Skip to Content

Can You Put Vinyl Siding Vertically? (How To)

There are several reasons why you might choose to install vinyl siding vertically rather than horizontally.

Vertical siding provides a more contemporary look and, in some instances, is a more practical installation. Siding installed vertically can also be more durable and, depending on the type and size of house, it can be a cost-effective alternative to horizontal siding.

confused woman standing

Aesthetically, vertical siding can create a more modern or contemporary look, depending on the design of the siding.

In some cases, installing siding vertically can be more functional, especially if the wall is tall or has a lot of windows or doors. Vertically installed siding can help to break up the surface area and make it easier to install the siding around obstacles.

Vertical siding may be less prone to sagging or warping over time, especially in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. This translates into a more durable installation which will save money in the long run.

And speaking of cost, depending on the type of siding and the design of the house, vertical siding may be cheaper to install than horizontal siding.

Ultimately, the decision to install siding vertically or horizontally will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Should You Put Vinyl Siding Vertically?

Siding house

While there are some advantages to installing vinyl siding vertically, there are also a few potential issues or problems of which you should be aware.

When installing siding vertically, exposed seams can detract from their aesthetic appeal. It’s possible for water to more easily penetrate vertical siding and this is a more serious problem if the expansion joints are not properly fitted. Vertical siding can also be more challenging to install.

When vinyl siding is installed horizontally, the seams between panels are usually covered by the panels above them. With vertical installation, the seams are exposed, which can make them more noticeable and potentially less attractive.

If the siding is not installed correctly, water can infiltrate the wall through the seams between the panels. This is more likely to happen with vertical siding, as the water will have a longer distance to travel to reach the bottom of the wall.

Vinyl siding expands and contracts with changes in temperature, which can cause problems if the siding is installed too tightly or if there are not enough expansion joints.

Installing siding vertically may be more challenging than installing it horizontally, especially if the wall is tall or has a lot of obstacles.

Overall, it is important to carefully consider these potential issues before deciding whether to install vinyl siding vertically.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on January 5, 2023.

What Tools Do You Need To Put Vinyl Siding Vertically?

tools for siding

When it comes to installing vinyl siding vertically, there are a few essential tools that you will need to have on hand.

To install siding vertically you’ll need a measuring tape, a circular saw or tin snips, a nail gun or staple gun, and a ladder to reach the higher parts of the wall. You will also need a hammer, level, chalk line, jigsaw, and a utility knife, as well as protective eyewear and gloves.

Here is a list of tools that you may need to install vinyl siding vertically:

  1. Measuring tape – To measure the height of the wall and cut the siding panels to the correct length.
  2. Circular saw or tin snips – To cut the siding panels to size.
  3. Nail gun or staple gun – To attach the siding panels to the wall.
  4. Ladder – To reach the higher parts of the wall.
  5. Hammer – To install nails or staples by hand if needed.
  6. Level – To ensure that the siding panels are installed straight.
  7. Chalk line – To mark straight lines on the wall as a guide for installing the siding panels.
  8. Jigsaw – To cut around windows and doors.
  9. Utility knife – To trim any excess siding or to make precise cuts.
  10. Protective eyewear and gloves – To protect yourself while working with power tools and sharp materials.

You may also need additional tools or supplies depending on the specific needs of your installation, such as a drill to install starter strips or trim pieces, or silicone caulk to seal around windows and doors.

What Preparations Do You Need To Put Vinyl Siding Vertically?

Siding house

After deciding that vertical siding is the ideal installation for your home, it’s a good idea to prepare the site properly first before embarking on your project.

Before installing vinyl siding vertically, measure the wall to determine how much siding you need, gather your tools and supplies, remove any existing siding, repair any damage, and install a starter strip along the bottom of the wall. This will ensure that the installation is successful.

Before you begin installing vinyl siding vertically, there are a few important preparations that you should make:

  1. Measure the wall: Measure the height of the wall and the length of each section to determine how much siding you will need.
  2. Purchase the siding: Select the type and style of siding that you want to use and purchase enough to cover the entire wall.
  3. Gather your tools and supplies: Make sure that you have all of the tools and supplies that you will need, including a nail gun or staple gun, nails or staples, a circular saw or tin snips, a ladder, a hammer, a level, a chalk line, a jigsaw, and a utility knife.
  4. Remove any existing siding: If there is already siding on the wall, you will need to remove it before you can install the new siding. This may require the use of a pry bar or crowbar to carefully remove the old siding.
  5. Repair any damage: If the wall has any holes, cracks, or other damage, it is important to repair this before installing the new siding. This will help to ensure that the siding is properly supported and that there are no gaps or openings for water to infiltrate.
  6. Install a starter strip: A starter strip is a piece of siding that is installed along the bottom of the wall to provide a straight edge for the first panel to rest against. You will need to install the starter strip before you begin installing the siding panels.

How To Put Vinyl Siding Vertically

confused woman standing

To install vinyl siding vertically, you will first need to measure the wall and cut the siding panels to the appropriate length.

Install a starter strip along the bottom of the wall to provide a straight edge for the first panel. Then, begin attaching the panels to the wall, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Make sure to overlap the seams and align the panels with the edges of the panels below.

When you reach the top of the wall, trim the panels to fit and install a cap to cover the top edge. To finish the installation, you can use vinyl trim pieces around windows and doors and seal any gaps with silicone caulk.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on January 5, 2023.

It’s important to use a level to ensure that the panels are straight and to leave a small gap between the panels to allow for expansion and contraction.

Related Articles

Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over Asphalt? (How To)

Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over Stucco? (How To)

Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over Old/Existing Siding? (How To)

Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over Shingles?

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on January 5, 2023.

Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over OSB? (How To)