General FAQ’s

Use electro, or hot-dipped galvanized steel or aluminum roofing type nails with a diameter of 1/8″ and a nail head of 3/8″ or larger. The nails should penetrate 3/4″ into a solid wood base. Properly installed nails will have 1/32″–1/16″ clearance between the nail head and nail hem. Never use anything less than a 1″ nail. If you have other materials between your base and siding, you will want to use an even longer nail. Remember to nail straight, nail in the center of the shot and never nail vinyl tight! Vinyl must be able to move freely.

Keep your vinyl shears and utility knife handy, but for the most part vinyl siding is cut with a power circular or chop saw. Use a fine-toothed blade mounted in the reverse direction. Go slow for a nice clean cut and always wear eye protection.

Heat and cold can make vinyl expand and contract so your vinyl siding should be able to move back and forth on your wall.

It is typical to have some moisture behind sidewall materials; it becomes a problem when the moisture isn’t allowed an escape. Vinyl siding has small holes called weep holes in the bottom edge of each piece of vinyl. These holes and the proper clearances in receiving channels are the escape route for any moisture that collects behind your siding.

A square represents an area of 10’ by 10’ (100 sq. Ft.) and is generally the term used when referring to the quantity of siding in the industry. 10 squares of siding covers a 1000 square foot surface.

Soffit is produced with reduced amounts of UV protection as it does not receive direct sunlight. Alternatively, siding experiences constant exposure to sunlight and is therefore adequately reinforced. Kaycan offers vertical siding products designed for vertical installation.

With the advances in manufacturing techniques, variation from dye lot to another is not the concern that it used to be.

Because of the additional components required to retain the color for many years.

In a two-step process, after cleaning the aluminum a primer coat is applied and baked on. This layer of protection acts as an extra barrier to shield the metal against the elements. The topcoat is then applied and cured to produce a superior product whose finish will give superior performance under severe exterior conditions.

Kaycan offers “MatchCoat” colors in aluminum that match the colors of Kaycan vinyl siding.

Insulates against cold, heat / air infiltration with a continuous layer of protection.
Forms a barrier to air infiltration by offering a complete layer of protection.
Strengthens the wall prior to insulation of new siding over the old.

10% is the standard amount of extra material required when taking windows, doors and details into account.

Why would I choose vinyl siding over other siding materials?

The number one reason is low maintenance. A spray with a garden hose and you are done. No more scraping, caulking and painting your house. With today’s technology, some vinyl sidings look just like wood sidings, even up close. Vinyl siding is very cost effective. Compare for yourself. Remember: vinyl is warranted not to rot, chip or peel. It will not ever have to be painted.

Installation

If you are fairly handy with tools and overall home improvements don’t intimidate you then yes, vinyl is fairly easy to install. Kaycan recommends watching an instructional video and reading our installation manual closely. Be sure to follow all directions carefully. Remember, improper installation can void your warranty.

Kaycan has no hardboard application instructions addressing these types of applications. Installing Kaycan Sidings on these types of structures would be at the discretion and risk of the installer and property owner.

1. Siding must be able to move freely from side to side.
2. Nail in the center of the slots.
3. Do not face nail through the siding.

¼” is the minimum requirement.

Vinyl siding must be “free” to expand and contract without bulging on the wall. A minimum of 1/32” clearance between the fastener and the siding panel is required.

Every 16 inches.