How Much Should You Overlap Vinyl Siding

Longer panels show fewer visible seams but are generally 25 to 30 more expensive than the standard sized siding panels.

How much should you overlap vinyl siding.

Homeowners who attempt the diy vinyl siding installation method often make the mistake of leaving too much overlap in between panels. The most common vinyl siding panels have a standard length of 12 feet and they will always overlap because of this. Because vinyl siding moves as the temperature changes make certain that the vinyl panels can move freely in a lateral direction. Overlap vinyl panel ends in accordance with manufacturer s recommendations typically 1 inch.

On hot days because the siding will contract when the temperature drops. You may also need to face nail the fascia. If it gets up over 200f it can melt and distort. You need to leave at least 1 4.

1 lay out the panels required for the first course along the house. When installing the siding portions of these parts need to be cut to overlap and mesh with the adjoining panel strips. This results in a messy and unkempt look. Mind the overlaps 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.

A standard 12 foot piece of vinyl siding can expand just over 1 2 inch from what it measures in the dead of winter to a blistering hot summer day. Certainteed overview on vinyl siding overlapping accessories. Whatever your measurement is take at least 1 4 or 1 8 on both sides for the panel to slide back and forth. When overlapping aluminum vinyl fascia covers make sure to overlap 3 4 19mm.

If you don t cut your siding short when it expands in the summer it s going to buckle. At overlaps allow for expansion by cutting 1 1 2 inches off the nailing flange at the end of the overlapping panel. When cutting vinyl siding it s usually to go into a corner. The industry standard warrants between one and one and a quarter inch of overlap where two panels meet.

Vinyl siding is plastic. Lap siding is designed to move water down an exterior wall without allowing the water to. Always pre drill holes into fascia and do not nail tight. How to overlap siding.