ASTM D4756-15(2021)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D4756 − 15 (Reapproved 2021) An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Installation of Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Siding and
Soffit
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4756; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This practice covers the basic requirements for and the
methods of installation of rigid vinyl siding, soffits, and D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
accessories on the exterior wall and soffit areas of buildings. In
all applications, refer also to the specific manufacturer’s tics
D3679 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
installation instructions and the requirements of applicable
building codes. Siding
D4477 Specification for Rigid (Unplasticized) Poly(Vinyl
1.2 This practice covers aspects of installation relating to
Chloride) (PVC) Soffit
effectiveness and durability in service.
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
1.3 The various application systems are located in the
E2112 Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors
following sections of this practice:
and Skylights
Substrate, Surface Preparation Section 8
3. Terminology
Application of Horizontal Siding Section 9
Application of Vertical Siding Section 10
3.1 General—Definitions are in accordance with Terminolo-
Application of Soffits and Fascia Section 11
gies D883 and E631 and abbreviations with Terminology
Special Details Section 12
D1600 unless otherwise indicated.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only 3.2.1 backerboard—a flat material used on the face of the
and are not considered standard. house, applied between the studs and the siding (or over
existing wall surface) to provide an even surface for the
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
installation of the vinyl siding.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.2 buttlock—the bottom of a siding or soffit panel, or
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- accessory piece, opposite the nail hem, which locks onto the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. preceding panel.
3.2.3 crimp—small protrusions, typically approximately ⁄2
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
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in. (12.7 mm) long, ⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) wide, and projecting ⁄8 in.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
(3.2 mm) formed by a crimper (snaplock punch). (See Fig. 2.)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.4 crimper—a special hand tool designed to form crimps
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
(snaplock ears) intended to hold partial panels in place. (See
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Fig. 2.)
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3.2.5 face nail—the action of fastening directly on to the
“face,” or exposed surface, of a panel (instead of using the nail
slot).
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.24 on Plastic Building Products. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2021. Published January 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D4745 – 15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D4756-15R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4756 − 15 (2021)
FIG. 1 Terminology for Buildings, Siding and Accessories
windows, doors, mechanical penetrations, and roof-wall
intersections, designed and intended to move incidental water
to the building exterior.
3.2.8 furring/furring strip—a wooden or steel framing
material, usually a nominal 1 by 2 in. (25.4 by 50.8 mm) used
to even the surface in preparation for installation of siding. To
“fur” a surface means to apply these strips.
3.2.9 nailslot punch—a special hand tool used to create slots
for attachment of field-modified siding or accessories. (See Fig.
3.)
3.2.10 rake (roof)—the inclined, usually projecting edge of
a sloping roof.
3.2.11 rake (wall)—the board or molding placed along the
sloping sides of a gable to cover the ends of the siding.
3.2.12 snaplock ears—see crimp and Fig. 2.
3.2.13 snaplock punch—see crimper and Fig. 2.
3.2.14 soffıt—the underside surface (typically horizontal) of
roof overhangs.
FIG. 2 Siding Installation Tools
3.2.15 starter strip—an accessory applied directly to the
surface of the building and used to secure the first course of
3.2.6 fascia—the trim covering the ends of roof rafters. (See
siding to the home. Starter strips can either be a part manufac-
Fig. 1.)
tured for the specific purpose or created by cutting the nailing
3.2.6.1 fascia board—a board attached to the ends of the
hem and adjacent lock from a siding panel.
rafters between the roofing material and the soffit overhang.
3.2.16 undersill trim (utility trim)—an accessory strip used
3.2.6.2 fascia cap or cover—the covering around a fascia
to receive and hold the crimped edge of horizontal or vertical
board.
siding that has had its normal lock removed.
3.2.7 flashing—special membrane pieces or manufactured
trim pieces used to supplement siding panels in weather 3.2.17 zip tool (unlocking tool)—a special hand tool used to
protection around joints, penetrations, and openings, such as separate interlocked siding panels. (See Fig. 2.)
D4756 − 15 (2021)
FIG. 3 Typical Siding Profiles
4. Delivery of Materials 7. Materials
4.1 All manufactured materials shall be delivered in the 7.1 Horizontal Wall Siding—See Specification D3679.
original packages, containers, or bundles bearing the size or
7.2 Vertical Wall Siding—See Specification D3679
type product, or both, brand name, and manufacturer (or
7.3 Soffıt Panels—See Specification D4477.
supplier) identification, manufacturer’s lot number, and the
ASTM specification to which it conforms.
7.4 Accessories:
7.4.1 Starter Strip—For horizontal siding made of poly(vi-
5. Protection of Materials
nyl chloride) or corrosion-resistant metal.
5.1 Do not store in any location or in any manner where the
7.4.2 Corner Posts—Of two types: for inside corners and for
temperature of the siding, soffit or accessories is likely to
outside corners of poly(vinyl chloride).
exceed 130°F (54°C).
7.4.3 Trim Channels—Produced of poly(vinyl chloride) in a
variety of designs and sizes for use around openings and edges
5.2 Store the cartons on a flat surface and support the entire
of wall and soffit surfaces. (See Fig. 5.)
length of the cartons.
5.3 Store the cartons away from areas where falling objects 7.5 Fasteners:
or other construction activity could impact the cartons. Keep 7.5.1 Nails—Corrosion-resistant with head diameter ⁄16 in.
the cartons dry. (7.9 mm) minimum, shank diameter ⁄8 in. (3.2 mm), length
sufficient to penetrate not less than ⁄4 in. (19 mm) into framing
5.4 Do not store the cartons in stacks more than 6 boxes
or furring.
high.
7.5.2 Staples—Corrosion-resistant, 16 gage minimum, with
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6. Environmental Conditions ⁄8 to ⁄2-in. (9.5 to 12.7-mm) crown, length sufficient to
penetrate not less than ⁄4 in. (19 mm) into framing or furring.
6.1 Vinyl siding and accessories will expand when heated
7.5.3 Screws—Corrosion resistant, self-tapping type, No. 8
and contract when cooled. If siding is installed in hot weather
truss head or pan head length sufficient to penetrate wall
and the siding is very warm it will be partially “expanded.”
thickness of steel stud or ⁄4 in. into framing or furring.
Provide allowance for more future “contraction” than expan-
sion.
NOTE 2—To minimize the possibility of any color variation use material
from a single manufacturer’s lot number for application to one building.
6.2 Leave ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) clearance between the ends of
panels and trim and any receiver such as J-channels and corner
8. Substrate, Surface Preparation
posts to allow for thermal expansion. If installing during
weather colder than 40°F (4.4°C), increase the minimum 8.1 Water-resistive Barrier—Vinyl siding must be installed
clearance to ⁄8 in. (9.5 mm) to allow for additional expansion over a water-resistive barrier system that includes (1) a
during warmer weather. continuous water-resistive material, and (2) properly integrated
FIG. 4 Typical Soffit Profiles
D4756 − 15 (2021)
mm) applied vertically and typically spaced 16 in. (406 mm)
on center for horizontal siding and applied horizontally and
typically spaced 12 in. (305 mm) on center for vertical siding.
9. Application of Horizontal Siding
9.1 General Requirements—Vinyl siding and accessories
expand and contract as much as ⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) over a 12 ft
(3.65 m) length with changes in temperature. For this reason
adhere to the following provisions:
9.1.1 When applied, vinyl siding products must be attached
“loosely,” leaving approximately a ⁄32-in. (0.8-mm) space
between the vinyl and the fastener head or crown to permit
thermal movement. (See Fig. 6.)
9.1.2 Center fasteners in slots of siding and accessories to
permit possible expansion and contraction. (See Fig. 7.) If a
nail slot does not allow centering/securing into framing,
furring, or other permitted nailable surface, use a nail hole slot
punch to extend the slot and allow centering of the fastener.
9.1.3 Do not face nail siding panels. (See Fig. 8.)
9.1.4 Allow clearance at panel ends for thermal expansion
between corner posts, J-channels, and other receivers in
accordance with 6.2.
FIG. 5 Typical Siding Accessories
9.2 Installation of Accessories—Accessories, including
starter strips, corner posts and door/window trim, are installed
flashing around all penetrations and where vinyl siding inter-
prior to application of the siding, adhering to the provisions of
faces with other building products. Refer to the vinyl siding
9.1 and those which follow.
manufacturer’s installation instructions and the minimum re-
9.2.1 Corner Posts—Outside and inside corner posts will
quirements of the local building code for specific product
1 3
start ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) below the top, and end ⁄4 in. (19.1 mm)
applications and requirements.
below the bottom edge of the first course of siding which will
8.2 All caulking to prevent moisture penetration must be
be installed later. Attach each leg of the corner posts with
done before siding application. Do not use caulk where it could
fasteners, spaced not over 12 in (305 mm) apart centered in
restrict the normal expansion of the vinyl siding.
nailing slots except the top fastener that is located at the upper
8.3 Apply vinyl siding over sheathing or other rigid surface end of a nailing slot.
that provides a smooth, flat surface. Do not apply vinyl siding 9.2.1.1 If more than one length of corner post is required,
directly to studs without sheathing. If permitted by the vinyl lap the upper piece over the lower piece by cutting away 1 in.
siding manufacturer, a contoured foam underlayment fitted for (25.4 mm) of the nailing flange on the top piece. Lap ⁄4 in. (19
the specific style of vinyl siding is permitted to be utilized. mm) allowing ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) for expansion. (See Fig. 9.)
Apply over wood furring strips when the underlying surface is 9.2.1.2 As an alternative for inside corners, install two
uneven. J-channels with the web of one abutting the adjacent wall and
the web of the other J-channel abutting the shorter outer flange
8.4 Drive fasteners into framing or furring. Driving of
of the first J-channel. Attach as specified in 9.1.1.
fasteners directly into sheathing or existing siding is permitted
9.2.2 Starter Strip—Determine the lowest point along the
in accordance with the siding manufacturer’s instructions,
area to receive siding and install starter strips located so that
where substantiated by windload testing conducted in accor-
the bottom edge of the initial course of siding will be on a level
dance with Specification D3679.
line and typically approximately ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) below that
8.5 On existing structures, secure any loose boards, replace
point. Allow space for corner posts, J-channels, etc., and keep
any rotted ones, recaulk around windows, doors, and other
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ends of starter strips ⁄4 to ⁄2 in. (6.4 to 12.7 mm) apart. Space
areas as necessary to protect from moisture penetration prior to
fasteners not more than 10 in. (254 mm) apart, centered in nail
the installation of siding or accessories. Use furring as needed
slots.
to create an even surface.
8.6 Flashing—Refer to Practice E2112 for installation of
flashing around windows, doors, penetrations and points of
interface between the vinyl siding and other building compo-
nents. If available, also refer to the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the window, door, or other object that will
penetrate the siding.
8.7 Furring—Masonry and uneven surfaces, as examples,
require wood furring strips nominal 1 by 2 in. (25.4 by 50.8 FIG. 6 Attachment of Vinyl Siding
D4756 − 15 (2021)
FIG. 7 Fastening Location in Siding Slots
FIG. 10 Installation of Bottom and Side J-Channels under Win-
dow (for clarity, 45 degree miter of side J-channel is
FIG. 8 Face Nailing of Vinyl Siding Prohibited
not shown)
mitered face over the face of the side J-channels. Bend the tabs
in the top J-channel into the side J-channels. (See Fig. 11.)
9.3 Siding Panel Installation:
9.3.1 General Considerations—To make overlapped siding
joints less noticeable on the sides of a building, start at the rear
corner and install toward the front. On the front and rear of
buildings start at the corners and install toward the entrance
door. Avoid use of short panel lengths under 24 in. (610 mm).
(See Fig. 13.) When lapping, place factory-cut ends of panels
FIG. 9 Joining Corner Posts
on top of field-cut ends for best
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