How To Nail Vinyl Siding

Do not install vinyl siding over rotting wood.

How to nail vinyl siding.

Nail down loose boards of existing siding and replace any rotten ones fig. Required tools for this project. Vinyl siding must be attached loosely. Ideally nails should go in about 1 32 of an inch from each panel s edge although you should read the manufacturer s guidelines for the proper measurements.

Scrape off loose caulk and re caulk around windows doors and other areas to protect from moisture penetration. Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of the siding. Pulling the panel taut stretches the panel out of shape and causes an undesirable lap joint. Panels should be locked pushed up from the bottom until full lock contact is made and then nailed into place.

Keep your nails straight and give your vinyl siding a little room to breathe and you should be covered for the next 20 to 40 years all for the price of a little elbow grease. Leave a minimum of 1 4 6 4mm clearance at all openings and stops. Have the necessary tools for this diy project lined up before you start you ll save time and frustration. Gap between the nailhead and the vinyl to allow easy movement.

Find the tight nails and cut them photo 4. Siding panels should be nailed 12 in. Drive nails straight and level to prevent distortion and buckling of panel. Allow approximately 1 32 0 8mm clearance about the thickness of a dime between the fastener head and the siding panel.

Secure the panels with a nail every 16 inches 40 6 cm or so remembering to center the nail in slot and leave 1 16 of the nail head above the vinyl siding to allow for movement and expansion. When installing in temperatures below 40 degrees f increase minimum clearance to 3 8 9 5mm. Never pull siding taut when nailing.