subject: Vinyl Siding Installation: Don't Make These Common Mistakes [print this page] Although there are dozens of mistakes you can make during your vinyl siding installation, the most common error is not giving the siding enough room to expand and contract. Although many first-time installers will know, for instance, to leave a minimum of a quarter-inch gap behind corner posts, they may not realize that when installing vinyl siding in temperatures below 40 degrees that the gap should be increased to 3/8 of an inch.
Some mistakes with vinyl siding start right after the material for the job is purchased. Experts say it's important to keep your siding stored on a flat surface, with support provided for the entire length of the carton. It's also important not to stack the cartons more than twelve boxes high, or to leave your vinyl siding anywhere the temperature might exceed 130 degrees, such as on your blacktop driveway in the summer. That kind of heat could deform your vinyl siding.
Vinyl Siding Bloopers: What Not to Do
Here are some other common mistakes inexperienced installers make:
Installing the saw blade backwards. You should also make sure you're using a fine-tooth blade, and when it's cold out, cut slowly to prevent chipping or cracking your vinyl siding.
Not purchasing enough vinyl siding material. When measuring the area of your house, don't deduct for windows and doors. Even though you (hopefully) won't cover them with your vinyl siding, including those areas in your square footage estimate will allow for waste or mistakes.
Driving the head of the nail too far. You should always leave a gap between the head of the nail and the nailing surface so the siding is floating against the outside of the house. Leave about 1/16th of an inch between the head of the nail and the surface.
Fastening a vinyl siding panel from one end to the other. Always start in the center and work your way out. Nails, screws or staples should be driven straight and level to prevent distortion.
It's always important to read the installation directions for your vinyl siding product before you begin installation. If you're inexperienced at hanging vinyl siding, start with a small section in an area that's free of bushes or trees so you can move freely and get the hang of how the process works.
