If you want to replace your vinyl siding or your home, or perhaps you have a damaged panel that needs to go, you should know how to hang vinyl siding. Before you can even take that step, though, you’ll need to cut it. What’s the best way to cut and install vinyl siding? Read on for these top tips from Pinnacle Home Improvements, renowned vinyl siding contractors who provide unparalleled craftsmanship to help you fall in love with your home all over again.
Introduction to Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has many benefits for homeowners. It’s an affordable material that’s durable and long-lasting. It also comes in many different colors, meaning that you don’t need to paint it. Even better, vinyl siding can mimic the style of more expensive materials such as stone, brick, or wood, giving your home the look you dream of for much less.
If you’re on a mission to replace vinyl siding, you need to know how to cut vinyl siding first to avoid damaging or wasting materials and make sure you get the perfect fit. While vinyl siding cost may not be astronomical, you’ll want to avoid ruining these panels. If you’re wondering, “Is insulated vinyl siding worth it?” there’s good reason to also learn about installing insulation behind these panels too.
Preparation Steps Before Cutting Vinyl Siding
How much siding do you need? Make sure you have it all in place and assemble your tools as well. You’ll want a notebook and a carpenter’s pencil to write down measurements. You’ll also need a measuring tape, a flat work table, and either a pair of tin snips, a circular saw, or a utility knife.
Don’t forget to get the right safety equipment too. You’ll want eye protection through safety goggles, a mask, and utility gloves. If using the circular saw, make sure you use hearing protection too. Work boots or closed-toe shoes are also important for protecting yourself when making these cuts. Once you have all these tools for cutting vinyl siding, you can begin.
How to Cut Vinyl Siding
There are several vinyl siding cutting techniques that you can choose from to handle this task in your garage.
Use a Utility Knife
The score and snap method is one of the fastest and easiest ways to cut this material. However, it’s best for making short vertical cuts as it leaves you with a rough edge. It’s also not as fast as using a circular saw, which will be discussed further below.
If you use a utility knife, take your pencil to make a cut line vertically from one edge to the other. Use a carpenter’s square to get that line straight. Then you can lay the vinyl siding on a flat surface with the siding facing up. Make short vertical cuts along the line with this utility knife using medium pressure and taking care not to go all the way through the material.
Once you’ve scored it, you can snap it from the score lines. While utility knives are handy for this, they’re not the strongest option. You may need to go back and score the lines again. If you’re planning to make long vertical cuts, it’s best that you rely on another tool.
Use Tin Snips
Tin snips are the best tool to use if you only need to make a few short, vertically placed cuts. However, it does take a little longer, which is why it’s only ideal when you’re only replacing one or two pieces of damaged vinyl siding. This tool should only be used for vertical cuts and not horizontal ones.
You’ll hold the tin snips and grip the siding while using a carpenter’s square to get a stable and precise cut. Once you’ve marked the line, perform the cut, taking your time to get it right. Don’t close the blades completely to ensure the cut stays smooth without fraying the edges of the material.
Use a Circular Saw
If you have a lot of siding to cut or you need to make long vertical cuts, a circular saw is one of the best options. It will take much less time, and it’s what the pros use for all types of cuts into vinyl including horizontal, angled cuts to go around features, and short vertical cuts.
It’s important to handle circular saws with care as the blade, especially the fine-toothed blade, can cause serious injury. Make sure you’re wearing protective gear at all times until you’ve safely stowed the saw and its fine-toothed blade away.
To start, make cut marks and then use the fine-tooth plywood blade mounted backward into the saw’s housing. You can then line up the blade against your siding, putting it into the right position for cutting. The saw will take care of the rest of the job. Make sure you’re moving it slowly and carefully, especially if it’s your first time using this power tool.
Some people use a dremel tool or an oscillating tool with a circular saw blade, though following what professionals use, which is a plywood blade, will give you the straight cut you need for a flawless finish.
Best Practices for Cutting Vinyl Siding
If you’re going to cut your siding, make sure you follow these additional tips:
Make Precise Measurements
Whether making vertical or horizontal cuts, take your time to measure, double check, and then mark the pieces first. This ensures you get a perfect and professional finish.
Know How to Make Angles
Angle grinders and a protractor can help you get the best measurements and cuts when you need to fit siding around features such as windows and corners of your home.
Think About the Temperature
In cold weather or hot weather, vinyl siding expands and contracts as the temperatures fluctuate. You’ll want to consider this as you prepare your siding.
Cut Around Obstacles
Windows and doors can make it a challenge, though making straight cuts from the siding edge to the corners of the obstacle can help. Remove the section and take the tin snips to cut around those edges for the right finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Just as there are tips to do things right, there are certain things you should avoid doing when cutting siding for your home.
Wrong Measurements
Even though vinyl siding isn’t very expensive, it’s aggravating to have to get more material if you mess up. Follow the golden rule of measuring twice and cutting once to avoid having panels that are too short or too long for the right fit. Similarly, make sure you double check your angles or you’ll have a home that looks mismatched.
Not Using the Right Tools
Whether you’re trying to use the completely wrong tool for the job or you’re trying to use one of the three tools above incorrectly, things won’t go well. Using the right tools is critical for getting smooth edges and avoiding cracking the material.
Rushing Through the Work
While you might be excited to just get this done and enjoy the rest of your day, rushing may create more work for you. If you hurry, you’re more likely to mess up the measurements or make uneven cuts.
Failing to Wear Safety Gear
It doesn’t matter how many DIY projects you’ve completed with success. When working with siding, and especially when using a saw, you need to wear safety gear. Safety goggles will protect your eyes from debris or sharp objects. Gloves will protect your hands, and boots will keep your feet safe in the event you drop one of these items.
Not Keeping the Siding Stabilized While Cutting
Even though it’s pretty simple to use a jigsaw or another tool to break off the siding, you must cut it on a stable surface and hold it in place. If it’s not locked in with clamps or with the help of a friend, it can move, leading to uneven cuts, or worse, fall off and cause you an injury.
Making Poor Cuts
Cut things the right way by marking the boards and taking your time. If you feel like you need to rush, plan this project for when you have more time to set aside.
Why Choose Pinnacle Home Improvements for Siding Installations
If you want your house to have a pristine look and ensure that vinyl siding is properly installed, turn to a professional. Pinnacle Home Improvements upholds unparalleled craftsmanship in every siding project, ensuring that you get a precise fit, precise measurement, and that the material has been planned for expansion and contraction to avoid cracking, warping, or water intrusion.
Many homeowners start the process themselves, only to realize how overwhelming it can become if they need more materials or they’re not getting a finish that’s flush with the other materials on the home. It’s not always easy to cut vinyl siding, especially if you don’t have the right tools. Let us help you fall in love with your home all over again by creating a spectacular finish with vinyl siding.
