How to Cut and Install Vinyl Siding

Preparation and Instructions

1

Install Outside and Inside Corners

• 1.1Measure and cut each exterior corner moulding. The post should run from ¾" below the starter strip to ¼" below the soffit moulding.
• 1.2Position the corner moulding ¼" lower than the soffit moulding and place nails at the top of the uppermost nailing slot.
• 1.3Ensure corner mouldings are straight and plumb, then place the remaining nails in the centre of the slots at 8" to 12" intervals.
• 1.4If more than one length is required, make a splice: overlay the upper section over the lower section.
• 1.5Cut 1" off the nailing flange on the upper section, then lay ¾" of the upper section over the lower section.
• 1.6Close off the bottom of the corner moulding with a rivet or cut tabs and fold back towards the inside.
• 1.7Measure and cut each interior corner moulding. The interior post should run from ¼" below the starter strip to ¼" below the soffit moulding.
• 1.8Position the corner moulding ¼" lower than the soffit moulding and place nails at the top of the uppermost nailing slot.

2

Install the Starter Strip

• 2.1Determine the lowest part of the wall that will be sided, close to the foundation of the house.
• 2.2Measure the width of the starter strip (between 2 ½" and 3½") and deduct ¼" from this measurement.
• 2.3Partly drive in a nail just above the wall at this height.
• 2.4Stretch a chalk line from this nail to a similar nail at the next corner. Be sure the line is level and snap the line.
• 2.5Repeat the same procedure around the entire surface to be sided, at the same height.
• 2.6Nail the starter strip directly on the chalk line around the house.
• 2.7Nail at 10" intervals directly into the centre of nailing slots.
• 2.8Allow a ¼" gap for expansion between the starter strip and corner post mouldings.
• 2.9Allow a ½" gap for expansion between sections of starter strip.

3

Install Moulding Around Doors and Windows

• 3.1Measure the contour of the window.
• 3.2Cut the moulding for the bottom of the window 2" longer than the width.
• 3.3Cut a 1" notch on each side of the nailing flange, on the part that will rest on the sill, leaving the front part intact.
• 3.4Nail the moulding under each overhang, extending 1" on either side.
• 3.5Cut two pieces of J-moulding for the sides, 2" longer than the height of the window, and nail.
• 3.6Cut the J-moulding for the top, 2" longer than the width of the window. At each end, cut a 1" notch at the two bottom corners of the J-moulding and fold back the tabs to a 90° angle.
• 3.7Mitre the front of the J-moulding at a 45° angle towards the roof line. Nail into place.
• 3.8Tuck the tabs of the upper moulding in the notches of the two lateral mouldings to form a water run-off.
• 3.9Measure the contour of the doors and install the side mouldings. Finish with the top moulding.

4

Install the "J" Channel Mouldings

• 4.1Nail in J-moulding under the soffit mouldings.
• 4.2Install J-moulding along the gable angle against the soffit overhang. Make angled joins.
• 4.3Install J-moulding along sloping rooflines, ½" from asphalt shingles.

5

Install Horizontal Panels

• 5.1Install the first siding panel on the starter strip over its entire length. Centre nails through slots and drive in straight.
• 5.2Insert the ends into corner post mouldings. Allow a ¼" gap for expansion.
• 5.3Snap the bottom of the panel into the starter strip before nailing.
• 5.4Do not exert pressure when nailing in panels. Allow 1/32" between the nail head and vinyl siding to permit expansion and contraction.
• 5.5Check for level using a chalk line. Siding should be lapped away from high-traffic areas.
• 5.6Overlap panels by 1". Nail at 6" from the ends.
• 5.7Stagger rows by 4’ so that joins will not be vertically aligned.
• 5.8Check for level every 5-6 rows. Never pull siding panels when nailing.

6

Install Panels Around Windows and Doors

• 6.1Insert a piece of finishing moulding into the J-moulding under the edge of the window.
• 6.2Measure the distance between the lower edge of the interlocking grooves of the finishing moulding and the grooves and last panel.
• 6.3Add 5/8" to this measurement so that the edge of the panel can be inserted into the finishing moulding.
• 6.4Cut the top of the vinyl panel.
• 6.5Punch top panel with a snap-lock punch every 6" in the cut edge so that raised projections face out.
• 6.6Overlap the panel into the finishing moulding and then lock in the bottom edge.
• 6.7Install panels on both sides of the window.
• 6.8For the panel above windows and doors, measure the width and add 3/8" on either side.
• 6.9Cut the bottom of the panel.
• 6.10Slot the panel in under the J- moulding so it locks into position.

7

Finish the Wall Tops

• 7.1If not already done, nail in J-moulding under the soffit moulding.
• 7.2Measure the distance between the top of the fascia board and nailing flange of the preceding panel, then subtract ¼" from this measurement.
• 7.3Cut the top of the panel.
• 7.4Punch top panel with a snap-lock punch every 6" in the cut edge so that raised projections face out.
• 7.5Insert the top of the panel into the J-moulding and then lock in the bottom edge.

8

Install Along a Sloping Roofline

• 8.1If not already done, nail in J-moulding ½" under the pitched roof.
• 8.2Nail in J-moulding on all roof edges.
• 8.3Slide kick-out flashing into the corner under the end of the J-moulding and asphalt shingles. Extend to divert rain water from the cladding far away from the wall.
• 8.4Install the vinyl wall panel so that the side edge is behind the kick-out flashing of the fascia.
• 8.5Install the following panels on the wall by inserting the bottom in the J-moulding of the roof.

9

Gable End Installation

• 9.1Insert a small panel at the bottom of the gable to make a template for the cutting angle.
• 9.2Slide a piece, at an angle, into the J-moulding of the gable.
• 9.3Draw a line on the piece to indicate the slope.
• 9.4Install the vinyl panels in the gable using the cutting template.
• 9.5Use a snap-lock punch to make tabs every 6" in the cut edge. Raised projections should face out.
• 9.6Insert the upper panel into the J-moulding then lock in the bottom edge. Allow some space for expansion.
• 9.7Perfectly centred in the nailing slots, drive finishing nails into the last panel under the decorative lip.