOT NAIL TIGHT! Always leave 1/8" to 1/16" between the
nail head and the wall surface to allow for movement when the
panel expands and contracts.
8. Hang vertical accessories from the top of the top nail slot.
If the accessory is longer than 12', hang it from the top two
nail slots.
9. Lap away from the highest traffic pattern, typically the front of
the house. Keep laps at least 3' apart from course to course,
and install three courses between laps above each other.
10. Finish the last piece of siding into utility trim or dual utility trim.