Installing Vertical Siding

Please refer to the sections on:

• Preparation ,
• Installing Accessories and
• Installing Horizontal Siding

The principles for preparation and installation hold true for both horizontal and vertical siding.

If you are re-siding over a totally nailable, even base, it is not necessary to apply strapping. If the base is nailable, but not even, fur or shim where necessary.

If you are installing siding over a non-nailable base, you must apply furring strapping horizontally 12" o.c. over the substrate across the studs. Nominal 1x3 wood furring is typically used, because it is wide enough for the siding nail slot spacing and thick enough to allow 3/4" penetration of the nails. Also fur the corners to maintain an even base for the siding.

First, Snap a chalkline as shown in Installing Accessories.

Next, IF you are going to install vinyl soffit and fascia, DO SO NOW, before proceeding to the next step here.

Install the inside and outside corner posts as shown in Installing Accessories. Corner posts should extend 1/4" to 1/2" lower than the horizontally installed vertical base (head flashing).

Position the top edge of the vertical base (head flashing) along the chalkline. Fasten every 6" to 12" and remember to nail in the center of the nail slots. All vinyl should be nailed securely but not too tightly. Lateral movement should not be restricted. Leave 1/4" gaps at the corner posts.

Where lengths join, back trim the nailing flanges 1" and then overlap 1/2" for a neat appearing joint.

Install 1/2" J-channel at the tops of the sidewalls. At the gable ends, snap a level chalkline along the base of the gable and install J-channel. Lap where necessary and allow for expansion.

Trim around all windows and doors with 1/2" J-channel. (the head flashing shown in the illustrations are optional).

The following sequence is suggested:

1. Cut a piece of 1/2" J-channel for the bottom of the window as wide as the frame and install it.
2. Cut side J-channels the length of the frame PLUS the width of the bottom J-channel. Cut and bend tabs into the bottom of the channel. Install the side channels.
3. Cut the top J-channel (and head flashing if desired) the width of the frame PLUS the width of the side J-channels. (if used, cut out the ends of the head flashing to match the side J-channels and install it). Notch the top J-channel on each end, and bend the tabs into the side J-channel, and nail the top J-channel.
   

 

 

Sidewalls
Find the center of each sidewall and use your level or plumb line too install vertical starter strip. Use the Nailing procedure for vertical pieces. Leave a 1/4" gap at the top and bottom. Working from the starter strip to the corners, lock each panel and nail every 6" to 12". The panels are terminated into the J-channel installed at the top.

NOTE: This method MUST be used for sidewalls with gable ends. This method will ensure proper alignment of the siding panels above and below the eaves line. The following optional method may be used on non-gable end sidewalls.

Optional Method for Non-gable End Sidewalls

1. Slit a vertical siding starter strip in half lengthwise. Fasten it inside the receiver channel of the cornerpost. Be sure the starter strip is plumb. Leave enough clearance between the inside web of the cornerpost receiver and lock on the starter strip to allow the siding panel to be attached.
2. Install the vertical siding panels by locking the first panel into the starter strip. Nail this panel 12" on center. Leave 1/4" clearance at the top and bottom. Place the first nails in the uppermost end of the top nail slots to hold them in position. All Other Nails should be placed in the center of the nail slots. The top of the panel is terminated into 1/2" J-channel.

NOTE: If it will take more than one course to span the height of the house, you will have to terminate the first course into inverted J-channel, allowing 1/4" for expansion. Install head flashing on top of the J-channel and begin a second course leaving a 1/4" gap at the head flashing. Where severe water runoff is expected, flash 4" to 6" behind the upper vertical panel onto the head flashing.

Windows and Doors
At windows and doors, cut the panels to fit the opening, allowing 1/4" for expansion. If the panel is uncut, or cut down into the V-groove, simply insert it into the 1/2" J-channel, locking the other side onto the previously installed panel.If the panel is cut on the flat surface, install undersill trim, backed by furring, onto the 1/2" J-channel. The flat surface of the vertical siding is fitted into the undersill trim. The panel is further secured above and below the windows and above the door when the panel is fastened into place.

Corners
At the corners, insert 1/2" J-channel into the receiver of the corner post. if the panel is cut into the bottom of the V-groove, insert it into the J-channel. A furring strip should be installed prior to panel installation. This will prevent the panel from detaching. If the panel is cut on the flat surface, place a piece of undersill trim, backed by furring, into the receiver of the corner post. Punch snap locks along the cut edge of the panel at 6" intervals and snap it into the undersill trim.

NOTE: Furring may be positioned further into the corner post than illustrated. However, Nails used to attach the furring and undersill trim shall not penetrate the fastening leg of the outside corner post. In addition, the furring should not be positioned too far into the outside corner post where it will restrict the channeling of runoff water.

Gable Ends
To install vertical siding to gable ends, begin by fastening 1/2" J-channel along the rake edge of the roof. Install vertical base (head flashing) on top of the previously installed J-channel at the base of the gable. Then, Attach either vertical starter strip or back-to-back regular starter strips, centered with the peak of the gable.

Make a pattern for the end-cuts along the gables using 2 pieces of scrap siding. Lock one piece onto the starter strip just under the eaves. Hold the edge of the other piece against it and in line with the roof line. Mark and cut the vertical piece. Use it as a pattern to mark and cut the ends of all the other panels required for this side of the gable end. Make another pattern for the other side of the gable.

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