Installation Instructions

CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Installation Guide
6
Section 1 — Introduction
Introduction
Plan your work, then work your plan.
That’s the key to success with any project, and it’s doubly true
when it comes to installing vinyl siding, soffit, trim and accessories.
If you use the right materials and the right tools in the right order,
you’ll complete remodeling and new home installations in less
time, with less effort, and with far greater satisfaction.
Since you’re using CertainTeed products, you’ve already taken
the first step toward success. CertainTeed sidings, soffit, trim
and accessories provide premium quality, rugged durability and
outstanding appearance. Quite simply, they’re made to look
great—on the day they’re installed and for years after.
The second ingredient of success —using the proper tools,
techniques and procedures—is covered in this book. As you’ll see
by scanning the table of contents, this book guides you through
every step of the installation process, from estimating materials to
attaching mailboxes and shutters. Every major installation project
is covered: horizontal; vertical, including Board & Batten; soffit
and fascia; porch ceilings; and decorative trim. Where various
approaches to a particular installation procedure are possible,
the book presents practical alternatives. To make the instructions
as detailed and complete as possible, hundreds of illustrations
accompany the text.
As you’re reading—and while you’re working—keep in mind the
most important rule of thumb for successful vinyl siding installation:
allow for movement. All vinyl siding, soffit and accessories
used in exterior applications must be able to move freely as they
expand and contract with temperature changes. You’ll see this
point emphasized again and again throughout this book; you’ll also
learn various techniques for measuring, fitting and nailing that will
allow this unobstructed movement. These are perhaps the most
important lessons in this booklet.
NOTE: No instruction book can anticipate all the questions
that might arise during a siding or soffit installation.
Recognizing this, we’ve focused on the tools and techniques
used to complete typical installations. Where appropriate,
we’ve also included alternative approaches for specific
installation steps. If you encounter a unique installation
problem not covered in this book, we suggest you contact
your building materials distributor or call our Sales Support
Group at 1-800-233-8990.