When most people think about vinyl siding, they envision it installed on a home in a horizontal design. However, another option to consider when looking to create some eye catching curb appeal is vertical vinyl siding or ‘board and batten’ siding.

Board and batten siding creates an exterior look that provides bold vertical shadow lines that dramatically reproduces early-American architectural style.  Mitten’s Sentry line of board and batten vinyl siding is available in 41 distinctive colors and its rough cedar grain texture and 7” profile creates a durable, long lasting and classic design for your home’s exterior.

While installing vertical board and batten siding has many similar steps to its horizontal cousin, there are 5 key steps to keep in mind when applying this exterior cladding product to your home’s exterior.

1. Install Furring Strips

If needed, install horizontal furring strips every 12” or a solid nail-able sheathing prior to the siding. This action will help to level the surface and provide sufficient material for 3/4” fastener penetration.

2. Establish Your Base Line

To establish the vertical starting base, use a chalk line and a level to obtain a horizontal starting point so that all installed siding will be perfectly level. Install your corner posts even with or slightly below that chalk line.

Your J-Channel should extend into corner post and always remember to allow a 1/4” for expansion.

Important: Make sure to drill drainage holes every 12” in bottom edge of J-Channel to allow for any moisture to escape from behind the siding.

3. J-Channel your Windows, Doors and Eaves

Always install j-channel around windows and doors along the eaves before you begin applying siding

The J-Channel at the top of the opening should extend over side of J-Channel by 1/4”.

To allow for necessary water runoff, cut and bend this top portion down over this side of J-Channel.

4. Start with the Corners

For ease of application, vertical installations should start at a corner.

Fill the channel of the corner by nailing down a strip of board 2” wide. Push a strip of finish trim into the channel of the corner over the board and nail.

Cut off the locking leg of the first panel, and SnapLock Punch the edge at 12” intervals.

Push the punched edge of the panel into the strip of finish trim, interlock and then nail subsequent panels. Measure and cut to size the last panel, punch the edge and insert into the finish trim in the corner.

Note: Before installing any siding, measure the width of the wall to ensure that the last panel will fit into finish trim in the corner.

5. Always Nail at the Top

With all vertical accessories and panels, position the first nail at the upper edge of the nailing slot near the top of the panel leaving a minimum of ¼” gap at the top and bottom of the panel.  This step allows the panel to hang on its own in the proper position to maintain the gap at both ends of the panel for expansion and contraction while you continue to fasten the rest of the panel to the wall.

After the first nail, position the remaining nails in the center of the nailing slots and check each panel and corner post to ensure it has upward movement after it has been fastened.

In all installations, care should always be taken to properly prepare your home’s exterior structure and it is always recommended that installers adhere to all safety guidelines and review local building codes before starting a project of this nature.

For complete information about installing vertical board & batten siding, including installing on gable ends and determining roof angle download this handy vinyl siding installation guide.