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In my DYI vinyl siding of my house, I have encountered two schools of thought re: “J” channeling vs. caulking. My local mentor says he saves time and material by caulking in many places where he can make fairly smooth cuts. However, I read where one should maximize “J” channel edges not only for aesthetic reasons, but because the caulk (siliconized acrylic latex?) will crack with a 20 degree temperature change, as well as deteriorate much sooner. Am inclined toward the “J” -channel school, but would appreciate input on the subject. By the way, I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma–that is probably relevant. The guy that was opposed to caulking may live way north of here, eh?
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Tom , Howdy neighbor [I live East of you in Tahlequah OK ,your the only other Okie I,ve seen on here in over a year ,at least the only other one that admitted it LOL ] You wont find to many fans of vinyl siding here , myself included but one good reason I can think of to use J-channel and not caulking would be if you have a short run less than ten feet , say between two windows and you caulk both ends its gonna pull loose one or both ends as it contracts as much as a half inch in length .Every detail in vinyl installation has to allow for considerable movement .Same goes for aluminium coil stock on your fascias and elsewhere .There's a lot of guys on this site with a lot more experience with vinyl than me hopefully one will reply . Chuck .
*Just have a related question, if all ya Okies don't mind...........(-:How much does vinyl siding expend or contract with temperature changes ? I guess what I'm looking for is a formula or something that says a piece will change .0025" (or whatever) per foot for a 10 degree temperature change.
*Tom , IMO calk ONLY were you have to. Use J channel any place that butts against something. Start your J at the bottom , overlap cut and bend so that water can't get behind the first J that was installed.
*Tom,Chuck is right about caulk, use as little as possible J is meant to cover the expansion and contraction of the siding panels.Ron, a 12' panel will move up to an inch over it's length.Vince
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Here's what I would do. Let's say we were installing siding under a window. Stop one course
short of the bottom of the window. Use trim coil to flash the window. Let this flashing cover the
top of the last course of siding. Flash the sides
next extending the metal about 6" out and laping
the sill flashing. Make a drip cap for the top.
Now you are ready for the J-channel. Install the
J in the same order as the flashing. Then you should use a high quality caulk designed for vinyl
siding on the joint between the channel and the
window trim. Install the remaining courses of siding and you should have a weatherproof installation. Never depend on caulk alone.
*Hi, Chuck and neighborly Green Country greetings to you too. Thanks for yur suggestion about cutting brittle siding and also about "J" channel, etc. I'll start looking for one of those cutters pronto. As for the vinyl siding, your comment was an eye openier--but I really got a shock when I ran into that extended discussion following the question "What's wrong with vinyl siding." I understand the "craftsman" viewpoint, but I hadn't realized there were such strong adverse feelings. I am a retired teacher and not a pro at skilled trades. However, I had some negative feelings about the cosmetic aspect of vinyl (just as I had adverse feelings about Big Macs 20 years ago). However, my main reasons for going vinyl is that I have Boston siding and it doesn't seem to take paint well--and though I don't mind painting periodically, I got tired of my paint jobs not lasting more than three or so years. Besides, there is a possibility that I might sell this house in a couple or three years--and vinyl is cheap and glitzy. So I'm compromising a bit out of self-interest. But it is also a "learning experience", and so far it's been challenging, interesting and enjoyable. But my conscience has been pricked, and I would now think twice before vinyling! Thanks, and I may pick your brains again before this project ends! By the way I was recently over in the deep woods near Wagoner. Your area is where Oklahoma begins to get beautiful. Finally, did they ever "Save the Glover"? Best, Tom M.
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Ron , not to be nitpicking but one to three Okies is Ya'll , three or more is All a Ya'll . I guess I'm just a stickler for correct grammer . LOL , Chuck
*Tom , If you decide to go with vinyl I'd strongly recommend that you read and follow Chris's method [ posted below ] for flashing windows and doors . If every body detailed vinyl the way he discribes it probably wouldnt get such a bad rap . Chuck P.S. I'm not familiar with " Save the Glover " was that something local ?
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I found this in a spec. book. I hope you can explain
it to me.
Coefficient of expansion (in./in./*F)
2.9(73.7)x 10 to the 5th power ASTM D 696 method
*Here in Pennsylvania vinyl siding has been used on new construction for at least ten years. Whatever you do, follow the manufacturer's recommendations which the salesmen or at least the reps should be able to give you. Maybe even have the rep visit the job and go over the score with you. If you don't you can risk a fiasco almost as bad as the Dryvit scandal down in the Carolina's. The manufacturer's do not recommend using caulk. Proper installation eliminates any need for it with vinyl.One detail that is often overlooked. The J channel along the sides of the windows can carry a lot of water, esp. if the window is exposed and there is considerable siding above it. Be sure there is a piece of vinyl or aluminum extending from under the bottom edge of that J to past the nailing holes of the next course of siding below. Water will then be directed into the channel at the very bottom of the siding where it can drain out the weep holes. Manufacturers all require this but I rarely see it done, even here where vinyl has been used so long.John Rose
*Geetings, Chris. I assume your question was to the group discussing "J" channels vs. caulking. But in case it was to me, I must say I am flattered, but I haven't the foggiest. I am still trying to master practice, and in particular your recommendations for proper flashing, etc., around a window when siding with vinyl. Best and thanks again. Tom M.P.S. I found one way today to simplify siding around windows: take out the window and put siding over the opening! That wasn't really a cop out--there are bookcases in the room behind that window, and I have been painting over it for years.
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In my DYI vinyl siding of my house, I have encountered two schools of thought re: "J" channeling vs. caulking. My local mentor says he saves time and material by caulking in many places where he can make fairly smooth cuts. However, I read where one should maximize "J" channel edges not only for aesthetic reasons, but because the caulk (siliconized acrylic latex?) will crack with a 20 degree temperature change, as well as deteriorate much sooner. Am inclined toward the "J" -channel school, but would appreciate input on the subject. By the way, I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma--that is probably relevant. The guy that was opposed to caulking may live way north of here, eh?