Installation Instructions
CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Installation Guide
21
Equipment and Tools
Fasteners
Use only corrosion-resistant nails (aluminum, stainless or 
galvanized roofing.) Nails should have a minimum head diameter of 
5/16". CertainTeed recommends the use of stainless steel nails or 
other corrosion-resistant fasteners, when installing siding in coastal 
areas. Be sure to check with your local code official or governing 
body for the building requirements in your area. Staples should be 
a minimum of 16 gauge.
If screws are used, use non-corrosive, self-tapping, pan head or 
washer head screws or oval head with countersunk washer screws 
with at least 5/16" diameter head, 1/8" (3mm) diameter shaft, and 
at least 1-1/8" (29mm) long.
To determine the length of nail required, measure the thickness of 
the sheathing material. Then add at least 3/4" to allow the nail to 
penetrate the solid wood substrate (studs or existing wood siding). 
For more secure fastening, add 1" to sheathing thickness. The 
minimum nail size should be 1-1/2".
Example: If you’re applying siding over 1/2" sheathing, use a nail 
at least 1-1/2" long (1/2" sheathing + 3/4" stud penetration + 
nailing hem thickness + minimum 1/16" between nailing hem 
and fastener head).
To determine the quantity of nails required, complete the following:
Total square feet of siding required: 
(If using aluminum nails)  x  .005 
(If using galvanized roofing nails)  x   .01
Pounds of nails required:  = 
For nailing instructions, see page 33 to 34.
Tools required
Hammer  Tin snips  Tape measure    Square 
Chalk  line  Level  Utility  knife    Shears 
Power circular saw with sharp, fine-tooth plywood blade mounted 
in reverse direction. (Irwin
®
 Tools Vinyl siding blade is not 
reversed—tooth design is symmetric 60º.)










