How To Install Vinyl Sliding

Vinyl sliding can make it easy to re-side you house, no matter how hard it may seem in the beginning. You can actually bring down the costs of siding installation to less that half, if you decide to install it on your own. Installing Vinyl sliding at you own is pretty easy, once you know the right steps. It mostly comes with a complete guide book on installation steps. However, you just can do without certain important installation tips. Read the article to find some useful tips on how to install vinyl sliding.

Installing Vinyl Sliding

The first step is to make enough room so that you can work comfortably. Tie back branches from shrubs, trees etc, away from the house. Remove things like lighting fixtures, downspouts, shutters, etc, which can potentially interfere with the sliding installation. In order to make the vinyl accessories fit nicely, scrape the old sealant out of the junctions between the previous sliding windows/doors.
Nail 1x3 furring strips 16" on center from the foundation to the eaves, in case the walls are not leveled properly. In order to comfortably work on a flat surface, shim out any low spots that you notice.
To find the lowest corner of the house, use a mason’s line and neatly line the level of the house. You will have to make a level chalk line all around the house, by measuring the distance as specified by the Vinyl installation guidebook.
Nail starter strip all around the base of the house, by using the chalk line as a guide. Wherever two pieces bump into each other, leave 1/4" space between the ends.
The next step is to install the inside and outside corner posts. Allow the post to extend below the bottom of the old siding for around 1/4" and also leave a 1/4" gap at the eaves.
Install J-channel, first on the sides. Now, install them across the tops of all windows and doors. You will have to notch the J-channel to allow a drip edge at the corners. After you are through with this, install the J-channel along the sloped eaves at all gable end walls.
Working from the starter strip up, install the siding panels. The joints should be staggered 4” apart.
Overlap the panels 1" at each joint. To reduce its visibility, keep the overlap away from the entrances. Leave 1/4" gap wherever the ends of panels bump into J-channel or corner posts.
Don't force the panels up against the previous row. Let the panels hang loose. To ensure that the run is level, check every fifth or sixth course.
Mark the section you are about to cut to notch a panel, where it will fit under the window. Take a tin snip and cut from the top of the panel. Now, with the help of a utility knife, score the panel horizontally and cut it apart.
Hollow the cut edge 16" on the center, with the help of a snap-lock punch (ensure that lugs are on the outside of the panel), then push the siding panel into place.
Using a circular saw, rip the panel to width at the horizontal eaves, Punch the cut edge 16" on center (with the snap-lock punch). Then, push the panel into place.

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