Installing Vinyl Siding – How to Install Siding. DIY Advice

Intro

Vinyl siding cuts easily, goes up quickly, produces uniform reveals almost automatically, and needs minimal caulking and no painting. But don't take the job lightly: The walls must be well-prepared and the pieces installed correctly to prevent leaks and siding failure.

With vinyl siding, some moisture will seep behind the siding and must be allowed to escape at the bottom around weep holes, much like those in a brick wall. Seepage won't be a problem if you correctly install building wrap and flashings or if the underlying siding is in sound condition.

The higher the vinyl gauge -- that is, the thicker it is -- the better it will perform: 0.048-inch-thick vinyl is significantly stronger than 0.040-inch-thick vinyl. Vinyl siding does not need to be painted.

The basic rule is "hang loose." Because vinyl expands and contracts with changes in the weather, nails should not be driven fully tight, and pieces should be cut so there are 1/4-inch gaps between panels and trims.

Prestart Checklist

Time With a helper, 600 square feet per day

Tools Hammer, miter saw or circular saw, tape measure, clamps, chalk line, drill, pry bar, square, level, story pole, caulking gun, utility knife, T-bevel, tin snips, staple gun, snap-lock punch tool

Skills Measuring, laying out a job, cutting

Prep Apply building wrap, trim, and flashings.

Materials Siding, trim to match (inside and outside corner posts, J-channel, starter strip, window and door starters), flashing, stainless-steel or galvanized nails, caulk

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Installing Vinyl Siding - How to Install Siding. DIY Advice