Installation Instructions

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installing siding around windows, doors and gable ends
Cut siding to fit around windows, doors and gable ends using similar techniques as
described above for openings, and as detailed in the horizontal siding section.
Installing Horizontal Siding
1. Start at the lowest corner of siding or sheathing on the house. Stretch a chalk line from a point
1 1/2" higher than the lowest corner being careful to make sure the line is level. Continue process
around the entire house. Apply starter base with bottom edge flush to chalk line, keeping it 1/4"
from the nailing flange of accessories and subsequent starter bases.
2. Lock first siding panel into starter base. Leave a minimum 1/4" space at end of siding panel
within the accessory cavity.
3. Use fasteners long enough to penetrate a minimum of 3/4" into the nailable base.
Secure with fasteners a maximum of 16" on center. Space nails 8" apart in high wind areas.
4. Overlap horizontal siding panels 1". When overlapping siding or accessories, do not nail within 6" of either
side of the joint. Overlaps should face away from traffic areas for best appearance.
5. Continue applying courses of siding up to window level, ensuring that panel joints
are separated by a minimum of 3' horizontally, and by a minimum of two courses
vertically. Do not align joints directly over each other on consecutive courses.
windows, doors and openings for horizontal siding
Installing Siding Under a Window
1. Measure the distance from the top of the undersill to bottom of locking lip of the preceding siding panel.
Subtract 1/4" for clearance within the undersill trim.
2. Hold the panel in place and mark the location of the window, allowing for 1/4" clearance in both J-channels.
Transfer the height dimension from step 1, and trim panel to shape.
3. Perforate cut section of panel with a snap-lock punch, every 8" on center. Ensure the “tabs” face outward.
4. Install siding, ensuring that each panel is locked into the preceding one, and that the cut section
has snapped into the undersill trim.
Installing Siding Above Window/Doors
1. Measure from bottom edge of the lock of preceding course, to the bottom of the
J-channel and undersill above the window. Add 1/4" for clearance within the channel.
2. Hold the panel in place and mark the location of the window, allowing for 1/4" clearance in
both J-channels. Transfer the height dimension from step 1,and trim panel to shape.
3. Punch “tabs” along the cut edge, facing outward.
4. Fit panel into lock of preceding panel on one side, while fitting tabs into undersill trim.
Use zip tool to engage panel at other end.