Vinyl Siding Trim

When installing vinyl siding, the trim is the first thing to complete. It’s installed around the windows, the doors and each and every corner of the structure. The vinyl siding trim is about 3 inches wide and is typically manufactured with predrilled holes for nailing it to the structure you are siding. When cutting down the size of the trim pieces to fit the particular location needed, you may cut away the pre drilled holes. In this case, a little extra force when nailing should work or if preferred you can pre drill new holes.

In any case, it’s a good idea to make sure you have enough trim ahead of time by laying them out in front of the appropriate locations. Next, set the trim flush with the window molding so that the nail holes are away from the window and nail into place with 1 inch nails ensuring it’s straight and flat. Continue to trim all of the necessary areas; along the bottom of the structure, corners, doorways, overhangs and around all windows.

Trim is very important because it holds the siding in place so it must be sturdy. Like the siding itself, vinyl siding trim panels have a j-channel groove that is shaped like a hook and the siding slides into the groove when installed, typically a zip tool is used to make the process easier.

It’s very important that the trim is installed correctly so that the siding can interlock and still have room to expand and contract. The trim must be flush and straight in order to hold the siding in place properly, if not, the final finish can’t only look bad but it could come loose in high winds and is likely to allow rain penetration that if continues undetected, could cause progressive damage.