Siding installation is not just a project; it’s a shield for your home or business. It protects the exterior from damage or excessive wear and tear and provides additional insulation to keep your home comfortable in all seasons. However, when your siding begins to deteriorate, you can find pests inside your home’s walls, rising energy costs and more. This serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and the potential risks of neglecting your siding.
Ultimately, your siding will need to be replaced no matter how well you care for it. Some people may consider tackling this project themselves to save professional labor costs. While we don’t recommend siding as a do-it-yourself project (the reasons for which we discuss further in depth below), our primary concern is our customers – and we understand you want to know what this project entails.
For this reason, we’ve created a helpful step-by-step guide on accomplishing siding installation projects, along with tips and tricks you should find useful along the journey. This guide will focus on vinyl siding installation since it is one of the most common materials used. Remember that these steps may not precisely follow the requirements for wood siding, metal siding and other options.
Before we delve into the details, please know that professional siding installation services are readily available at Your Window Solutions. Click the button below to learn more about these services.
What Tools and Materials Does Siding Installation Require?
The only material this project requires is enough vinyl siding to cover your home’s exterior walls. However, there are over a dozen tools required to complete siding installation, including:
- Folding ruler
- Claw hammer
- Square
- Power saw
- Tape measure
- Pliers
- Level
- Utility knife
- Screwdriver
- Hand saw
- Tin Snips
- Nail slow punch
- Line Chalk
- Snap lock punch
- Hack saw
Please ensure you gather your siding and all necessary tools before starting. If you don’t own all these tools, you can purchase them at most home improvement stores. If you don’t feel comfortable using these tools, we recommend getting a free, no-obligation siding quote.
What Kind of Prep Does Siding Installation Require Before Starting?
Before beginning your project, you must prep the building’s surface. This will ensure an even, smooth siding installation project from start to finish. You’ll also need to prepare the surrounding area.
Prepping the Building’s Exterior
Start by securely nailing in all loose boards and wood trim. If you find any boards that are rotten or broken beyond repair, you should replace them. Old caulking should also be removed so it doesn’t interfere with the positioning of your siding installation project.
If you’re replacing the siding on an older home, you may need to use exterior siding furring. These special strips allow you to even out walls when necessary for a smooth, finished project.
Prepping the Surrounding Area
If the home’s exterior has downspouts, special molding or light fixtures, carefully remove them and store them in a safe place while you work. If shrubbery or trees are close to the building’s walls, tie them back to give you more room to work. This step also helps you avoid damaging the surrounding landscape.
Siding Installation Process
Once you have gathered your tools and completed the prep work, you can begin the siding installation process. Follow the 15 steps below, taking care not to skip or miss any step.
When installing siding, take your time and be careful not to miss any step.
Step 1: Remove Old Siding (If Necessary)
If there’s existing siding in place, you’ll need to remove it before installing the new vinyl. To do this, use a siding removal tool to lift each panel. Remember to start at the top and work toward the bottom. HGTV has an excellent guide on safely removing vinyl siding, which covers the process in more detail than we do here.
Step 2: Snap the Chalk Reel
Find the lowest corner of the old siding on the house. Partially drive a nail around an inch and a half higher than that, being careful not to hammer the nail all the way in. Do this at the other corner of the house and stretch a chalk reel line from the first nail to the second. Continue in this fashion until you’ve created a chalk line on every exterior wall of the building.
Step 3: Install the Starter Strip
Install your starter strip even with the top of the chalk line you created on one side. Nail it to the wall, being careful to hammer in straight. Remember to leave room for your corner posts. Repeat on every side of the building.
Step 4: Install Inside and Outside Corner Posts
Install your inside corner posts at the building’s existing corners, beginning three-quarters of an inch below the starter strip’s bottom. Nail them to the adjoining walls, placing nails at the top of the uppermost nailing slots and continuing down every eight to 12 inches.
Next, install the outside corner posts with a quarter-inch gap at the top where they will meet the eaves. These should also extend to three-quarters of an inch below the starter strip’s bottom and be nailed in the same manner as the inside corner posts.
Step 5: Cap Outside Corner Posts
Cut two-and-a-half-inch flaps in your outside corner posts using a rivet as necessary. Bend these flaps to close off each post.
Step 6: Install Siding Trim Around Windows and Doors
Install siding trim around windows and doors. For these areas, use J-channel exterior siding trim and cover all four sides of each area. Ensure the J-channel is securely nailed against the window or door casing when installing.
Step 7: Install Square Corner J-Channel
Cut the bottom J-channel to fit the sides of your window casing and install them flush with the trim you just nailed on every side. Create a tab in the bottom of each J-channel side, folding it under. Next, cut and bend the drain tab.
Step 8: Install the First Siding Panel
Now, it’s finally time to install the first siding panel. Begin this process at the back corner of your home, working towards the front as you go. Leaving a quarter inch of space where each panel butts the corner post, snap the panel bottom into a starter strip and nail it into the wall. Remember to overlap each additional panel by about an inch.
Step 9: Install Siding Balance
Continue installing your siding one row at a time, always beginning at the back of the home and working your way to the front. Don’t forget to leave a quarter-inch gap between panels and corner posts or window trim.
Step 11: Fit Siding Under Windows
Once you’ve layered enough siding installation panels to reach a window, you’ll likely need to cut some to fit beneath the openings. Remember to extend the panel on both sides of the window by about a quarter of an inch.
Step 11: Cut Exterior Siding to Fit
Your exterior siding may extend past where you need it to. For this reason, you’ll want to make vertical cuts on the siding panel using a saw or tin snips. Then, use a utility knife to score horizontally. Remove the section.
Step 12: Cut and Fit Siding Around Windows
Install your under-sill trim along the window’s width, flush with the casing. Use a snap-lock punch to punch the panel a quarter of an inch below the cut edge at six-inch intervals. When working at the top of the window, you’ll punch the panels at the bottom; when working at the bottom, you’ll punch the panels at the top.
Be cautious when installing the top rows of siding, as these sections require a ladder.
Step 13: Complete Top Row
Once you reach the top row of siding beneath the eaves, you’ll nail the under-sill trim to the sidewall. If more than one length of trim is required, it will need to be spliced.
Step 14: Fit, Snap-Lock and Install the Top Siding Panel
Measure the top siding installation panel and cut it to fit. Slide the cut panel into the trim and draw a line where it meets the one beneath it. Use a snap lock punch to punch every six inches along this connecting line.
Then, lock the bottom of this top panel into place and push the top edge into the under-sill trim. You don’t need to use nails here; the raised slots should catch and firmly hold the panel.
Step 15: Finish Top Course
Begin by nailing the J-channel to the sidewall flush with the gable. You may require more than one length of J-channel, which must be spliced together. Interlock one panel with the siding beneath, holding the other piece against the gable. Mark a line on the bottom piece and cut accordingly so it can slide between them. Repeat the process on each side of your home.
Siding Installation Tips and Tricks
Here are a few siding installation tips and tricks that can help you complete your project:
- When installing, leave room for material expansion and contraction by cutting your siding with a ¼-inch expansion gap.
- Galvanized stainless steel nails or aluminum roofing nails with a head diameter of 3/8 inch are your best choice for siding projects.
- To allow for the expansion and contraction of materials, leave a tiny gap between the nail heads and the siding face.
- Always center nails in the vinyl siding slots, avoiding the far left or right slots.
- Take extra care that nails are hammered straight and not crooked to avoid panel buckling.
- Don’t pull vinyl panels taut when nailing, as this will lead to lap joints.
Disclaimer: Siding Installation Isn’t a Simple DIY Project
It’s important to understand that siding installation isn’t a simple do-it-yourself project. It requires specific tools, knowledge and experience to complete the project successfully and safely. Siding also requires standing on ladders and using power tools, which can be dangerous.
Of course, there’s also the matter of aesthetics. After all, your siding installation will cover every exterior wall of your home and can significantly increase (or decrease) your home’s appeal. You don’t want to risk a shoddy job on something everyone will see.
Finally, the siding installation is supposed to protect your home and keep energy costs as low as possible. If not completed efficiently, your home may be left with unprotected areas and energy costs may stay high.
For these reasons, we highly suggest choosing professional siding installation. If you’re in Lake in the Hills or the surrounding Chicagoland suburbs, contact Your Window Solutions for more information.
Siding Installation FAQs
Below, we’ve answered some of our customers’ most common siding installation questions. We hope you find them helpful!
Is installing siding difficult?
Installing siding is a complex project with numerous steps. However, the project becomes relatively easy once you have the necessary experience and tools.
Can I install the siding myself?
Some people can install siding themselves. However, we suggest siding installation projects only be completed by contractors or highly skilled and experienced DIYers. We also recommend two or more people work on the project together.
What is the easiest siding to install yourself?
Vinyl siding is usually considered the easiest to install on your own.
Vinyl siding is considered the easiest to install and comes in various colors.
What are the benefits of siding for my home?
Siding provides both aesthetic and functional appeal. When installed properly, it enhances curb appeal, protects against the elements and can improve energy efficiency.
How do I choose the right siding material for my home?
Consider factors like durability, maintenance requirements, climate suitability and budget. Popular options include vinyl, wood, fiber cement and metal siding. If you need assistance choosing the right material, we’d be happy to help!
How long does siding installation typically take?
Installation time varies based on numerous factors, including the home size, chosen siding material and weather conditions. However, projects take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks on average.
Are there any regulations or permits required for siding installation?
Building codes and permit requirements vary by location and siding type. It’s essential to check your local regulations and obtain the necessary permits before starting your siding installation project. Otherwise, you risk fines and other complications.
Get Professional Siding Installation Assistance Today!
Ready to get started on your siding installation project and decided hiring professionals is the right choice for you? Fill out the contact form below! We look forward to hearing from you!
