Installation Instructions

These instructions describe and illustrate the steps
involved in installing CertainTeed siding and trim. Their
purpose is to provide detailed information and how-to
tips that will simplify the installation process. CertainTeed
shall not accept any liability or responsibility under its
written warranty for failure caused by application that
does not meet our minimum requirements for proper
installation. These requirements are outlined throughout
the CertainTeed Installation Guide (CTS205). Any
deviations from these requirements should be approved
in writing by CertainTeed Corporation.
Preparing Wall Surfaces
For the most part, the wall preparation instructions given
for horizontal siding also apply to vertical applications.
The key requirement, of course, is that you start with a
smooth, level and rigid substrate (plywood, wood
composite, rigid foam or fiber sheathing).
With vertical siding,
however, you may have
to complete an extra
step to provide solid
nailing points along the
vertical edge of the
siding panel. The need
for this added step depends on the type of substrate
used and the nature of the construction project.
With new construction or remodeling using plywood or
wood composite, there are no additional steps. You can
nail into plywood and wood composite substrates at any
point as long as you do not exceed 16" on center.
In new construction, using rigid foam or fiber sheathing,
you must install solid wood nailer strips horizontally to
studs before applying
sheathing. Use 1 x 3
wood furring positioned
12" - 16" on center. In
high wind regions,
including Texas, space
the furring strips 12" on
center. Check your
local building codes.
When remodeling over
existing wood siding, you
must apply rigid foam or
fiber sheathing, shimming
if necessary to create a
level surface.
When remodeling over brick, block, stucco or irregular
wall surfaces, apply furring strips horizontally to create
a level surface, then apply rigid foam or fiber sheathing.
Top and Bottom J-channel
Snap a base line 1" above the low point of the house.
Apply J-channel along the top and bottom of the walls
to receive the siding panels.
Install the bottom
J-channel (illustration 1a).
Overlap J-channels 3/4".
To do this, cut out a 1"
section of the nailing
flange and face return (see
illustration 2).
If you prefer to use
drip flashing with the
J-channel along the
bottom of the wall,
fabricate the lengths you’ll
need from aluminum coil stock of a color
to match the siding (see illustration 1b).
Installation Instructions
Vertical (Board & Batten) Siding
Board & Batten Installation Instructions | 1 of 3
upper edge of topmost
nailing slot
ring-shanked nails
and washers for
attaching foam
1/2" foam sheathing
always position topmost nail in topmost
full nail slot with vertical applications
even with washers,
center nail in slots
12"-16"
illustration illustration
1a 1b
illustration 2
1"
3/4"
12"-16"
1 x 3 furring