Vinyl Siding Seams

Whatever your measurement is take at least 1 4 or 1 8 on both sides for the panel to slide back and forth.

Vinyl siding seams.

What is a seam. A seam is where two siding panels meet. Most vinyl siding installers use 12 foot panels says dave verbofsky manager of installation and training for ply gem siding group and a trainer in the vinyl siding institute s certified installer program. They function as a joint much the same ways joints in concrete function.

When cutting vinyl siding it s usually to go into a corner. Staggering seams on vinyl siding. Vinyl siding seams. Don t trap water behind corners.

A square is 100 square feet of siding 10 feet by 10 feet but manufacturers are now creating even longer pieces and taking advantage of them means you ll be left with fewer seams to conceal. A properly done seam will help keep harmful moisture out and increase the insulation of your home. There is an almost endless variety of designs sizes textures and colors to choose from. The seam allows the vinyl to expand and contract along with fluctuations in temperature.

In most other siding options the seams are a point of sealant. Going to a 16 foot or longer panel will eliminate 50 percent of the seams verbofsky says. In vinyl and aluminum siding it s the point that allows for expansion and contraction. I have seen houses that they stair step the seams almost like you do to get your stagger on shingles i have seen where you use the piece that you end up cutting off the last piece as your starter for the next course but then the seam lines up vertically every other course.

Get the details right when you install vinyl siding and you ll save yourself hours of frustration. Vinyl siding is found on a large percentage of homes built today. Seams are just eyesores with vinyl siding and it can cause the entire job to look sub par. This prevents the siding panel from cracking in excessive heat or cold.

How to stagger vinyl siding joints. If the visibility of a seam doesn t matter at all install the vinyl siding so the prevailing winds will blow over the seams not into them.