How to Vinyl Side an A-Frame Roof

Measure the A-frame with a tape measure, top to bottom and end to end, to determine the amount of material needed. Buy an appropriate vinyl siding with as much straight slope as possible. Avoid styles with many depressions or indentions where water or snow might collect. Get extra material to allow for cutting.

Mark a level line at the bottom of both sides of the A-frame with the aid of the tape measure and level. Snap a level chalk line to mark location for a starter strip, Nail a metal starter strip with the bottom along this line, using big-headed galvanized nails and a hammer. Drive nails in the center of the nailing slots at the top of the strip and set them flush but loose enough to allow some movement.

Install J-channel molding on both ends of both slopes. Start this just below the bottom of the starter strip. Leave a gap on the side between the starter and J-channel. Nail J-channel in the center of the nailing slots, nails loose enough to permit some movement. Overlap J-channel from the top by about 2 inches as needed. Cut the lip of the J-channel with tin snips to allow the connecting piece to slide easily into the bottom strip.

Fasten corner cap molding over the peak of the A-frame, where the two slopes meet. Nail this on both sides of the joint, just like it would be installed on the corner of a conventional house wall. Fasten a utility trim end strip inside it to hold the last vinyl panel.

Snap the first layer of vinyl panel into the starter strip, taking care that it is firmly attached the entire length. Overlap a second length, if necessary, from the front. Nail panels through the center of nailing holes at the top of the panel, leaving space for movement. Slide the ends into the J-channel at the roof edge, but leave at least 1/4-inch gap to permit movement.

Add other panels up the roof. Start a second row with a part panel, so the vertical seams do not align. Cover both sides of the A-frame up to the peak. Cut the last panel at the top to fit. Punch the top of the panel with a snap lock punch to create small perforations that will fasten into the utility trim. Snap the bottom of the last panel at the bottom and slip the punched top into the utility trim to secure it.