How To Nail Vinyl Siding

Drive nails straight and level to prevent distortion and buckling of panel.

How to nail vinyl siding.

Never pull siding taut when nailing. Required tools for this project. Scrape off loose caulk and re caulk around windows doors and other areas to protect from moisture penetration. 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.

Pulling the panel taut stretches the panel out of shape and causes an undesirable lap joint. Gap between the nailhead and the vinyl to allow easy movement. Nail down loose boards of existing siding and replace any rotten ones fig. Do not install vinyl siding over rotting wood.

Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of the siding. Leave a minimum of 1 4 6 4mm clearance at all openings and stops. Renail right next to the old nail leaving at least a 1 16 in. Panels should be locked pushed up from the bottom until full lock contact is made and then nailed into place.

Start nailing vertical siding and trim pieces in the top of the uppermost slots to hold them in position. 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. 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. Siding panels should be nailed 12 in.

Find the tight nails and cut them photo 4. Remove all protrusions such as gutters down spouts and light fixtures. Have the necessary tools for this diy project lined up before you start you ll save time and frustration.