Vinyl siding is a popular exterior cladding material in the U.S. due to its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic versatility. Certainteed, a leading manufacturer of building materials, provides detailed installation instructions for its vinyl siding products. This guide compiles and organizes the critical information from Certainteed’s official documentation to assist installers in understanding the proper use of fasteners, tools, layout techniques, and expansion considerations for both vertical and horizontal siding applications.
Fasteners and Nailing Requirements
Vinyl siding installation requires the use of corrosion-resistant fasteners to ensure longevity and structural integrity. According to Certainteed’s documentation, the following specifications apply:
- Nails: Use corrosion-resistant nails such as aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized roofing nails. Minimum head diameter should be 5/16". For coastal areas, Certainteed recommends stainless steel nails. Staples should be at least 16 gauge.
- Screws: If screws are used, they must be non-corrosive, self-tapping, and have either a pan head, washer head, or oval head with a countersunk washer. The screw should have a minimum 5/16" diameter head, 1/8" (3 mm) diameter shaft, and at least 1-1/8" (29 mm) length.
- Nail Length: To determine the appropriate nail length, measure the thickness of the sheathing material. Fasteners must penetrate at least 1-1/4" (32 mm) into nailable material such as wood sheathing and framing. The minimum nail size should be 1-1/2".
For example, if siding is being installed over 1/2" structural sheathing, a nail at least 1-1/2" long is recommended. This accounts for the 1/2" sheathing, 3/4" stud penetration, nailing hem thickness, and a minimum 1/16" gap between the nailing hem and fastener head.
To calculate the amount of nails required, use the following formula:
- Total square feet of siding required: __
- (If using aluminum nails) x .005
- (If using galvanized roofing nails) x .01
- Pounds of nails required: = __
This calculation helps estimate the quantity of fasteners needed for the installation.
Tools Required for Installation
Certainteed provides a list of essential tools required for vinyl siding installation. These include both hand and power tools to facilitate accurate and efficient work.
Hand Tools
- Hammer
- Tin Snips
- Tape Measure
- Square
- Chalk Line
- Level
- Utility Knife
- Shears
- Snaplock Punch
- Three-Hole Punch
Power Tools
- Power circular saw with sharp, fine-tooth plywood blade mounted in reverse direction
- Cutting table
- Portable brake
Additional tools such as ladders and scaffolds are recommended for working at heights. When using an extension ladder, it is important to cushion the upper side rails to prevent damage to the installed siding.
A portable brake is essential for bending aluminum trim coil to fit around fascia boards, window sills, and door casings. Installers should refer to the brake manufacturer’s instructions for metal bending techniques.
Special Tools
- Nail slot punch (CertainTeed Item #57997): Punches elongated holes to allow nailing the cut edge of a panel. Also used to enlarge existing holes for proper nailing.
- Snaplock punch (CertainTeed Item #57995 or 57996): Creates tabs in the cut edge of a panel used as a finishing course at the top of a wall or underneath a window. Tabs lock into undersill trim. Item 57995 is recommended for vinyl applications.
- Trim nail punch
These tools ensure precise and secure fastening of the panels and trim components.
Installation Techniques for Vertical Siding
When installing vertical siding, the key to a balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance lies in the layout and panel placement. Certainteed recommends the following approach:
Panel Layout
To achieve a balanced look, the number of panels on either side of a central vertical line should be equal. If trimming is necessary, the end-most panels should be of identical width. To do this, divide the total space by the panel width and create equal-length partial panels for both ends of the wall.
For example, if a wall requires 25 full panels plus 10 inches, two 5-inch-long panels should be cut to serve as the end pieces. This ensures symmetry and avoids an unbalanced appearance.
Expansion and Contraction
In a vertical siding installation, expansion is primarily downward. Therefore, the amount of space allowed for expansion should be distributed accordingly. Leave 1/3 of the total expansion at the top of the panel and 2/3 at the bottom. For example:
- If total expansion is 3/4" (3/8" + 3/8"), allow 1/4" at the top and 1/2" at the bottom.
- If total expansion is 1/2" (1/4" + 1/4"), allow 3/16" at the top and 5/16" at the bottom.
Always position the topmost nail at the top of the topmost full nail slot. Center the remaining nails in the slots. Ensure the bottom of the panel can expand downward without interference.
When cutting partial panels, measure from the nail hem edge and use a snaplock punch to create locking tabs every 6 inches. Provide additional support at the cut edge to compensate for the trimmed locking channel.
Installation Techniques for Horizontal Siding
For horizontal siding, Certainteed recommends following the preparation steps outlined in the vertical siding section. Proper panel layout is essential for a uniform and visually appealing finish.
Panel Layout
Correctly installed horizontal siding should have a balanced appearance. If a vertical line is drawn through the center of the wall, the number of panels on either side should be equal. If trimming is required, the end-most panels should be of identical width.
For example, if a wall requires 25 full panels plus 10 inches, two 5-inch-long panels should be cut to serve as the end pieces. This ensures a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
Expansion and Contraction
When installing horizontal siding, expansion is primarily lateral. To account for this, leave a 3/8" gap between the lineal and cornerposts when the ambient temperature is above 40°F. When the temperature is below 40°F, leave a 1/2" gap. If necessary, overlap lineals by 1-1/4" to accommodate expansion.
When transitioning from brick, stone, or stucco to vinyl siding, follow these steps:
- Caulking: Caulk where the sheathing meets the brick, stone, or stucco. Also caulk the flashing and ensure a drip cap is in place.
- J-Channel or Starter Strip: Use J-Channel or starter strip to receive the siding. If using starter strip, leave a 3/4" clearance so the siding can engage securely.
- Vertical Siding on Gable Ends: Use J-Channel to receive the siding when installing vertical siding on gable ends.
Installing the First Course
The first course of horizontal siding should be installed with care to ensure a clean and professional finish. Begin by sliding the first panel into the cornerpost recess and leaving room for expansion. Hook the bottom lock of the panel into the interlock bead of the starter strip by applying upward pressure.
Before nailing, double-check to ensure the panel is fully locked along its entire length. A slight upward pressure may be required to snap the interlock securely, but avoid applying too much force, as this can distort the laps. Start nailing at the center of the panel and work outward.
Install the remaining starter course panels, overlapping the panel ends. The last nail should be at least 2–4 inches from the end of the panel to allow for a neat lap. Always leave room for expansion when fitting panels into inside and outside cornerposts.
Panel Installation on Gable Ends
When installing vertical or Board & Batten siding on a gable end wall, Certainteed recommends creating a balanced appearance. There are two methods to achieve this:
Starting from the Center:
- Locate the center point of the wall beneath the peak.
- Draw a plumb line and nail two lengths of J-Channel back to back along this line.
- Flash underneath the J-Channel to prevent water damage.
- Cut the upper end of the first panel to match the gable slope and insert it into the J-Channel.
- Use a level to ensure the panel is plumb and nail every 12 inches.
- Repeat the process on the other half of the gable end.
Working from One End to the Other:
- Begin by centering a panel under the center of the peak.
- Mark the panel’s position on the wall.
- Measure from the left or right cornerpost to mark the edge of the center panel.
- Proceed with the installation, ensuring the laps are evenly staggered to avoid unsightly joint patterns.
Lap Appearance and Panel Length
The appearance of the lapped joints is an important factor in the overall aesthetic of the installation. To improve lap appearance, Certainteed recommends avoiding the use of panels less than 3 feet in length. Shorter panels can create an unbalanced look and may not align well with the rest of the installation.
When installing the first panel, slide it into the cornerpost recess and allow for expansion. Hook the bottom lock into the starter strip using upward pressure. Ensure the panel is securely locked along its entire length and can slide freely.
Preparing Wall Surfaces
A smooth and level nailing surface is essential for a successful vinyl siding installation. The preparation steps may vary depending on whether the project involves a new or existing home. In both cases, the goal is to ensure the wall surface is even and free of irregularities that could affect the final appearance.
When installing the first course of siding, it is important to plan carefully. The laps should be placed away from high-traffic areas such as doors and gathering points. For example, on the front wall, work from the corners toward the entrance door so that the overlaps face away from the door. On side walls, work from the rear corners toward the front to minimize the effect of lapping and create a more pleasing appearance.
Conclusion
Vinyl siding from Certainteed is a durable and aesthetically versatile option for residential exteriors. Successful installation depends on the correct use of fasteners, tools, and layout techniques. By following the manufacturer’s guidelines for panel layout, expansion allowances, and lap placement, installers can ensure a professional and visually appealing result.
Key considerations include:
- Using corrosion-resistant fasteners such as stainless steel or galvanized nails.
- Allowing for proper expansion and contraction, particularly in vertical installations.
- Employing the correct tools for cutting, bending, and fastening.
- Planning the panel layout to achieve a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
- Ensuring the nailing surface is smooth and level.
By adhering to these best practices, installers can achieve a long-lasting and attractive vinyl siding installation that meets both functional and aesthetic expectations.