Installing Vinyl Siding Around Windows With Integrated J Channel

Traditionally j channel was a siding trim molding fastened around windows and doors which then received the siding.

Installing vinyl siding around windows with integrated j channel.

Through the middle of the slots. Caulk behind the vinyl nailing flange of the window first then install grace strips over the flange and then you can run your siding right into the window j channel. Position the j channel under the window. Lats are ok but they tend to split too easily especially if you are nailing the window every other nail slot.

Cut and position an undersill trim if necessary see when to use undersill trim. Windows and doors install the j channel vinyl siding around all four sides of a window or three sides of a door. The vinyl siding trim pieces should slide back and forth slightly. Integral j is fine its actually better.

The intergral j is a real bad idea. When i know a house will be sided in vinyl i select windows that have either an integral j channel or a slot to receive an applied cap that creates a receiver channel. Mark cut and notch the top. Install j channel under the window.

Continue installing courses of siding along the sides of the window leaving 1 4 inch spaces within the j channel at the end of each piece of the siding for expansion. Alternatively i use vinyl window and door casing which is essentially a 2 1 2 in. On the top of the window don t run it to tight leave room for the water to run off. For the window first position the j channel against the window casing.

No pieces to separate. I only use plywood. Drive roofing nails every 8 to 10 in. It does not drain water off the top of the window but to both sides where some it will end up behind the siding when leaving the bottom of the side j s it s a built in fault with regular and integral j s and the way 99 of people install vinyl and similar sidings.

Don t drive them tight.