uestion #1 on a 25 foot long run how should i install first row in three equal pieces or use whole and then one small one ( siding is 12 feet long each question #2 the second row is to be a staggered seam - whats is best way based on the idea of first row,, question#3 the third row is done as the same as the first row ? question #4 do i seal each piece with silicone sealant when i install around window? thanks for any replies jim

i would stagger the seams.1st row 10 ft 10 ft then 5ft
2nd row 5 ft 10ft 10ft
3rd row 10ft 5ft 10ft
then start over
10ft 10ft 5ft
5ft 10ft 10ft
10ft 5ft 10ft
i would also use a insulation board behind the sidding
caulk after you run it
others may have different opinions
when you buy sidding you always buy 20% more for cuts

thanks frodo for the reply. have a nice day

If you have never done vinyl siding before you had better do all you install direction reading before doing anything.
The directions should be right on the companys web site of the siding your using.
I've seen far more vinyl siding done wrong even by the pro then done right.
Seems like a simple enough job to do, just nail it up. Not!
Is this new constrution, or is this siding over the old siding?
What are you siding over?
Got some pictures of the house?

Before begining is this is siding over old siding all the windows and door trim needs to be built out and wrapped in coil stock.
All facia and soffits need to completed as well as all the outside corners, window and door trim need to be completed before the siding goes up.
If the facia on the gables has no over hang it also needs to be built out of the J moulding will stick out to far.
Even the direction the siding is run has to be concidered so the seams will show less from the driveway approch or if there's prevailing winds, like living on a lake or open area.
Just installing the J around the windows if done wrong will cause water to get in behind it.
Siding is hung on the wall not nailed tight. Even how long to cut it depends on the outside temp.
Vinyl expands and contracts a lot. If it's cold out and you install it to tight it will buckle when it gets warmer.
PS Most siding is 12'6" not 12'.
The goal is to not have it look stair steped when standing back looking at it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: joecaption,

joe thanks for the info,, i took old aluminum siding all oof down to the plywood so i could install all new windows that is ready for the siding i just have to put up the corner and some j trim,,however i am stumped to doing the soffit siding the original was nailed to 1x3 then the aluminum facia added,,the vinyl siding i believe they use either the f trim or j trim i am not sure which is best any ideasI the soffit is 8" overhang past exterior wall thanks again jim

Got a picture.

sorry no pics i am not that computer savvy

Jimbo,
If you have a digital camera you can upload a picture directly to the board. It may need to be downsized to meet their size limitations. This can be done in Paint or other photo editing software on your PC. When you have it sized just click on the add attachment link below the text box for your message and find the picture on your PC and click save. It will load up and we'll be able to check out your handy work.

One of the world's most frustrating jobs. Cutting and installing vinyl siding in cold temperatures. Good luck.

Good point, I own a Tapco cutting table and all the other "right" tools to install siding but would pass on a siding job this time of year unless we happen to get some 50 deg. plus days.
It's not as bad if your working with .045 and thicker material.
But the thin cheap stuff just loves to shatter.

quote:

Originally posted by joecaption:
Good point, I own a Tapco cutting table and all the other "right" tools to install siding but would pass on a siding job this time of year unless we happen to get some 50 deg. plus days.
It's not as bad if your working with .045 and thicker material.
But the thin cheap stuff just loves to shatter.

Quicker that you shake a stick at....

joe i had to think about the replies i received and was thinking about your comment about working in the cold..i live in southern part of ny and is cold now at this time of yeat however my thought was if i were to keep all the vinyl on my porch which is enclosed and temp around 50 or 60 it would be easier to cut the vinyl,, do you think hangingit right after i remove it from the room would be a problem even though it is nailed in the center of the slots and 1/4 away from endsto allow for expansion?? thanks

I suppose it would work, going to be fun trying to get it in and out of the porch.
Still no picture of the house?
There's a lot of tricks to getting all the outside and inside corners to line up.
If this is an older house with additions that are differant elevations, or someone left the old wooden corner boards in place so there sticking out behond the siding it can get interesting to make it all blend in.

Great advice so far - If you are really in a hurry you might be able to go in and out from the porch, but I still might wait till spring time if you can help it as the project would go a lot easier. One thing I would question is the size of pieces that was suggested for installation. While 10-5-10 might sound good, with 12' 6" panels, that would be pretty wasteful and leave you with a bumch of 2'6" pieces. You also have to take into consideration window and door placement. If you have a 25 foot run, you will need three pieces regardless. I would make one of them a full panel, then the next two pieces no shorter than 4 feet. Only you will know the other dimensions you are working with and should take into consideration distance between windows etc to minimize waste. Good luck with your project

another question is it a safe bet i should install the soffit panels first before the exterior siding so so all the trims are at the corect lengths( outside corner , inside corner and all j trim).. i feel if i put all this in place before the soffit and then do the soffitt last i cannot adjust if they need to be thanks

Best way to do it would be to install the soffit material.
Wrap the facia with coil stock.
Install inside and outside corners.
Build out any door or window trim if need be so it will stick out past the J moulding, wrap it with coil stock.
(I bend mine so there's at least 2" sitting on the wall to act as a way to keep keep water from getting in behind the trim.
Install window tape over the metal flashing.
Install Z moulding over the tops of the windows and doors.
Install the J around the windows and doors.
Install starter strips.
Now your ready for the siding.

joe thanks for the info it simplified where to start and what to do after each step thank you jim

UPDATE!! i lucked out with the weather last few weeks until now( 35 - 55 temp) now it is bitter cold..however i was able to complete most of the siding work except for one complete wall,, i had to get more siding from building supplier, he recommended to get enough on the order just in case of a color descrepancy since i am doing one whole wall with windows... any thing i do not use he would take as a return if i do not cut it..anyway i agreed with him so i ordered and this cold weather comes in go figure.. one question i have is the length of wall is 25 feet 3 inch and a quarte from corner trim to corner trim, therefore i need to use 3 pieces per row,, first row being cut to a 6 inch high panel as a starter and then next 4 rows all complete 8 inch,, what would be the best lenght for each section on each row (do i move the shortest piece in a different place in each row or keep it in same place every other roww( yes it is more than one question now 0 THANKS FOR ANY REPLIES JIM

Simple rule, do not have any piece less then 2' long.
Do not have a lenght repeat within three rows. You do not want a stair step or zig zag pattern.
If you plan it out right by looking steps ahead you may get less waste if some of your cuts will fit between the windows.