New, User-Friendly Resource Expands Beyond Vinyl Siding
After months of collaboration, countless meetings and a tremendous amount of dedication, the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) is putting the finishing touches on the new PEPA Siding Installation Manual, scheduled for release this fall.
Developed by a “Super Work Group” comprised of members from PEPA’s Installation Central Work Group and Workforce Development Management Committee, the new manual represents the most significant update to this essential industry resource in more than a decade.
"The PEPA Siding Installation Manual is the most widely used resource PEPA produces,” said Matt Dobson, PEPA’s Senior Vice President, who was part of the team effort. “It’s the foundation of the VSI Certified Installer Program and is relied upon by contractors and building officials across North America."
As we updated this edition, our goal was to build on that legacy by creating an even more comprehensive, user-friendly resource that reflects today’s products, evolving codes and installation best practices. It’s been a wonderful team effort in which everyone played an active role.”
Matt credits project co-chairs Brian Miller of Cornerstone Building Brands and Rob Balfanz of Progressive Foam (who also co-chairs PEPA’s Installation Central Work Group), as well as Alex Brand, PEPA’s Assistant Director of Workforce Development, for guiding the project from its launch in the fall of 2025.
“They have provided exceptional leadership and support throughout the process. We have been very intentional and deliberate with updates to ensure a valuable document. Ultimately, we wanted to develop a resource that not only addresses new installation scenarios but also serves the evolving needs of VSI Certified Installers and the industry for years to come.”
What’s New?
Formerly known as the Vinyl Siding Installation Manual, the newly renamed PEPA Siding Installation Manual reflects the association’s expanded focus and now includes guidance for four polymeric siding categories:
- Vinyl Siding
- Insulated Vinyl Siding
- Polypropylene Siding
- Backed Vinyl Siding
The manual also incorporates several existing PEPA technical resources, including:
- Updated I-codes (International Residential Code (IRC] and International Building Code (IBC] and Canadian codes, which were used as foundational resources for the new version
- PEPA’s Building Code Reference Guide, which serves as the foundation of the manual
- PEPA’s Construction Details for Energy Compliance guide, providing installers with practical guidance for meeting energy code requirements and wall assembly specifications
Additional enhancements include:
- A new section covering alternative fastening to reflect the need to address the variety of fastening scenarios in the field (based on the IRC)
- QR codes and video links that provide quick access to supporting resources and installation guidance, aimed at contractors and code officials in the field
- Expanded, comprehensive installation instructions for:
- Utility trim
- Starter strips
- Soffits
- Fascia
- Board and Batten applications
- A stronger focus on siding installation by streamlining content and removing topics not central to polymeric siding installation, such as most flashing-focused guidance
“In short, we have incorporated the latest code revisions and best current practices in this new edition,” Alex said. “The PEPA Siding Installation Manual is the cornerstone of the VSI Certified Installer Program, and we’re excited to put this updated resource into the hands of installers in just a few months.”
According to Matt, another priority for the new manual was to address common substrate and fastening scenarios that contractors encounter daily.
“Whether installers are working with foam sheathing or furring strips, putting siding over concrete/masonry units (CMUs), or working with ring shank nails and other alternative fastening approaches, we wanted to provide practical guidance that helps installers succeed in the field,” Matt said.
A More Complete Training Resource
The new PEPA Siding Installation Manual places a stronger emphasis on understanding how the entire siding system works together – particularly the importance of expansion and contraction throughout the installation process, rather than in isolated areas.
“Everything has been updated with the contractor in mind,” said Alex. “You can pick it up from cover-to-cover and understand the fundamentals, from basic installation to more advanced techniques.”
For questions or more information about the new PEPA Siding Installation Manual (available this fall), contact Matt Dobson at mdobson@polymericexteriors.org or Alex Brand at abrand@polymericexteriors.org.