For oracal vinyl that s easy to do because oracal publishes the essential specifications on the back of their color card.
Temperature to install vinyl siding.
Allow approximately 1 32 0 8mm clearance about the thickness of a dime between the fastener head and the siding panel.
On hot days because the siding will contract when the temperature drops.
Best practices for successful results vinyl siding installation manual created by the vinyl siding institute vsi this manual includes installation instructions based in part on astm d4756 standard practice for installation of rigid pvc siding and soffit.
Leave a minimum of 1 4 6 4mm clearance at all openings and stops.
Chilly weather makes installation frustrating because the colder it gets the easier the vinyl will crack.
Gap at all ends.
Cold weather installations have the opposite problem.
To get all the benefits of vinyl siding ensure proper installation.
Similarly it s not good to install vinyl siding during a freeze or generally when temperatures drop below about 50 degrees.
This minimizes the total amount of growth and shrinkage.
Best way to cut vinyl siding and installation.
Vinyl siding installation is designed to hang loosely on the sheathing so that it can expand and contract with temperature changes.
However let s say you install the siding at a temperature of 30 degrees f.
At the same time freezing weather makes vinyl more brittle.
Cold weather causes the panels to contract meaning it s easy to nail them on too tight.
Install siding at the top of a window or door in a similar fashion but this time set the siding on the window channel and use the window trim to mark the cut.
Ideally you ll install vinyl siding when the temperature is around 50 degrees f.
Each vinyl is different but the general rule is about 45 f 7 c.
To be certain you re within the optimal temperature range consult the manufacturers published data.
To prevent the relatively thin panels from buckling observe these fitting and nailing rules.
Some homes avoid any damage but too many issues can occur during installation so it s not recommended.
It s a great resource.
Low temperatures make it difficult to work with plus this material expands and contracts during temperature fluctuations popular mechanics explained.
When installing in temperatures below 40 degrees f increase minimum clearance to 3 8 9 5mm.