Installation Instructions
CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Installation Guide
29
Continuous foam insulation systems (SIPs)
Continuous foam insulation systems (e.g. rigid insulation, 
structural insulation products) thicker than 1" create a condition 
where CertainTeed vinyl siding and polymer shakes cannot be 
properly attached to the existing framing members, steel studs, 
or structural sheathing.
The easiest way to meet the fastening requirements for 
CertainTeed siding is to install 3/4" structural sheathing (such as 
OSB or plywood) over the continuous foam insulation. However, 
the wall assembly must be designed in such a way that the 
structural fastening surface that is re-established on the exterior 
of the insulating products is sufficient to meet the requirements 
of ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-1066 for vinyl siding or ICC-ES 
Evaluation Report ESR-3085 for polymer shakes. 
CertainTeed does not provide instructions for wall design or 
assembly that specifically relates to the fastening requirements 
for re-establishing a structural fastening surface for CertainTeed 
vinyl and polymer siding. However, FastenMaster
®
 provides 
two documents to assist in successfully re-establishing a 
structural fastening system on the exterior of a continuous foam 
insulation system:
• Technical Evaluation Report (TER No. 1009-01): Use of 
FastenMaster HeadLok
™
 Fasteners to Attach Cladding and/or 
Furring to Wood Framing through Foam Sheathing
• Technical Bulletin: Attaching Exterior Wall Covering Assemblies 
with Foam Sheathing to Steel Wall Framing
The Fasten Master reports must be used in combination with 
ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-1066 for vinyl siding or ICC-ES 
Evaluation Report ESR-3085 for polymer shakes to determine 
attachment requirements. In addition, all the installation methods 
included in this manual must be met.
Fastening CertaWrap
™
 Weather 
Resistant Barrier
To secure the Weather-Resistant Barrier, use the 
appropriate recommended fasteners and fastening 
schedule for your application.
Wood-based sheathing
When attaching CertaWrap Weather-Resistant Barrier on wood-
base sheathing, such as 7/16" OSB or 15/32" plywood, apply 
plastic-capped staples or plastic-capped nails every 32" vertically 
and horizontally.
Open-stud construction or non-structural sheathing
When attaching CertaWrap Weather-Resistant Barrier on open 
studs or non-structural sheathing, apply plastic-capped staples or 
plastic-capped nails long enough to penetrate the stud a minimum 
of 5/8" every 32" vertically and horizontally.
8"
8"
32"
16"
32"










