How to install J-Channel like a Pro 

No problem, thanks for the compliment! And yeah I tried to cover all situations you might encounter.

Right on!

Yes sir, every detail counts!

@@sidingschool you definitely helped an old carpenter make a siding job look professional. 👏

That’s awesome!

Yeah buddy 😊

Thanks! Yeah, I think I can make one in a day or two here. Stay tuned!

I posted a video on how to repair j-channel. Hope it helps!

Some good instruction here. I like how you inserted the J into the siding. Didn't know you could do that. I've nailed the J like that at times. Now I know it's OK. Thanks a lot. Love your videos.

That’s not a bad idea! That one method isn’t my favorite look.

I should add this is for vinyl I’m planning to do it with

I’ve used a Senco SLS20 for years to fasten all my trim pieces, it uses a 18 gauge 3/8” crown staple and I get 1”… 18 gauge actually doesn’t meet the minimum specs for staples, but I like it for trim (especially undersill trim) because it is thinner and won’t bubble the siding out as much as a 16 gauge staple. The tip on the stapler is a flexible rubber so if you push on it a little you can compress it and shoot the staple with a little more depth control. There’s a newer siding stapler that I use for fastening all the vinyl siding… the Paslode SCS 200 - you can get it with a vinyl siding tip. It shoots a 16 gauge staple that meets most manufacturers and local specs (I use a 1 1/4” staple - make sure to check your specific requirements). The new Paslodes you can tip forward to get the staple to shoot a little deeper, so it is also a good choice. FYI, All fasteners should at least be electro galvanized! I only know of one place to get the Paslode SCS 200 with the vinyl siding tip and that is Adam’s Tool & Nail in Leominster MA. (If you find them somewhere else please let me know!) Unfortunately they won’t ship. I’m willing to go get them and ship them out myself for a little extra money… that’s the best I can come up with for now. 😏 I’ve scoured the internet but haven’t seen the vinyl siding attachment anywhere. Typically J-Channel I staple about every 12”-16”, F-Channel every 16”, undersill every 10”-12”, corners every 16”, siding every 16” depending on stud locations. Siding has to have about 1/16” between the back of the fastener and the nail hem to allow the vinyl siding to expand and contract freely. All my trim pieces I go a smidge tighter with my fasteners, but still allow for it to move with a tiny bit of force. The trickiest trim to fasten is undersill - you need to allow it to move because it bubbles really easily, but if you leave it too loose it’ll roll down a bit.

@@sidingschool Thanks for such a thorough reply man. I'm a carpenter in Halifax NS. About to side a big house. Your channel has been huge, thanks for showing us