How Should Cuts Line Up on Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl Siding Tools

• Vinyl siding is typically easy to cut. Depending on the thickness and type, you typically need to cut siding with a utility knife, tin snips or a circular saw. Cutting vertical cuts to line up at installation typically requires the use of a square saw, or at least a circular saw with a guide to ensure square cuts.

Cutting

• Vinyl siding comes in long strips. These strips have to be customized to each home installation. When installing the siding, the strips attach to the home lengthwise and should run the entire length of the wall. The cuts at the end of each slat should line up vertically. However, sliding expands and contracts due to heat; for this reason, each end needs a 1/4-inch gap between the cut end and the trim piece that covers them.

Corners and Shapes

• Though vinyl siding comes in long strips, it must conform to the different shapes and angles of a home. For example, when cutting siding to conform to the slope of a roof or soffet overhang, installers must typically cut angled side pieces. The angle of these cuts must match the angle of the roof while the siding strip must be level with the strips underneath.

Installation Hardware

• Vinyl siding comes with a variety of pieces apart from the siding strips, such as outside corner, j-channel and underside trim pieces as well as aluminum starter strips. Each of these must typically be cut to fit their particular purpose as well. For example, the starter strip runs along the bottom part of the house and must be cut to fit the length of the wall where the siding goes. Once cut and installed, the vinyl siding then installs above the starter strip.