How to cut vinyl siding

Vinyl siding’s longevity, ease of upkeep, and range of styles make it a popular option for exterior home cladding. To achieve a neat and polished appearance, whether you’re finishing a new build or renovating an older home, cutting vinyl siding is a must.

Although cutting vinyl siding can seem difficult at first, most homeowners can complete the task themselves with the correct tools and methods. By knowing the fundamentals, you can make sure that your siding fits precisely around windows, doors, and other obstructions and prevent mistakes.

This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the vinyl siding cutting process. Everything from the necessary tools to advice on making accurate cuts will be covered. You’ll have gained confidence in your ability to handle this portion of your siding project by the end.

Step Description
Measure Carefully measure the area where you need to cut the siding.
Mark Use a pencil or chalk to mark the cutting line on the siding.
Secure Place the siding on a flat surface and secure it to prevent movement.
Cut Use a utility knife or tin snips to cut along the marked line.
Smooth After cutting, smooth the edges with sandpaper if necessary.

Vinyl siding structure

The constituents of a material define its structure. Through a convoluted technological cycle, petroleum products and chlorine components are combined to create polyvinyl chloride, the basis for the products. The product contains 80% PVC; stabilizers, pigments, and modifiers make up the remaining percentage. After the components are combined, the mass is heated and formed into panels with a thickness of approximately 1 mm using specialized machinery.

One characteristic of modern, high-quality plastic siding is that it is made via coextrusion. Using this technique, you can make parts with conditionally layered construction, where the lower layer offers strength and stability and the upper layer resists environmental effects.

Be aware that cheaper material known as "Grey-back siding" is also available for purchase. Its structure differs from that of the previous one. Because the product contains recycled PVC, its panels are brittle. The unstable area makes cutting difficult and brings out the creases and cracks.

Vinyl siding cutting may appear simple, but proper execution demands the appropriate equipment and methods to guarantee a precise, clean finish. Knowing the fundamentals of scoring, snapping, and saw operation can save you time and frustration when trimming pieces to fit precisely or when cutting around windows and doors. We’ll walk you through each step of the procedure in this post so you can get polished results without any trouble at all.

Tool review

There are many different devices that can be used for work, and each has pros and cons of its own.

Jigsaw

Extensively employed in finishing and building. characteristics of use

  • The tool is supplied with a saw. To work with PVC panels, it is necessary to choose a cutting element with small teeth. At the moment, there are special saws for plastic of famous brands on sale. An alternative can be a saw for metal, but its small teeth get clogged very quickly.
  • It is better to cut even parts with a jigsaw, since the “paw” must rest securely on the base, otherwise the tool will start to beat and jump out of your hands. That is why it is not suitable for sawing double-break panels.
  • All work is performed on a rigid base. The long part should be held by yourself or ask an assistant. The area for the saw to move should be completely free.
  • The speed is selected individually, but the optimal number of revolutions is above average (depending on the brand – 4 or 5 on the body).
  • Difficulties may arise when working with the main part of the panel and the locking connection with the mounting holes. If the material is made from cheap raw materials, this area is often damaged.

If needed, an electric jigsaw can effectively cut the piece to length. It has a unique holding mechanism that can be adjusted to the necessary size in order to accomplish this.

Electric (circular) saw

Either stationary or manual. There are certain subtleties when working with vinyl panels.

  • Difficulties arise when choosing a saw blade: almost all options come with fairly large teeth, not very suitable for plastic.
  • Cutting is complicated by the need to firmly hold the part, because the tool operates at high speeds.
  • Cutting out small areas is almost impossible. In addition, the manual variety partially obscures the view, which does not allow you to control the process.
  • The weight of the tool can be a significant problem. Under load, the panel (especially if it is irregularly shaped) bends, which leads the cut to the side.

A cut-off saw with a draw can be used as an alternative, but it has some of the drawbacks mentioned above as well.

Hacksaw for metal

Is the most economical and straightforward choice.

  • Although the saws have the required tooth size, the speed does not allow processing a large amount of vinyl material. To ensure the required pace, serious efforts will be required, and fatigue will lead to errors.
  • Only edges that are carefully hidden behind additional elements can be trimmed, since the blade is not too rigid and can lead the cut to the side.
  • Cutting parts to length is possible, but it will take a lot of time, because the cut area will have to be divided into pieces. In addition, the saw blade will interfere with precise execution.

As a result, using such a tool will be utterly futile.

Scissors for cutting metal

Carefully cut PVC siding with scissors.

  • Work is carried out in warm weather. This rule is true for all tools, since vinyl becomes brittle at low temperatures.
  • Scissors are only suitable for panels with medium density, not too hard and not cheap.
  • Cutting is done in the same way as when working with metal – only part of the blades are involved in the process, without full closure. Otherwise, there is a high probability of cracking.
  • Difficulties arise when cutting complex shapes and when working with the upper locking part of single-break parts, since it has a thickened bend.

Compared to the previous version, this tool takes a lot longer to complete, but the outcome is not up to par.

Cutter knife

Plastic cutting is possible with this device, but use caution with certain features. It won’t be able to process many parts with great precision; the process will take time and extreme caution.

The cutting line must first have a recess made in it. To do this, a limiter such as a rail or a ruler must be set. Next, the tool must be repeatedly drawn along the mark. It is advised to carry out a similar process on the other side. After every adjustment, the panel breaks.

The procedure is very challenging even though it appears to be effective. Making a single cut is challenging because the siding profile lacks a flat surface, especially when there are multiple waves. Because of the curved structure, there will also be issues with the upper locking portion. It is best to completely give up on such a tool because the outcome will be a broken panel.

Angle grinder

One common tool for working with vinyl is an angle grinder.

A few details are considered in order to produce a high-quality result:

  • A light-weight tool with a power of up to 1 kW is selected. This will allow you to complete the work quickly and without unnecessary effort.
  • Cut the part at speeds no higher than average. This will exclude damage and melting the edge.
  • The panel is sure to be held, otherwise it can be knocked out and expanded.
  • The disk should have a small thickness and size.
  • The creation of an unreliable holding of the tool is capable of creating problems.
  • The Bulgarian is exposed exactly to exclude the curvature of the cut.

Be aware of this! Wearing glasses is one of the safety precautions you must take when working, just like with other tools.

Directly grinding machine

This is a multipurpose tool with a sizable nozzle count. able to be used to trim off extra PVC siding.

  • You can work as a tool in different positions (even on weight), but it is recommended to hold it parallel to the panel or with a slight slope.
  • In the process, you can adjust the number of revolutions.
  • Difficulties may arise if you need to cut the siding along the length. Large parts will take a lot of time, and the tool will start to overheat.
  • The resulting clean cut is great for joining additional elements or decorative moldings.

Such a tool allows you to fix problems with parts that have already been installed.

Reciprocating saw and electric scissors

Alternatively, alternative cutting tools can be employed:

  1. A reciprocating saw is a modified jigsaw and repeats all the nuances of working with it. Although the device can be used to cut while hanging, without a stop, the instability of the blade due to its small thickness can cause significant curvature.
  2. Electric scissors are difficult to use for vinyl. The tool is designed for work on a flat surface or with minor bends, and the panels have a curved structure.

These tools only deplete time and strength.

Although cutting vinyl siding can seem difficult at first, anyone can do it with the correct tools and methods. The secret is to measure carefully and take your time, whether you’re cutting entire panels to size or trimming pieces to fit around windows or doors.

Always remember that safety comes first. Wear the appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, at all times to protect yourself from flying debris and sharp edges. Make sure your workspace is well-lit and stable as well.

These instructions will help you make precise, clean cuts that will guarantee the professional appearance of your vinyl siding installation. If you’re not sure, practice on a scrap piece and take your time. You can complete the task correctly if you are patient and pay attention to details.

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Veronica Gerasimova

Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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