User manual VINYL SIDING INSTITUTE VINYL SIDING

[. . . ] Vinyl Siding Installation Manual Updated December 2007 This manual is published by the Vinyl Siding Institute, Inc. VSI members are manufacturers of vinyl and polymeric siding and suppliers to the industry. The information provided in this publication is offered in good faith and believed to be reliable, but is made without warranty, express or implied, as to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or any other matter. VSI does not endorse the proprietary products or processes of any manufacturer. [. . . ] Center the fasteners in the slots to permit expansion and contraction of the siding (Fig. Drive fasteners straight and level to prevent distortion and buckling of the panel (Fig. Space the fasteners a maximum of 16" (406mm) apart for the horizontal siding panels, every 12" (305mm) for the vertical siding panels, and every 8" to 12" (203mm to 305mm) for the accessories. These distances may be increased if the manufacturer permits greater spacing based on windload testing. Start fastening vertical siding and corner posts in the top of the uppermost slots to hold them in position. If a nail slot does not allow centering/securing into a nailable surface, use a nail hole slot punch to extend the slot and allow centering of the fastener. Figure 16. YES NO Figure 17. YES NO Figure 18. Starting nail Corner post Figure 19. 15 Staples If staples are being used instead of nails or screws, they must (Fig. 20): Not be less than 16-gauge semi-flattened to an elliptical cross-section. Be wide enough in the crown to allow free movement of the siding (approximately 1/32" [0. 8mm] away from the nailing hem). 1/32" Cutting the Siding When cutting vinyl siding or soffit, follow these guidelines: Safety goggles are always recommended for all cutting and nailing operations. As on any construction job, use proper safety equipment and follow safe construction practices. With a circular saw, install the fine-tooth (plywood) blade backwards on the saw for a smoother, cleaner cut, especially in cold weather (Fig. Do not attempt to cut materials other than vinyl with a reversed direction saw blade. With tin snips, avoid closing the blades completely at the end of a stroke for a neater, cleaner cut (Fig. With a utility knife or scoring tool, score the vinyl face up with medium pressure and snap it in half. 23). install blade backwards Figure 20. Figure 21. Figure 23. Figure 22. 16 Preparing the Walls A flat, level wall surface is necessary for proper installation of vinyl siding. Unless already installed, a water-resistive barrier should be applied to the house prior to installing vinyl siding. Consult your local building code for requirements in your geographic area. New Construction Tip: To reduce the possibility of floor-plate compression, drywall, roofing, or other heavy building materials should be installed or stored throughout the house prior to the installation of vinyl siding. Floor-plate compression can result in buckled siding at the intersection of the floor and the wall. Residing Nail down loose boards of existing siding, and replace any rotten ones (Fig. Scrape off loose caulk and re-caulk around windows, doors, and other areas to protect from moisture penetration. Remove all protrusions such as gutters, downspouts, and light fixtures. Check all walls for evenness and install furring strips where necessary. [. . . ] Begin by installing receiving channels on all four sides of the porch (Fig. If J-channels are being used, a nailing base will have to be installed. When using light blocks to attach external light fixtures, install them to adequate backing. Quarter round or other trim Vertical panels J-channel or other trim Figure 72. 3. Plan the layout of the ceiling panels to achieve an even balance or to align with adjacent work. [. . . ]