To install vinyl siding you’ll need a combination of carpentry tools and some specialized ones as well. All of these can be purchased in any well equipped hardware store though.
Required Tools and Materials
Chalk
Framing square
Level
Hammer
Tape measure
Zip unlock utility
Ladder or scaffolding
Circular saw
Nail slot punch
Snaplock punch
Knife
Check the Surface
Start by inspecting the surface. Remove or replace old and decaying wood. This will help fortify the structure. Adding extra insulation is also recommended. This will result in a smoother finish. Furring strips are helpful in keeping insulation in place too.
Add the Trim Sections
These are the first pieces to add when you install vinyl siding. This is required whenever the material touches other surfaces. Add the starter strip. Use a chalk line to mark the right spots. Put the starter strip at these points. Nail them with each nail having a 10 inch space.
Add the Siding Courses and Posts
Add the J channel along the door and windows. This makes it easy for the siding courses to be received. Add the lower part, then the sides. Finally set the upper part. The angles must be at 45 degrees. Next you can set up the corner posts. This needs to follow the curve of the walls.
Set up the Siding Panels
Work from the bottom. To install vinyl siding, the starter strip must be fastened. Set the panel interlocks right along the strip. Set the nails every 16 inches. Now add the first wall course. When adding the walls make sure they interlock. Don’t forget to overlap the panels. Make them about ¼ of an inch from the windows.
Fastening
Ensure that there is space (dime size) between the siding and the nail head. This is necessary because vinyl expands and contracts depending on the weather. When you nail them, do so in a straight manner.
Skewing them upwards or downwards will damage the panel. Align the nail in the middle slots when you install vinyl siding. This is to make contraction / expansion easy. Start nailing them at the center. Put the nail in the same manner for all the panels.
Tips and Warnings
Before you add them, read the instructions. Depending on the quality, the installation may differ. Check the package to be sure.
Be careful when you cut the pieces with the circular saw. Some materials are easy to slice though. You can use tin snips instead. Wearing eye protection is also necessary when using the saw.
If you’re having trouble with the nails, just remember that the material is more hung than nailed to the wall. Nail it enough to hang but not too tightly. Take care not to injure yourself when you cut the pieces. Have someone watch over you when you use a ladder or scaffolding. Either one will do but the scaffold is generally more convenient.
If you are going to install vinyl siding, make sure that you take the precautions. By doing so, you’ll have no problems adding them.
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