How do you install j channel vinyl trim?

Answer 1

First flash a 8in area around a window with something,flashing, window seal tape, tyvek,

siding is not water proof,it is only for looks,if you rely on it to keep your house dry you are begging for damage. First install under Ciel trim under window the width of window

and both sides of j-channel,next cut a slot in the top of the underciel trim for the back locking plate of the j-channel to slide into( you want the water to run out from the house

not down on it, this is tricky and to hard to explain how the cuts are made if you don't

know something about siding. now the top piece, you can cut the outside edge at a 45 or just have it as long as the window and both side pieces, when cutting the length,

cut the extra bottom part of the channel (where water sits)so that it folds down into the side channel, do not cut that little piece out, (or water can get behind the channel), this will make the water stay in the side channels.

Most contractors use j-channel under a window, which is ok but not the way most siding MFG call for. j-channel is 1/2 0r 3/4, which can stick out as far as the bottom Ciel of the window, making a nice water catch.

Answer 2

I assume you are talking the j channel that goes around doors and windows for the vinyl siding to go into. Put the top piece that goes over the door top on first cutting it with snips. measure the length of the top trim over a door or the overall length of the window that you are trimming with j channel and add to thatlength the width of the exposed portion of the channel times two. In other words if your window/door measures 30 ins the bottom of the j rests on top of the window with the nailing flange flat against the building. The small turned up portion should be facing you . This small turned portion can measures usually 3/8 to 3/4in. lets assume the turned up small portion is 3/4 in high then add 1 and 1/2in to your overall top measurement of door or window. assuming a top dim. of 30in actual size then add 1 1/2in to that making your piece 31 1/2 in over all. now you have a PC 31 1/2in long. place this PC on top of window and let it extend equally beyond ea end. You should have 3/4 extending at ea end. Mark the piece at each end of the window at the bottom of the turned up portion. with a tri-square(cheap at any hdwre store) make a 45degree line from bottom to top at each end mark. now if you place this on top of your window you should have the nailing flange against the bldg with the turned up side facing you and the bottom ending even with the ends of the window and extending beyond 3/4in and angling up at a 45degree angle. Now nail with 1" or longer roofing nails at 6 to 12" intervals thru the nailing slots against the bldg. put a nail near ea end. Be sure to not, I repeat not!!! drive nails tight. the nails like the nails at the top of the siding itself should be driven at the center of the slot and only loosely to allow for expansion and contraction . now place a j channel against the side of window and slide up and under the top PC. your top PC should nicely overlap your side PC making a nice even corner. this will shed water by virtue of the overlap. Then make a mark at the bottom of your window and like the top make a 45 degree angle extending beyond the bottom of window. Repeat for other side nailing loosely! Now put a PC against the bottom of window and slide into and under the side 45. then mark other end and fit and check before nailing(good to do with ea PC). Now with these instructions in mind before doing permanent installing, use small pcs and practice fitting these corners together always making the top overlap the sides and the sides overlap the bottom. The j around doors and windows always goes on first before siding. Always practice and get your fit and technique with scrap pcs first! The same applies w/ the siding itself. Make sure the bottom of your starter strip extends below your foundation as much as possible while still allowing you to nail it firmly Nailing is the same for everything w/vinyl. Nail at center of slots and never nail tightly!!!Always leave at least 1/4in at end where siding goes into corner panels or into j at doors and windows. At top of siding leave 1/4 to 1/2in space between nailing strip to allow for expansion!! Lowes and home depot have booklets detailing exactly (with pictures) how to do everything. Its really easy to do. You can cut most vinyl w/small ryobi or other battery circular saws, just remember to reverse the blade before cutting and practice cutting on scrap pieces first. Think, cut and fit before you nail, and always measure twice!!