How to Install Gentek Vinyl Siding

Extend a tape measure between the undersides of the eaves and upper edge of the house’s foundation, and record the measurement. Cut the corner post trim to this length. Set this corner post flush against the corner of the exterior wall and secure in place using 1-inch galvanized nails at 8-inch intervals. Repeat the process to secure other corner posts to the remaining corners of the house’s exterior.

Snap a horizontal chalk line along the base of the wall where you want the vinyl siding to end. Extend the chalk line around the house’s exterior to serve as a guideline.

Measure the distance between two adjacent corner posts. Measure and cut a starter and end strip of siding to this measurement.

Set the starter strip against the wall, directly above the chalk line. Drive the nails 10 inches apart to secure the siding to the wall. Do not push the nails all the way through, but leave 1/32-inch of the shaft exposed.

Set the end trim along the top of the wall. Position it so its open channel presses into the soffit. Repeat the process to nail this strip in place.

Measure the length and width of the windows and doors and cut strips of J-trim according to the measurements. Install the trim in place, with its channel facing outward. Notch the upper ends of the J-trim to accommodate the drip caps.

Cut drip caps provided with the Gentek vinyl siding for the tops of windows and doors. Install the caps so their ends fit the notches in the J-trim.

Insert the lower edge of the first horizontal Gentek vinyl plank into the starter strip along the base of the wall to lock it into place. Insert the side of the plank into the open channel in the adjacent corner post. Fasten the plank in place by driving nails through the slots provided along the upper section. Repeat this process to install as many full-width pieces as possible to complete the first row. Overlap the ends of adjacent planks by 1 to 2 inches.

Measure the width of the gap for the last plank along the far end of the wall. Cut the plank to size, and fit it into place, ensuring its end fits into the adjacent post’s channel.

Fasten full-width vinyl planks for subsequent rows along the wall by sliding their lower edges into the locking feature of the course directly below and drive nails into the slots provided. Stagger the overlapping joints between rows. Cut the planks to size to fit around doors and windows. Fit the upper edge of the topmost row into the lower edge of the end trim.