general | February 22, 2026

How do you find studs under vinyl siding?

There is a joist between the 1st and 2nd floor, and it will be very easy to find. From inside the house, measure up from the top of a window (or slider) to the ceiling. Now go outside and measure up the same distance above the same number, then add 6″. You should be very close to the center of that joist.Click to see full answer. Considering this, can I drill into my vinyl siding?Fit a cordless drill with a standard wood bit about 1/16 inch larger than the screw if you’re drilling through vinyl or steel siding. Hold the drill so the bit enters the siding straight and horizontally. Do not tilt the drill up, down or to either side. Drill only through the exterior siding.Furthermore, how do you find a stud in metal siding? If you have gaps around the outlet box, use a long nail or knife blade to locate the stud on either side of the box. The box is attached to a stud on one side. If there are no gaps, use a long thin nail and nail it about 1/2″ from the edge of the box on each side into the wall. Correspondingly, how do you find a stud without a detector? If you don’t find signs of a stud 16 inches from the first one, measure 24 inches from the first stud and look again there. Drive a small nail into the wall where you believe you have found a stud. If the nail doesn’t hit wood under the plaster or drywall, pull it out and insert a wire hanger into the hole.Does vinyl siding have to be nailed to studs?Vinyl siding should be applied over a sheathing that provides a smooth, flat surface. Consult local building codes for sheathing requirements. Vinyl siding must never be applied directly to studs without sheathing.