How To Install J Channel Around A Door

In this video, I will show you how to install J channel around a door. How to install J channel around windows is the same way you do a door without a bottom piece. When you install vinyl siding, you must install J channel. I instruct you with how to cut J channel and how to fasten j channel. Vinyl siding is easy when you know how to install vinyl siding trims properly! .
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Disclaimer: This video is all based on my personal opinion and is for entertainment purposes ONLY. I am not a financial advisor, CPA, attorney, tax advisor, electrician, plumber, housing contractor, designer, or any type of profession to give advice. I am just a consumer sharing my experiences and research. If you do need knowledge for those types of things, I will advise you to seek help for those professionals.

[@michaeldavid7959]

Totally learning a lot from your videos Josh. You have a great way of explaining and commenting on your work.

[@timisham4353]

Been doing siding for 30 sum year always let sides run up long and 45 top peace with rain tabs looks much neater and no gaps at intersecting corners

[@2010pinmaster]

I was just about to say the same. Looks much better with the top corners cut at 45 degrees.

[@jludtxs]

Do you have you a pic? Are you saying rain tabs from the sides and the top?

[@travishenry8291]

Don't have the 30 years experience but have been a vinyl installer for a while now and my mentor taught me the same way with 45 angles. Looks much neater. Do the same thing with windows and inside corners

[@stevenhunter3301]

Lol ya I was cringing when he cut it flush

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

I installed my first entry door thanks to your videos. I have another one to do at the end of the month. This one, unlike the one I just did that went between the inside garage to the dining room, goes from the garage to the outside and will be exposed to rain so this video will be helpful. I have flashing tape, a sill pan, and a drip cap ready to go. There's already J-channel on the old door, I may be able to reuse it.

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

This worked out really well, because I used a drip cap there's a small gap between it and the J-channel. I'm glad I didn't 45 the corners as this just adds complexity and more of a chance of making it look sloppy. Next year I will replace the soffit and siding and keep tuned to your channel so I can save a ton of money and be able to build something awesome on my own.

[@buckpowers4837]

Lessons from a master installer. You make a lot of work look so easy.

[@franko7357]

Another great video Josh, I had to go behind the crew I hired a year ago and water proof the j channels on all of my doors!

[@melvindimes6376]

This really helped. I'm installing a security storm door. I have to move the Jay back 1 inch around the door. Thanks, Mel.

[@floyd4311]

Thank you for posting this video. I've watched many of these and this one was the easiest for me to follow.

[@donkerns588]

Josh, just wanted to let you know that your videos were so helpful to me and my project. I was replacing a flat roof on my porch with a gable roof. Your video on intersecting a gable roof with an existing roof was spot on for me. Even the 7/12 pitch stuff worked because that too was the pitch of my house roof. Videos on fasciae, soffits, j-channel and f-channel, bird boxes and installing and bending metal fascia were all extremely helpful.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Don! I’m glad I was able to show you some tips and tricks to your projects. I learned most of my skills from my father and I feel blessed to be able to share them with others via youtube. Best of luck to you with your projects!

[@jordangrogan853]

@@TheExcellentLaborer 000

[@donaldbozek8505]

I’ve always nailed trims and corners tight and never had a issue. I also leave less of a gap between siding and channels than manufactures recommend to prevent excessive bug build up behind siding. It’s usually summer so it will not expand any further than it already is. Any movement with a audible end tap is good. I once measured a full piece in freezing weather then brought it inside to fully warm and measured it again and the expansion was pretty insignificant. I have lots of tricks to make old crooked ass homes look straight, I try to make them look like new homes not newly sided old homes.

[@lakeslinksjamesdorn1879]

ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY ALL WRONG

[@chrischambers375]

I just started contracting and your videos are extremely helpful! Love your channel my man keep up the killer work 🤘🏼

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Chris! Hope you enjoy more content to come!

[@DB-cx6cb]

Great job Josh! As a Homebuilder I had hired a crew who did a vinyl job who obviously didn’t adhere to best practice recommendation from Vinyl manufacturer. Thank God I had not paid the Jack-wagon crew. Thankfully another Vinyl crew who happened to be next door doing an installation was laughing at how my installation was being done and I ask them what’s up? They informed me my crew was not allowing for expansion when nailing vinyl to wood. Needless to say it all was removed and the crew next door ended up with the job! For any DYI, Josh is correct, if the Vinyl can’t slide after nailing, temperature change will cause the vinyl to warp or worse snapping at the nail slots will occur! Thanks Josh for information to prevent folks who want todo their own projects correctly!

[@scottshepard3662]

A few years ago people sided a house down the road from me, apparently they nailed it tight, or cut it too tight. After the first summer the entire house was buckling! They left it like that for years because they couldn't afford to have it redone...it looked absolutely terrible.

[@rolaca8410]

Hey Josh, Thank you for nice video I got it easy, I glad to follow you.👍

[@MrAdamd83]

Thank you for showing a first timer on how to do vinyl I’m doing a project right now

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome Adam!

[@MrAdamd83]

If I could show you my project I have a side of the room that is going to be tricky to vinyl as the side has pipes coming out of wall dryer vent and the starter strip is gonna be hard to do

[@lewisstambaugh9883]

Thank you for being so thorough with your details in all your videos. Excellent teacher!!

[@collietree1945]

I gotta do this around my basement walk out. Builders jack my siding up around my french door. Gonna fix it myself. Thanks

[@JoseNLopez-up8tx]

Josh saludos bendiciones gracias x compartir excelentes videos. Me a Sido de gran ayuda tus vídeos muchas gracias desde indianapolis Indiana 🇬🇹 🇬🇹❤️🙏

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome!

[@ScottieBMan]

Thanks man! Been referencing your videos a lot! Your great

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Scott! I am glad I can help. Take care!

[@samuelchaseshoptaw365]

Awesome, thanks for the video

[@markdaugherty6378]

Thanks for the great explanation

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you!

[@juicer911]

NICE. Simple explanation and install video!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Kenny! I like to keep things easy to understand!

[@hudaniel3213]

best instruction so far.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks!

[@edimendez4530]

Thanks again Josh

[@tcidevelopment5996]

Looking good buddy! Keep up the good work.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks! I enjoy making these videos and building so it’s fun for me. Stay tuned!

[@szpaner87]

I always did 45. Looks much better and hold 2 pieces tight together nicely

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I respect your method😃

[@jamestyrer6067]

THANKS FOR THIS INFORMATION

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome! I do offer a membership for more community support!

[@chaunceyrash5067]

Again my go to.

[@bedir4655]

Great video. Thanks for sharing! How about transition from garage PVC frame to vinyl siding? Is it going to be the same process?

[@loumonte658]

Nice, the house is getting there now🍻

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Lou! It’s a work in progress but it’s getting there. Cheers! 🍻

[@epigmeniomoreno9981]

Muy buena explicación gracias

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Put in a new back door to garage, had to rebuild the rough opening and half the wall. I'm installing J-channel now.

[@adammonahan687]

Add a inch and a 1/8 to the sides so you can 45 them. Much cleaner look that way

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Some people like the 45s and some like the straight cuts. I like the straight cuts. Thanks for your comment!

[@liveonlock2867]

My pops always does it like that, gives it a sharp look

[@TheRealVsauce]

1/8? That Jay channel thickness is way over 1/8

[@adammonahan687]

@@TheRealVsauce a inch a 1/8 can you not read what I wrote. 1 1/8 in is the thickness of that J channel......

[@frankly2677]

I personally wouldnt do a 45, a straight cut kicks the water out further on the siding.

[@user-wy2fi8ze4c]

Very good thanks ❤❤

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks!

[@jragster]

Thanks

[@Monsterverseevolvedgodzilla]

Thank you !

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome!

[@oneundecided]

Thank you for this video. There are 5/8 and 3/4 J channels available in Home Depot. Which J-channel I should use for siding installation?

[@kriscrosby3552]

No house wrap tape or flashing tape?

[@emiliojorge5794]

Excellent Ty

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Emilio! Stay tuned!

[@elcampoylaciudadmx]

Mil gracias por esto ahora ya sé cómo cortar el l Sairin

[@jagatmagar5784]

Hey Josh, Thanks a lot for the video. Really helpful. Questions: what is the width of the J channel used and where did you buy it from? seems that the home depot and Lowes does not sell it.

[@ChasingAmyC]

Super easy wuestion. Can I ask how you cut a "45" on 2 pieces of vinyl L-trim I am trying to put around my shower doorway? It's 1/2 inch by 2/3 inches. Please help. Tyty

[@lmb5826]

Thank you Josh! I was building a shed to match the house with some leftover vinyl siding that was left behind by the roofing/siding contractor after repairing the hail damage a few years back. Putting the siding on three of the side was no big deal, but i didn't have the slightest idea of how to put siding around a door to the shed. Now I know!

[@tysonsarina]

Thank you for your videos. Very helpful. What is the white strip where the deck meets the wall and goes over the house wrap?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That is flashing. Thanks for watching!

[@Raysin128]

You are the best

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you!

[@Rick-tb4so]

Good video..

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Glad you liked it!

[@cecilwebb2277]

Most quality vinyl siding jobs 45 their corners and add drip behind the J at the top of doors and windows. But good explaination.

[@queentishay85]

Thanks 🙏🏿

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome!

[@marlinweekley51]

strange door placement - particularly with a right hand swing. nice video though (hints: the house wrap should fit completley around door opening and folded in before installing the door. I would also use flashing tape around the door before the j channel/siding install)

[@clintonwayne9165]

I thought the top edges had to be cut at a 45 with rain tabs to make the water drain behind them and down the sides?

[@carlosenriquemartinaguilar3785]

I like the work if it takes up labor, count on me 👌👌

[@jeff_9074]

So the house wrap or any sort of tyvek tape doesn't need to be applied over the j channel on the top of the door? Thanks!

[@Danko88]

Josh what are your thoughts on caulking the J-channel to the Brick molding?

[@veegee3447]

Awesome👍😎

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you!

[@jamesdean1598]

Thanks Josh this was very helpful. I have to replace my exterior door. Dumb question maybe, do i need to disturb the j-channels when I remove the brick molding around the door?

[@stevenhunter3301]

As long as the channel is not fastened to the brick mold I have seen guys zip screw the channel to the brick mold which always screws ya when you replace the door or simply wrap the brick mold with trim coil

[@joeburton7784]

@TheExcellentLaborer how do i nail j channel when the siding is already installed? i took a window out and had to replace the j channel only. there’s a lot of room to nail it in place. thx.

[@TheRealVsauce]

Great explination video! Quick question ... I couldn't source a starter strip so I cutoff a strip from the top of a piece of siding ... anyone ever do that? Does it hold up well?

[@blueputtee]

It works. Also you can cut a piece of siding and put behind the siding to push it out against the siding to help prevent rain from going inside the siding in the trim.

[@jerryporter4898]

Do you caulk between the brick molding and the j channel?

[@lucpier]

I would have put a drip cap on the top

[@robmacneill876]

I personally think if the J was 45 degrees on the corners it would have a better finished look.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Some like 45 some like square!

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

Josh, I hve a plastic box that the g as co uses to read the monthly bill whatever it is, it is connected to the gas meeter. The J channel will not set flush against the box for it has plastic sticking out on the sides of it. Almost looks like a screw or bolt would be inside of these things. My issue is the J, if I set it out away from the box a little water will surely get in behind the siding. Also the bottom protrudes out more than the top does of the box. I tried a molding box like for a light or such but because the bottom sticking out more the box will not fit. What would you do in this situation?

[@JChaseS]

Hey josh, do you think you can help me find some black j-channel for my door? Everything i see is white

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Now I know what j-channel is used for.

[@AchillesWrath1]

Is there a way to replace that J channel trim around a door without taking all the vinyl siding off? Mine is all busted up on the bottom from a weed wacker. Or maybe a way to just replace a small piece on the bottom and not the whole thing?

[@muohiodpowell1974]

Can you use aluminum screws instead of nails?

[@Webendowed]

Why are you using egg shell j on the left and dark grey on the right? Just curious is all.

[@davidarevalo5413]

Great video. Question, what is that material that is on the walls with the Lowes on it ? Is that a moisture barrier?

[@StarsLitBlack]

Yes it's moisture barrier. Also referred to as Tyvek

[@craiglumbra4871]

Hi Josh. I’m looking to side my place in Florida (single wide with metal siding). Glad I checked out your videos. They are great. I do have a question. The windows were recently replaced and the trim around them is flush to the metal siding. I’m thinking j-channel around the window may not be the answer given it has nothing to butt up against. Is there any other type of trim I could use in that case? Thanks

[@Rottweiler30]

Jumbo J. Or build out your windows and aluminum cap them.

[@matthewrennie8581]

So much for drip cap and miter joints

[@hansjensen7823]

Curious why there’s no flashing tape between the Tyvek and the door frame?

[@sanchochavez6907]

Thanks for the tip I'm gonna soon do my siding I'm my own this was very helpful straight n forward.

[@newtothisarea]

How does the flap fit in there on top corner

[@nyhis5533]

Definitely should have been 45d on the corners. The vertical J should have extended 1” above door molding. I get the complication but that’s the right way.

[@johnotoole5786]

Yo hacky whers ur flip nail? K heres a lesso u put a sideways nail in falange where u nail thus takn the crown out of the j n puttn pressure against the jamb or l bend window casing inside corner return etc.

[@micahhammonds]

Do you have to remove the j-trim when you remove your old exterior door and install a new exterior door?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Good question. No, you do not. The trim goes around the door and will not interfere with removal. Hope that helps!

[@jesseborden7181]

Should you put jchannel at bottom of the door if you intend to build detached deck. I removed the “ledger” board which was totally screwed up anyway and worthless. I put jchannel at bottom with the finishing strip inside it. I am changing from an attached deck (which rotted a lot in my wall and caused carpenter bees living inside) to a freestanding deck. Building an attached deck unless it is for a second story seems like it causes more harm than good.

[@SuperAsian78]

Hey Josh.. how would the vinyl siding sit in on the top j channel??

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

He would leave about a quarter inch cut around the top of the J channel. Hope that helps!

[@bubbap8595]

Id be in trouble. This is wrong on every job ive been on. Guess its preference but a 45 on top corners is so much better. That way isnt wrong that you did but leaves a lot of potential for a gap later on.

[@user-pe1ic5wt8h]

It's only a preference if you can't do a proper 45. Those straight cuts are gross and wouldn't fly on any of the jobs I've been on.

[@apauln]

I've never seen it done without a 45-degree connection. I don't understand why you did it this way. @ 8:04 That is going to be visible when the siding is on.

[@paulemmm2538]

Is caulking necessary between the j-channel and the door molding?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I can see where that could be a good idea but no one does that. Good question though Paul!

[@jludtxs]

How about a thin weather strip? I am dealing with rit around my door that came from that tiny crevice. I'm going to check out your flashing vid. I almost feel like I should do both. We get tropical storms and hurricanes here.

[@weekendhomeprojects]

What keeps water from getting between the J channel and the brick molding?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

The J channel acts as a flashing around objects so water should not go behind it. I will use flashing tape on door that get a lot of rain water. Check out my how to install an exterior door in 10 minutes video to see how I flash a door. Thanks for watching!

[@framnerdan]

Hey Josh! Where did you get your building paper from?!..... Haha Great video!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

@@framnerdan From Home Depot😂 Thanks Amazing!!

[@stephenremo9200]

Nope.. Drip cap is necessary. Maybe ok if there is a roof over door but if there is a second floor with windows over the door it will leak without a drip cap

[@beachboardfan9544]

Sound info, but I think a mitered edge looks better

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Ok. Thanks for the comment!

[@johnotoole5786]

U c the gap between the j n molding thus the flip nail bud

[@user-pe1ic5wt8h]

The only people I've ever met who "prefer" those butt cuts are the people who can't do s proper 45 degree cut. The first thing anyone doing vinyl siding should learn is a proper 45 cut around windows and doors.

[@jaydencaines1723]

No drip cap?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I do not use that if the door is under cover such as a covered deck in this case. I hope that helps!

[@lamey99]

Where's the°45 @?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I like the straight cut look

[@johndough1966]

Again I ask, why aren't you using sill gaskets, flashing membranes or even sheathing tape at ALL wall penetrations. Ive watched a few of your videos now and you never use them. This practice just would not pass inspections by institutes such as CMHC or any other warranty programs. Please, do more home work.

[@aspensulphate]

No comment from the "excellent laborer".

[@teamdada2194]

He is just concerned with views not quality. His name will be known in 10 yrs when other contractors have to fix his stuff.

[@KELLBROOKS]

Should of 45 the corners

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

How did you like my Dad joke? 😂

[@framnerdan]

Dad joke rocked

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

@@framnerdan I do what I can. Thanks Amazing!

[@larrybowers8323]

I would have "framed" the question differently. I hope this joke really "measured" up to yours, did I "nail it"?!

[@Mrbagelbonk]

Why no 45 on the corners. I can honestly say I'm not a fan of the j trim install. Very beginner typer j trim

[@scottmoore3741]

Hey not trying to be an ass try going up an inch on your sides cut out your inner inch but leave the outter amd back an inch up and 45 your tops, ive found its alot cleaner look

[@johnotoole5786]

Its 12 ft 6 just like double 4

[@cristobaltzepixtos5294]

Explicar en español

[@pingpong9656]

A mitre would have looked even nicer on top.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Maybe. Depends on what you like.

[@pingpong9656]

@@TheExcellentLaborer Don't get me wrong - your work is excellent - just thought, in my opinion, it would be nice mitred so it matches the mitres on the door frame, but I know full well theory and practice can be very different!

[@jeremiahhartin2581]

Why is that door there, and how is that approved, won't open in 8 months

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Been there longer than that and it opens great!

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

You didn't 45 it, I find doing that complicates things.

[@ardvark16]

45’s

[@johnotoole5786]

Dude its a standard door so u should know cut 86 inches

[@thegrantdanielsband]

NO!!! 45 the corners looks like a homeowner did their own job??? Professionals 45 the corners IMO 🙂

[@joelcabrera9138]

Vynil doesn't xpand and contract, any structure Wood does, you have to leave slack on j channel for that reason

[@stevenhunter3301]

Who and the hell gets board and batten and slruns it horizontal lol looks way better vertical just saying