How to Install Board & Batten Vinyl Siding

Reflected sunlight can warp and damage siding.

Vinyl siding can add real beauty and a finished, clean look to any house. It comes in an amazing array of styles and colors which will work well as a stand-alone exterior choice, or blend in with any combination of exterior finishes you would care to use. Board and batten vinyl siding gives the appearance of standard wood lap siding and even comes in wood grain patterns. It is easy to work with, and properly installed, it is durable, never needs painting and has a realistic wood-like appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Marker
• Chalk box
• Hammer
• Galvanized nails
• Circular saw, utility knife or snips
• Siding with accessories

Instructions

1. Prepare the surface onto which the board and batten siding will be attached. Make sure the surface is smooth and flat. Check the sheathing to confirm it is firmly attached to the studs. Be sure the house wrap is firmly and tightly nailed onto the sheathing.

2. 

   Calculating correctly will give you an accurate cost of the vinyl siding.

   Determine the width of the J-channel you will use to fit the board and batten siding. (J-channel width is determined by the siding thickness you select.) Measure all surface areas to determine how much mounting channel (J and F) and siding to order. Use the standard formulas for calculating area (length times width), height times half the width for gables, and width times length for soffit. Use 1/2 width times 1/2 height to calculate each side of dormers.

3. Install flashing around windows, doors, corners and any other openings. Apply the flashing to prevent water damage, as it seeps in behind the siding. Do not rely on the siding alone to give you water-tight protection.

4. 

   This bottom chalk line is key to straight siding.

   Find the lowest point of the house sheathing at foundation level. Drive an 8-penny nail half way in at 1/4 inch above this point. Attach one end of a chalk line to this nail. Go to the other end of the wall and find its lowest point. Drive in another nail 1/4 inch above this lowest point. Stretch the chalk line around this nail and snap it. Check the line to make sure it is level using a four or six-foot level.

5. Install a flashing strip (trim coil) along the bottom of the sheathing and foundation to help protect against insect infestation. Be sure not cover the snapped chalk line with the metal flashing.

6. 

   Straight siding like this is the objective.

   Hold the starter strip against the sheathing aligned with the chalk line. Nail the strip onto the sheathing at 16 inches on center. Leave 1/4-inch space between the ends of the starter strip pieces as you work along the chalk line. Stop the starter strip 4 inches from corners so the one-piece corners can be fitted into place.

7. Flash the corners at least 10 inches on each side. Bend the 20-inch aluminum trim coil or self-adhering flashing in half to get the 10-inch corner flashings. Nail in the corner flashing starting at the top.

8. 

   Vinyl siding goes well with any exterior material.

   Measure and cut the first panel. Slip the first panel into the corner opening. Hook the bottom lock of the panel into the starter strip interlock bead by pushing upward until you hear the snap of it locking into place. Check it by sliding the panel back and forth slightly.

9. Start nailing in the center of the panel at 16 inches on center. Do not drive the nail completely flush, but leave about 1/4 of an inch clearance to give the siding room to expand and contract during weather changes. Install the remaining courses staggering the joints by at least three feet on each added course and separated by at least two linear courses.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attach board and batten siding directly to the uncovered studs.

• Follow manufacturer's instructions to install trim around doors, windows and all other openings.

• Overlap the ends of panels at least three inches and on longer runs increase the overlap by the manufacturer's instructions.

• Store the vinyl panels on a flat surface and keep out of heat in excess of 130 degrees.

References

• Certainteed.com: Board & Batten - Single 8" - Vertical Siding - Vinyl Siding ...
• Renovation-Headquarters.com:Installing Vinyl Siding - Part 1
• Amcraft.com: Amcraft Vinyl Siding Products | Board & Batten

Resources

• VinylSidingZone.com: Vinyl Siding Colors, Prices, Installation, and Manufacturers ...