Q&A for How to Install Vinyl Siding

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How can you replace damaged vinyl siding?

Jacob Pischer
Home Improvement Specialist
Jacob Pischer is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Helpful Badger, a home repair service in Portland, OR. With over four years of experience, Jacob specializes in a variety of handyman services including pressure washing, cleaning gutters, repairing drywall, fixing leaky plumbing fixtures, and repairing broken doors. Jacob studied at Madison Area Technical College and has a background in real estate investment.

Jacob Pischer

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

You would need to remove sections starting from the top and then down to where the damaged section is. That way you can expose the nails that are holding them. On the bottom of each siding piece is a tongue and groove-type pipe seal. You push down on the bottom part in order to release it from the next section of siding. Once you get down to the point where you can remove the damaged part, that's when you take out the nails that are holding in that section. Then replace it with a new one.

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Question

Can a pneumatic roofing gun be used for siding? I realize the nails are not to be tight to the wall, but that can be adjusted with the gun. Is this a common practice?

Community Answer

In theory it's possible, but it would be to cumbersome and you would have to get the air pressure just right. It's not recommended.

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Question

How can I stop mice from getting under vinyl siding?

Community Answer

Use foam insulation and bend the trim. Attach it to a board to secure it using liquid nails.

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Question

How do I install vinyl siding when both sides of a wall must join at a level point?

Community Answer

Use a story pole. Mark the exposure of the siding on a 1x3-inch furring strip; now you can walk around and see where all the siding will fall and what works best. Then put in the starter strip level.

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Question

How do I cut vinyl siding correctly?

Community Answer

Use your speed square to draw a straight line with your carpenter pencil, then cut through it.

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Question

How do I install vinyl siding around electric lines on the side of a building?

Community Answer

You can use J-channel around meters and breaker boxes. If you want a cleaner look, have a licensed electrician detach and then reattach those items which can be safely moved in order to install the siding behind them. Do not attempt to detach any electrical wiring or components on your own. If the items cannot be detached, safely trim them with a flat piece of trim coil and J-channel.

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Question

My roofers nailed vinyl fascia to my original wood fascia, and now there is waving and buckling. Also, there are gaps between the fascia and the drip edge where the nails were put. Will the gaps allow water to infiltrate between the drip edge and fascia?

Community Answer

Yes. Any gaps will allow water in.

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