Temperature To Install Vinyl Siding

Best way to cut vinyl siding and installation.

Temperature to install vinyl siding. Low temperatures make it difficult to work with plus this material expands and contracts during temperature fluctuations popular mechanics explained. Vinyl siding installation is designed to hang loosely on the sheathing so that it can expand and contract with temperature changes. Vinyl siding installation is most ideal during warmer weather but that s not to say it can t be done when it s cold outside. Cold weather installations have the opposite problem.

Leave a minimum of 1 4 6 4mm clearance at all openings and stops. Some homes avoid any damage but too many issues can occur during installation so it s not recommended. For oracal vinyl that s easy to do because oracal publishes the essential specifications on the back of their color card. Best practices for successful results vinyl siding installation manual created by the vinyl siding institute vsi this manual includes installation instructions based in part on astm d4756 standard practice for installation of rigid pvc siding and soffit.

It s a great resource. When installing in temperatures below 40 degrees f increase minimum clearance to 3 8 9 5mm. Always refer to the installation guide on the particular vinyl siding that you re installing but most vinyl siding panels should overlap each other by at least an inch. To be certain you re within the optimal temperature range consult the manufacturers published data.

Each vinyl is different but the general rule is about 45 f 7 c. Allow approximately 1 32 0 8mm clearance about the thickness of a dime between the fastener head and the siding panel. However let s say you install the siding at a temperature of 30 degrees f. Install siding at the top of a window or door in a similar fashion but this time set the siding on the window channel and use the window trim to mark the cut.

On hot days because the siding will contract when the temperature drops. Putting in the siding in temperatures lower than 40 degrees increases chances for cracking and buckling. Similarly it s not good to install vinyl siding during a freeze or generally when temperatures drop below about 50 degrees. To prevent the relatively thin panels from buckling observe these fitting and nailing rules.

At the same time freezing weather makes vinyl more brittle. This minimizes the total amount of growth and shrinkage. Gap at all ends. Ideally you ll install vinyl siding when the temperature is around 50 degrees f.