Installation Instructions
CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Installation Guide
132
Fitting into trim pieces
Around windows, doors and other openings allow a 1/4" minimum 
gap between the siding and the trim. If an opening occurs near 
the lower end of a panel, be sure to allow room for downward 
expansion as described in the instructions.
Starting and finishing with partial panels
Cut the first of the partial panels. 
• Mark the cut line by measuring from the nail hem edge. 
• Rip cut the panel. Do not cut off the nail hem. 
• Use a snap lock punch to create locking tabs 6" apart along 
the cut edge. In some cases (if the glue bead is too close from 
the cut edge), a portion of the foam backer may need to be 
removed in order to snap lock punch the cut edge.
• Before installing this partial panel into the outside cornerpost, 
install a piece of 3/4" J-channel inside the 1-1/4" J-channel to 
receive the partial panel locking tabs. Remember to allow 1/4" 
gap for expansion/contraction. 
• Slide the cut edge of the panel into the J-channel, making sure 
to engage the snap locks. 
• Using a level, make certain this panel is plumb. 
• Nail vertically every 12" following the fastening procedure 
for vertical siding. 
• Install the next panel. Lock the panel into the preceding panel, 
and follow same fastening instructions for succeeding panels.
To finish the first course of the wall, rip cut the panel to size and 
snap lock punch locking tabs every 6" on the cut edge. Install a 
piece of 3/4" J-channel inside the 1-1/4" J-channel to receive 
the cut edge locking tabs.
NOTE: When necessary, cut panels to fit around doors and 
windows. When marking the cut, remember to allow for 
expansion. The starting and finishing procedure described 
above is also used when fitting partial panels around 
windows and doors.
NOTE: If you start with a full panel, create a starter piece by 
rip cutting the nail hem from a panel (minimum 5/8”). 
1/4" gap to 
cornerpost
Panel
snap 
locks
3/4" 
J-channel
Minimum 5/8"










