How To Nail Vinyl Siding

Siding panels should be nailed 12 in.

How to nail vinyl siding. 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. 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. Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of the siding. Do not install vinyl siding over rotting wood.

Have the necessary tools for this diy project lined up before you start you ll save time and frustration. Allow approximately 1 32 0 8mm clearance about the thickness of a dime between the fastener head and the siding panel. Find the tight nails and cut them photo 4. When installing in temperatures below 40 degrees f increase minimum clearance to 3 8 9 5mm.

Leave a minimum of 1 4 6 4mm clearance at all openings and stops. Panels should be locked pushed up from the bottom until full lock contact is made and then nailed into place. Scrape off loose caulk and re caulk around windows doors and other areas to protect from moisture penetration. Required tools for this project.

Never pull siding taut when nailing. Renail right next to the old nail leaving at least a 1 16 in. Nail down loose boards of existing siding and replace any rotten ones fig. Remove all protrusions such as gutters down spouts and light fixtures.

Start nailing vertical siding and trim pieces in the top of the uppermost slots to hold them in position. Gap between the nailhead and the vinyl to allow easy movement. Vinyl siding must be attached loosely.