Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding Installation: Everything You Need to Know

Vinyl cedar shake siding is one of the most popular types of home siding, and for good reason. It offers many advantages over traditional wood shakes, making it ideal for almost any property. It doesn’t warp like wood does due to the weather and moisture, it’s much easier to install than wood shake siding because you can buy panels that are precut so they’re ready for installation. This is a far cry from installing it as traditional shingle siding. It will also mimic real cedar siding.

In addition to these qualities, vinyl cedar shake siding is also cost-effective in the long run because it doesn’t need to be replaced as often as other materials like wood or stucco. It’s low maintenance, durable, and resembles real wood shakes.

There is also a wide variety of colors available in vinyl cedar shakes which enables homeowners to create very distinctive exterior designs.

While these types of surfaces do have some advantages over their traditional counterparts, there are still certain challenges involved with installing them.

It is important to be aware that vinyl cedar shake siding may not be as aesthetically pleasing as real wood.

If you are considering installing new vinyl cedar shake siding on your home, this blog post will provide everything you need to know about how to go about doing so!

You can install vinyl shake siding easily by following these steps.

When To Use Vinyl Shake Siding Instead Of Cedar Shake Siding

Cedar shake siding is not always the most ideal choice for high-moisture areas because it may warp and become discolored. It also needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from the elements. The vinyl version are more resilient to these issues.

Additionally, it is not recommended for areas that experience extreme temperatures, such as in the south, as it is more likely to expand and contract.

DIY Installing Vinyl Shake Siding:

Installing vinyl shake siding is so much easier than installing cedar shake siding. The panels make it a dream. Ensure the area you want to install the siding on has correct sheathing, which covers the framing. It should be made from plywood boards or oriental strand board (OSB).

Place a level chalk line a few inches above the siding’s bottom for the starter strip.

The starter strip should be secured to the siding, with the chalk line aligned along the top of the strip.

Make sure the vinyl corners are plumb on the corners of the house and nail them to the corners.

J-channel trim strips are then attached around the edge of doors and windows and along the eaves. Make sure you use the center of each nail slot to do this.

Nail the starter strip into place under the first row of siding, but don’t drive the nails all the way in. This lets the siding contract and expand in response to temperature changes.

Install the first course and then continue to Install siding rows on top of each other, overlapping every joint.

You can mark the angle to be cut on the siding using a scrap of siding aligned with the gable when completing the gabled areas.

Additional Notes On Vinyl Siding Installation

When doing the installation for vinyl cedar shakes, start at the bottom corner of where you want to install these types of surfaces and work your way up the surface in rows, planning out how many rows will fit the area you’re working in on (usually four). It’s important for the appearance after installation to keep the rows as straight and level with each other as possible.

The trim strips are then applied to the perimeter of the area that is to be covered.

Then the starter strip is nailed into place so a row of shake siding can be installed on top. The bottom piece needs to be Installed along a straight line using roofing tacks (long ones).

 ‘J’ channel makes up the upper trim. This ends and secures the siding at the top. 

After you have finished installing the trim, you can start installing the shake siding, starting at the bottom and working upwards.

For angled pieces you need to cut, mark where to cut them by laying a different piece along the surface with the angle you need to match. You can then temporarily mount the siding in the horizontal position in order to transfer the angle.

At each end, shakes generally interlock with each other. Then you secure them to the wall with roofing tacks on the top side. So the vinyl can expand and contract slightly due to temperature changes, the fasteners are not driven in all the way.

With the cut ends on the sidewalls tucked under the “J” channel, a finished look that is neat and clean is created.

Conclusion

Vinyl cedar shake siding is a great choice for many homeowners looking to improve the look of their home. It’s low maintenance, durable, and long-lasting. It’s also cost-effective in the long run and easy to install. With the right preparation, it can be a great DIY project and you can create a stunning look for your home. If you’re looking to enhance your home’s exterior, vinyl cedar shake siding is a great choice.

Installing vinyl cedar shake siding is a task best left to the professionals, but for those who have DIY experience or are confident in their abilities, it’s not too difficult. So give it a go and expand your DIY repertoire!

YouTube Resources For Research On Installing Vinyl Shake Siding