Different Vinyl siding install techniques?

atnas · Apr 28, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Can any of you share your vinyl siding starting techinques?

I was taught two different ways. The "book" method, where one cuts a series of siding pieces to stair step up the wall and then finish with full pieces, etc. The second one is running full pieces until the end and cut the last piece to fit and then use the cutoff for the next starter piece. What are some of the ways any of you use?

Thank you in advance.

DavidC · Apr 28, 2009

We use what ever produces the fewest seams. No seams directly above or below a window.

Good Luck
Dave

naptown CR · Apr 28, 2009

DavidC said:
We use what ever produces the fewest seams. No seams directly above or below a window.

this works

I personally do not like the step method I like to put seams in a random pattern and use the cut off pieces and throw a few random ones in to eliminate the step pattern I think it looks better.

loneframer · Apr 28, 2009

Random looks better than pattern in my opinion. I'll start first wall with full panel, second coarse 4' panel, third 8' panel. Work to the end and use cutoffs however they look best. Start full panel again.:thumbsup:

atnas · Apr 29, 2009

Thanks everyone.

MJW · Apr 29, 2009

I usually use a full one (12'6") then an 8', then whatever is left (4'6") I know that allows a seam to line up every 3rd one, but it looks the best. I'm really liking using 25 ft. stuff though. Hardly any seams on a whole house.

There are quite a few houses around here by a rather big builder who hired a cheap siding sub. .040 panels and splices every foot going in a stair step pattern. Looks terrible. Most homeowners don't notice though.

oldfrt · Apr 30, 2009

I'll change my approach to cutting the siding by the dimensions and how cut up a house is.

For your basic 24'x40' Ranch or split level,using 12'6" panels:

Step panels at 12'-8'-4'
Every cut off gets used
When dimensions divisible by 3;
Step panels at 12'-6'-9'-3'
again no waste

Sometimes it takes a few more calculations,but we basically try to figure ahead to where other patterns can leave large enough cut-offs to use between windows.Try and leave short panel areas,like between garage doors till last so you can burn up the short panels.
We never use an end piece shorter that 3'.
But no mater how well we plan it , someone needs to come up with a software system for those brain dead days where the waste is piling up fast.

Hotrodhall · Apr 30, 2009

I feel it looks better and works better by using the cutoff piece to start the next run. Its random and it saves waste.

Tom Struble · May 1, 2009

i personally like to keep my next seam in the middle of the previous course 12-6-3,spacing of seams is important not only for looks but for helping to keep the siding running true

AustinDB · May 1, 2009

I make every effort to make it a random pattern. Ever look at a thrown up 'community' and notice the very consistent stair stepping-looks awful in my opinion. My 'randomness' is actually a selling point at the time of presentation.

Tom Struble · May 1, 2009

seams all over the wall looks disorganized to me,imo seams should have a pattern like brick and tile

most insallation manuals will show the proper spacing and patterns

KennMacMoragh · May 2, 2009

I've done siding both ways too. You just have to think which way would produce the least scrap and give you the most non-obvious pattern. If you find you are ending up with pieces you can't use, then come up with a different pattern. Too much siding waste can be expensive. The stair step method you first pointed out is a little slow, but sometimes you can save on material that way. I think that's why you were getting different opinions on it.

strathd · May 3, 2009

tomstruble said:
seams all over the wall looks disorganized to me,imo seams should have a pattern like brick and tile

most insallation manuals will show the proper spacing and patterns

IMHO seams all over the wall look good to me, as long as they are spaced symmetrically. But I have learned something here. Everyone has visions on what is right and what is wrong.

Next job I will ask the HO what appeals to them. Beauty is in the eye's of the beholder.

Tom Struble · May 3, 2009

you guys got me rethinking my installs now

:notworthy

Tinstaafl · May 3, 2009

tomstruble said:
you guys got me rethinking my installs now:notworthy

Don't do it, Tom. The HO hires a pro because he wants the job done right. If you start asking HO's what they want (execution, not product) and giving it to them, don't forget that your name is going to be associated with the result.

From what I've seen here, you don't need to go down that slope.

strathd · May 3, 2009

Tinstaafl said:
Don't do it, Tom. The HO hires a pro because he wants the job done right. If you start asking HO's what they want (execution, not product) and giving it to them, don't forget that your name is going to be associated with the result.

From what I've seen here, you don't need to go down that slope.

Random or pattern. Just a choice.

MJW · May 3, 2009

It's obvious to see that the "right" way according to the "masters", cannot be determined. That is the way siding has always been.

Patrick · May 3, 2009

If a panel blows loose on a stair stepped house, the whole wall is gonna blow off

jfranklin · May 3, 2009

you may have a point there.

loneframer · May 3, 2009

I believe if you step off at 4' intervals, the result will be beautiful. I just like to complicate it by doing full panel, 4' then 8'. Just a signature of sorts. A 2' step off looks like dogs#!t to me, just my opinion. Just looks like a production job, rather than professional to me.:thumbsup:

Different Vinyl siding install techniques?

atnas

DavidC

naptown CR

loneframer

atnas

MJW

oldfrt

Hotrodhall

Tom Struble

AustinDB

Tom Struble

KennMacMoragh

strathd

Tom Struble

Tinstaafl

strathd

MJW

Patrick

jfranklin

loneframer

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