Installation

Siding Installation Tips From Carter Lumber

Re-siding a home is among the top ten remodeling projects in terms of overall payback. Re-siding is a great investment since homeowners can often recoup 75–100% of their costs. Here are a few siding installation tips for pro builders and DIYers to keep in mind when installing siding:

• Check local building codes and obtain the necessary permits.
• Take a blueprint or accurate measurements of the house to Carter Lumber for a FREE estimate.
• Ask a Sales Associate at Carter Lumber for help figuring how to work around details such as windows and door caps, sills, corners, etc.
• This is a good time to think about replacing windows and doors too.
• This is a good time to add decorative and functional touches such as exterior lights, doorbell buttons, new outdoor faucets and dryer vents to make the job look great all around.

• Vinyl siding must be attached "loosely" because it expands and contracts as much as 1/4" over a 12' 6" length with temperature changes.
• Do not face-nail siding. Face-nailing is not only unsightly, but will cause vinyl to buckle with changes in temperature.
• Do not nail siding too tightly. Leave 1/32" between the nail head and vinyl.
• Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of siding.
• Drive nails straight and level to prevent distortion and buckling of panel.
• Start nailing vertical siding and trim pieces in the top of the uppermost slots to hold them in position. Place all other nails in the center of the slots.
• Space nails a maximum of 16" apart for horizontal siding panels, every 12" for vertical siding panels and every 6" to 12" for accessories.
• Make sure panels are locked at the bottom. Do not pull them tight when nailing.

• Place the first panel in the starter strip and securely lock.
• Fasten panels in accordance with nailing tips above.
• Check course to ensure proper alignment with windows, eaves and adjacent walls
• Allowances should be made for expansion and contractions by leaving about 1/4" at all corner posts and channels.
• Always overlap joints away from entrances to improve the overall appearance of the installation.
• Lap end joints per manufacturer's recommendations so that the vinyl panels can move freely in a side-to-side direction.
• Stagger end laps so that one is not directly above the other unless separated by three courses.