ABTCO FAQ’s | Info

Welcome to ABTCO's Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.

What kind of nails do you use to hang vinyl siding?

Do you have to hand cut vinyl siding or can it be cut using a saw?

The siding on my house is loose. Is that normal?

Can moisture get behind vinyl siding? If it does, how does it get out?

My neighbor's home has vinyl siding and it looks wavy. What does that mean?

What should I be looking for in a good quality vinyl product?

Will vinyl siding melt?

Is vinyl siding easy to install?

Can vinyl siding be applied directly over wood siding?

Why would I choose vinyl siding over other siding materials?

What kind of nails do you use to hang vinyl siding?

Use electro, or hot-dipped galvanized steel or aluminum roofing type nails with a diameter of 1/8" and a nail head of 3/8" or larger. The nails should penetrate 3/4" into a solid wood base. Properly installed nails will have 1/32" - 1/16" clearance between the nail head and nail hem. Never use anything less than a 1" nail. If you have other materials between your base and siding, you will want to use an even longer nail. Remember to nail straight, nail in the center of the shot and never nail vinyl tight! Vinyl must be able to move freely.

Do you have to hand cut vinyl siding or can it be cut using a saw?

Keep your vinyl shears and utility knife handy, but for the most part vinyl siding is cut with a power circular or chop saw. Use a fine-toothed blade mounted in the reverse direction. Go slow for a nice clean cut and always wear eye protection.

The siding on my house is loose. Is that normal?

Heat and cold can make vinyl expand and contract so your vinyl siding should be able to move back and forth on your wall.

Can moisture get behind vinyl siding? If it does, how does it get out?

It is typical to have some moisture behind sidewall materials; it becomes a problem when the moisture isn't allowed an escape. Vinyl siding has small holes called weep holes in the bottom edge of each piece of vinyl. These holes and the proper clearances in receiving channels are the escape route for any moisture that collects behind your siding.

My neighbor's home has vinyl siding and it looks wavy. What does that mean?

Your neighbor's siding may be suffering from poor surface preparation, and/or "oil canning". General waviness is often a result of an uneven surface behind the new siding. Furring strips are typically used to help level a wall prior to siding installation. Oil canning, which looks like wrinkles in the siding, happens when the siding is installed improperly by either nailing too tightly, positioning the nails incorrectly in the nail slots or not leaving enough expansion room in receiving channels such as corner posts and J-channels. Once a siding panel is oil canned it will have to be replaced.

What should I be looking for in a good quality vinyl product?

First, you should look for siding certified under the Vinyl Siding Institute's third-party certification program. Certification under this program ensures that the siding meets ASTM D3679 requirements. This is the industry standard for vinyl siding.

Second, you'll need to determine what level of performance you will need. For example, some sidings are thicker than others, which can increase impact resistance and rigidity. Some sidings have a higher profile height than others, which can also increase rigidity. Added rigidity can help provide a straighter installed appearance. Some sidings have different windload resistances, as well. Typically, thicker sidings with taller profile heights and higher windload resistances are more expensive than thinner sidings with lower profile heights and lower windload resistances.

Finally, you should be certain you hire a quality, insured siding contractor. Ask for references and to see examples of his or her work. Find out if they guarantee their work. We warrant siding against manufacturing defects, but do not warrant installation. You may also want to check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints about the contractor have been registered.

Will vinyl siding melt?

If you expose your vinyl to an excessive heat source such as an open flame or if you place a hot grill against the wall, it will sag and possibly even melt. But everyday exposure to the sun's heat will not cause your siding to melt.

Is vinyl siding easy to install?

If you are fairly handy with tools and overall home improvements don't intimidate you then yes, vinyl is fairly easy to install. ABTCO recommends watching an instructional video and reading our installation manual closely. Be sure to follow all directions carefully. Remember, improper installation can void your warranty.

Can vinyl siding be applied directly over wood siding?

To install siding over existing hardboard or wood siding you must use furring strips. Furring strips are 1" X 3" strips of wood nailed vertically every 12" to 16" around the entire house. This will act as a flat surface to nail your vinyl. You may wish to use an insulated sheathing between each furring strip. Flat sheet sidings (i.e. T-111) can be sided directly without furring strips, but should be checked for damage, and replaced as necessary prior to applying the new vinyl siding. For more information please see our installation instructions.

Why would I choose vinyl siding over other siding materials?

The number one reason is low maintenance. A spray with a garden hose and you are done. No more scraping, caulking and painting your house. With today's technology, some vinyl sidings look just like wood sidings, even up close. Vinyl siding is very cost effective. Compare for yourself. Remember: vinyl is warranted not to rot, chip or peel. It will not ever have to be painted.

Today, vinyl siding is used on million dollar homes because it is the smart choice.

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ABTCO FAQ's | Info