Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many property owners. It’s available in a wide range of finishes, it’s pretty durable, and the best part is that it doesn’t need a lot of maintenance.
The installation of vinyl siding is usually a straightforward procedure. However, you may run into a few hiccups, such as the siding not lining up, especially on corners or where two walls meet.
Due to aesthetic reasons, you obviously can’t install vinyl siding if it’s misaligned. This is why I decided to come up with a few methods on how you can fix vinyl siding which isn’t lining up.
I will also share a couple of other things you need to know about this problem.
What Causes Vinyl Siding Not to Line Up?
The main reason vinyl siding may fail to line up is if you are installing it on two walls that are not at the same level.
The difference in levels could be from the floor or the ceiling. This makes it a bit tricky for you to match the vinyl sidings edges on either side of an outside corner.
Even though such a situation may seem impossible to remedy, I am here to let you know that it’s very easy to correct the alignment of vinyl siding between two uneven walls.
How Do You Fix Vinyl Siding Which is Not Lining Up?
If you have found yourself in a scenario where vinyl siding is not lining up, you must first understand that starter strips don’t always work in all installation jobs.
In a corner where the walls are of uneven height, it will be impossible to match the edges of the vinyl siding.
So, to ensure proper alignment, you will need to use a j-channel to begin the course. A j-channel makes it easier for you to line up vinyl siding panels. This will ensure the vinyl siding looks uniform on both ends.
Another pro tip you can use is to start installing the vinyl siding at the lowest point. Most DIY enthusiasts usually make the mistake of starting vinyl siding installation from the top.
If you do so on two uneven walls, there is a good chance that the siding will not line up on the corners.
By starting from the bottom, you can prevent this error from occurring in the first place. It will also allow you to make modifications later on, should it be necessary.
Can You Use a String Line to Ensure Proper Alignment of Vinyl Siding?
While still using a j-channel, you can also ensure vinyl sidings are correctly aligned by using a string line to get a straight line between two reference points.
Using the string line, determine the lowest point in the building. Use that measurement for the other walls so that you can install the vinyl siding in a straight line.
Figuring out the lowest point is crucial as it allows you to cut and install the vinyl sidings in a straight line. Also, as you keep nailing the vinyl siding, please refer to the measurements after every row.
String lines are pretty common construction tools, and you can get one at your nearest hardware store. However, if you are keen on getting a straight line at a vinyl siding corner, you can rent a laser level. This is a much more advanced measurement tool.
Do You Need Professional Help in Aligning Vinyl Siding?
The answer to this question heavily depends on your DIY skills. If you have been engaging in many siding installation projects, you don’t need to hire a contractor for this job.
When you swap out a starter strip for a j-channel and use a string line to measure the lowest point in your building, you will be able to properly align vinyl siding on all your walls.
However, if you lack technical skills, such as using a string line, you should consider hiring a professional contractor. They will probably use the method I have shared above.
But you won’t have to endure any headaches. Don’t forget that hiring a pro will also attract a few extra bucks, and this may not be ideal if you are building your home on a budget.
It’s up to you to evaluate between these two options, which seems more ideal.
How Much Deviation in Vinyl Siding Lining Is Allowed?
When it comes to vinyl siding not lining up, you don’t have to be extremely cautious with the amount of deviation. If the lining deviation is less than 1/8”, you don’t have to worry because it won’t be visible or noticeable.
However, if it’s more than a quarter inch, you will need to take apart the siding and install it correctly.
Therefore, as you install the j-channel or string line to measure the height of your walls, understand that there is room for error.
What Problems Are Associated with Vinyl Siding Not Lining Up?
This is more of an aesthetics-related problem than it is a technical one. If vinyl sidings don’t line up correctly, the exterior of your home will look a little bit strange. However, if installed correctly, you won’t experience any other technical problems, such as leaks.
Nonetheless, aesthetics is a very crucial factor when building your home’s exterior. That is why vinyl sidings should be uniformly aligned throughout the house. This isn’t a problem that you can ignore or live with.
Can Chalk Marks Help with Lining Up Vinyl Sidings?
Making marks on the corners can guide you in lining up vinyl sidings. This is a very popular practice amongst beginners. If you are worried about vinyl sidings not lining up, you can use chalk to mark the ends.
These chalk marks will make it easier for you to track whether you are correctly aligning the vinyl sidings. Chalk marks are more useful than using your eyes to gauge misalignment.
Is Misalignment a Common Vinyl Siding Installation Mistake?
Not really. The most common mistakes people make when installing vinyl siding are nailing too tight and making poor side cuts.
In most homes or commercial buildings, the walls are usually level. Therefore, as you install vinyl siding, you don’t have to worry about it not lining up. This is an issue that mostly occurs on uneven walls.
Though rare, anyone can encounter this problem when installing vinyl siding. That’s why you need to know how to approach such a situation.
In case your vinyl siding fails to line up, you can always remove and re-install it while adhering to the tips shared above.
What Happens If Vinyl Siding Doesn’t Line Up?
To emphasize what I shared earlier, the only drawback of vinyl siding not lining up is that it looks hideous. However, this problem will not affect performance or durability.
So, if you realize that your vinyl siding isn’t lining up, the only thing you have to be worried about is the aesthetics.
The finish will be far from perfect. Considering that siding is installed on the exterior, the last thing you should want is for it not to line up.
Is Vinyl the Only Type of Siding Susceptible to Not Lining Up?
All types of siding are vulnerable to not line up if they are installed on uneven walls. Therefore, this isn’t an issue that only affects vinyl sidings. Whether installing wood, metal, or siding, you have to be careful and ensure it’s proportionally aligned.