FASTENERS
Use only corrosion-resistant nails (aluminum, stainless or galvanized roofing.) Nails should have a minimum head diameter of 5/16". CertainTeed recommends the use of stainless steel nails or other corrosion-resistant fasteners when installing siding in coastal areas. Be sure to check with your local code official or governing body for the building requirements in your area. Staples should be a minimum of 16 gauge.
If screws are used, use non-corrosive, self-tapping, pan head or washer head screws or oval head with countersunk washer screws with at least 5/16" diameter head, 1/8" (3mm) diameter shaft, and at least 1-1/8" (29mm) long. To determine the length of nail required, measure the thickness of the sheathing material. Fasteners must penetrate a total of at least 1-1/4" (32mm) into a nailable material such as wood sheathing and framing. The minimum nail size should be 1-1/2".
Example: If you’re applying siding over 1/2" structural sheathing, use a nail at least 1-1/2" long (1/2" sheathing + 3/4" stud penetration + nailing hem thickness + minimum 1/16" between nailing hem and fastener head).
To determine the quantity of nails required, complete the following:
Total square feet of siding required: ______
(If using aluminum nails) x .005
(If using galvanized roofing nails) x .01
Pounds of nails required: = ______
Read more about measuring vinyl siding
TOOLS REQUIRED
Hammer
Tin Snips
Tape Measure
Square
Chalk Line
Level
Utility Knife
Shears
Snaplock Punch
Three-Hole Punch
POWER TOOLS
Power circular saw with sharp, fine-tooth plywood blade mounted in reverse direction.
Discover here the Vinyl Siding Terminology
LADDERS AND SCAFFOLDS
NOTE: If you will be using an extension ladder during installation, be sure to cushion the upper side rails to help prevent damage to installed siding.
Cutting table
Portable brake
Essential for bending aluminum trim coil to fit around fascia boards, window sills, window and door casings, etc. Please refer to the brake manufacturer’s instructions for metal bending techniques.
SPECIAL TOOLS
Nail slot punch (CertainTeed Item # 57997)
Punches elongated holes to allow nailing the cut edge of a panel. Also used to enlarge an existing hole to allow proper nailing.
Snaplock punch (CertainTeed Item # 57995 or 57996)
Punches tabs in the cut edge of a panel used as a finishing course at the top of a wall or underneath a window. The tabs lock into undersill trim. For best results, we recommend using item 57995 Snaplock Punch, which is designed specifically for vinyl applications.
Trim nail punch
Punches trim nail holes into soffit, fascia, and other finishing trim without denting or marring the material. Available from Malco Products, Granger, ProSidingTools.com
Zip tool (CertainTeed Item # 57998 or 57999)
Locks and unlocks panels.
- If you are transporting vinyl siding to a job site, make certain to keep cartons flat and supported along their entire length. At the job site, take the following precautions when storing panels:
- Store on a flat surface and support the entire length of the carton.
