Nailing, Stapling and
Other Fastening Methods
If you want to ensure a quality vinyl siding installation, focus
your attention on nailing techniques. Unfortunately, a lot of
installers don’t. They feel nailing is a routine task, something
everyone knows how to do. But that’s not the case. At
Wolverine, we analyzed reported installation problems, and we
found that more than half of them can be traced back to
improper nailing. So if you want to save yourself lost time and
frustration, carefully observe the following guidelines when
installing accessories, siding panels, soffit, or porch ceilings.
Lock the panel and begin nailing at the center of the panel,
working toward the ends. This helps maintain a level line.
With horizontal accessories and panels, position the nails in
the center of the elongated nailing slots to allow for expansion
and contraction. Never nail through the panel surface.
With vertical accessories and panels, position the
first nail
at
the
upper edge of the topmost nailing slot
. This allows a
panel to hang from the nail. Position the remaining nails in the
center of the nailing slots. Allow for 1/3 of the total expansion
at the top and 2/3 of the total expansion at the bottom.
NOTE:
Do not nail too tightly. To permit expansion and
contraction, panels should hang freely from nails. This
allows the panels to move as the temperature changes.
Drive the nails until there is between 1/8" to 1/16" of
space between the nail head and the nailing flange.
Drive the nails straight in. Do not angle nails.
Per the ASTM specification for vinyl siding installation (D4756),
proper nail penetration is at least 3/4". In most cases, that
requires anchoring to studs.
Nails must be spaced a maximum of 16" apart. (In new
construction, nail to studs on 16" centers. Do not skip studs.)
Elongate factory nail slots if necessary to hit a stud.
Check
with your local building code official for special
requirements.
24
Wolverine Fit and Finish Installation Guide
center of all slots
upper edge of
topmost
nailing slot
up to 1/16"
too tight
too loose
correct
