Siding Installation: Homeowner’s Helpful Step-by-Step Guide

Siding installation

Using non-corrosive materials, install flashing around all doors, windows, rakeboards, chimneys, and other needed areas. Drip cap flashing above all openings will help ensure a weathertight installation. If your current siding is sagging, cracking, blistering, buckling, fading, or rotting, it might be time for a siding job. For a reliable contractor in Northeastern New Jersey, contact RJW Exteriors. Besides completing this exterior remodeling project, we can also help with replacement windows and doors and roof replacements.

Our Siding Repair and Installation Process

VSI trains and certifies professionals on proper vinyl siding installation techniques. Our certification program helps improve end results to minimize issues and callbacks. Homeowners rely on VSI Certified Installers to complete their projects to the highest industry standard. For successful installation, it’s important to not nail your vinyl siding starter strip too tightly against sheathing. Keep the nail heads proud of the vinyl so that the vinyl can move freely in the installation slots.

And because vinyl is installed from bottom to top, to remove it, you do the opposite, starting from top to bottom. There are some basic tools and materials you’ll need to get the job done and finish installing vinyl siding. Luckily vinyl is one of the least complex sidings to install.

How do I maintain my siding?

Formerly, imitation wood clapboard was made of aluminum (aluminum siding). In contrast, steel forms rust, which can weaken the structure of the material, and corrosion-resistant coatings for steel, such as zinc, sometimes fail around the edges as years pass. However, an advantage of steel siding can be its dent-resistance, which is excellent for regions with severe storms—especially if the area is prone to hail.

Wooden sheet siding

We not only offer the best siding installation but other home improvements as well. We are your leading provider of siding installation and window replacement services. Contact us today to give your home a fresh look and increase its value. Siding installation includes the removal of your current siding, prep work, insulation, new siding installation, and final touches. You should plan on unforeseeable issues that may cause delays in your siding project.

Siding Installation: Guidelines & Best Practices

SIDING can be painted utilizing “vinyl-safe” paint of LRV 54 or lower. Prior to painting, make sure that the surface area is properly cleaned. Please refer to the paint manufacturers’ specifications & follow their instructions for paint applications. Use moderate downward hand pressure inserting the groove of SIDING onto the tongue of starter strip as well as the previously fastened course.

Can I install the siding myself?

While vinyl siding is low-maintenance, some care is required to keep it looking its best and functioning properly. Temperature changes cause vinyl siding to expand and contract. Use the following techniques to help prevent buckling, warping, and other issues related to thermal expansion. Selecting the right vinyl siding involves considering several factors to ensure you get the best value. Understanding the factors that affect quality will help you choose a product that will perform well over time.

Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal With Custom Siding Replacement Options

The layers to your new siding are important to not only protect the frame and interior of your home but to also increase your home’s insulation abilities. You will become very close with your installation crew as they will be working on your home for about 2-3 weeks. Only one crew will be working on the project, so you will not have to worry about meeting a new crew every day or week.

Work With Minnesota’s Top Roofing Contractors

New siding materials are likely to be delivered the day prior to the start of installation. Warranties for vinyl siding can range from years depending on the thickness, with many manufacturers now offering lifetime warranties that can be transferred to the next owner. Vinyl siding is resistant to heat, cold, and moisture, and it’s certified to withstand winds up to 110 miles per hour.

CoMo Premium Exteriors

If you suspect it might be time for a siding replacement project, contact a  siding contractor in your area. It’s worth noting that if you are interested in a specific product, such as vinyl siding or James Hardie fiber cement siding, narrow your search to find a preferred contractor in your area. When selecting a contractor for your siding installation, ask questions about their experience, previous projects, and their approach to safety and quality. It’s also a good idea to solicit their opinion on what siding material to select for the job as they tend to have a wider set of real-life experiences with siding. Prepping the sheathing for water management is paramount before you embark on a siding installation project.

Marc,I don’t recall the plan name.My client did buy it from a book but had it modified by an architect to fit their needs. Slate shingles may be simple in form but many buildings with slate siding are highly decorative. Jointed horizontal siding (also called “drop” siding or novelty siding) may be shiplapped or tongue and grooved (though less common). Drop siding comes in a wide variety of face finishes, including Dutch Lap (also called German or Cove Lap) and log siding (milled with curve).

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. The first steps you need to make is choosing a reputable contractor and deciding on the siding material. There are several materials to choose from such as vinyl, wood, stucco, brick, or aluminum.

We Wrote the Book on Kansas City Siding

We always aim to minimize disruptions and complete the project efficiently without compromising on quality. Longer vinyl siding panels don’t stretch as easily as shorter ones, so it’s harder to adjust them when they get misaligned. This was a question I COULD NOT find the answer to… I did SO much internet digging. So I figured I’d share a quick video on how to combine two pieces of siding to attach them horizontally. They will not fit without cutting the siding edge where they overlap. You’ll want a pair of tin snips or something to hand cut the vinyl siding with.

Take your first piece of TruLog™ siding out of the box and remove the foam pieces from the back of the siding to more easily lock the panel into place. The foam can be installed later after the panel is locked into place. As you can see on the panel, there is a bottom lock that will fit into the starter. Ensure you slide the panel into the j-channel if you have a door, window, or a corner you are siding into. Fit the bottom lock of the panel into the starter strip and push up on the panel, locking it into place.

Window Replacement

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. If there’s existing siding in place, you’ll need to remove it before installing the new vinyl. HGTV has an excellent guide on safely removing vinyl siding, which covers the process in more detail than we do here. 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.

However, some local building codes may require different size flashing. Joint flashing must be durable, waterproof material that does not react with cement products. Examples of suitable material include finished coil stock and code-compliant water-resistive barriers such as Hardie® Wrap weather barrier. For horizontal applications, start with the bottom course and work up with the channels pointing upwards. Allow a 1/8 inch expansion gap between pieces if the siding is air or kiln-dried. For siding up to 6 inches wide, use one nail one inch up from the lap.

A product such as OSB is used over the framing; this looks like a big 4×8′ piece of wood. Tyvek, or another type of house wrap is installed over the OSB. Our resources provide everything you need, from product literature to architectural drawings and installation guides.

Siding installation

Clapboard Siding

  • Take a look at the video below for more detailed instructions and tools we used for this step.
  • In the case of an external conduit, nail insulation backing board around it and trim the sides and top with J-channel.
  • If the soffit on your home wraps around a corner, as with a hip roof, you’ll need to make some provisions for the soffit material’s change in direction at the corners.
  • This includes assessing wall conditions, removing old siding and trims, and setting up a clean workspace.
  • Drip cap flashing above all openings will help ensure a weathertight installation.
  • Moreover, consulting your local building code for the requirements relevant to your geographic area, including the use of stainless steel fasteners, is important.

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. 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. Before the contractors arrive, make sure to trim shrubbery and trees around your home. Cutting grass will make it easier for contractors to find any staples or nails that go astray during their work.

At .046” thick, these panels also provide 300% more impact resistance than uninsulated siding, keeping your home protected from extreme weather and other damaging forces. Jan has a Golden Rule for vinyl siding installation, “Always manage the movement of the product.” All polymer products expand in the heat and contract in the cold. Most times when an installation or the product fails, it is due to how it was installed. We typically see that the installer did not understand the ways the product can expand and contract through temperature changes.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Vinyl Siding Installation

You are now ready to cut this section of steel siding out so your TruLog™ panel will fit neatly underneath the window. Make sure to watch the full video below to get all the steel siding installation instructions you need. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered the essential steps and techniques for a flawless vinyl siding installation. With proper care and maintenance, your vinyl siding will provide lasting beauty and protection for your home. Before installing Siding and roofing services siding, make sure that flashings are installed to prevent moisture from entering wall and roof spaces.

Meanwhile, we prep your home for minimal heat loss during the installation process. The grand finale of how to install siding on a house is as satisfying as watching the credits roll after an amazing movie. Installing finishing trim elevates the look to another level of professionalism and ensures those edges are sealed against the elements. Now you know all that goes into the siding installation process from the pre-construction conference to final inspections. The panels are nailed into the OSB with hot-dipped galvanized coil nails or 16 gauge finish nails. These nails are resistant to rust and are sturdy against harsh weather conditions, so they will keep your siding in place.

Experienced vinyl siding installers know that the nail should never be tight against the nailing fin. This is because the head of the nail needs about 1/16” space between the nailing fin. We have our Winter Worry-Free Installation Program for your peace of mind.

You can feel on the starter strip if the panel is locked into place or not. Once you feel it is locked into place, you can secure it to the wall on one end and start inserting the foam on the other end by pulling back the panel and dropping it into place. A nice feature here is that you can slide the foam down the line of the panel.

  • Each of the sidings we install are protected by a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
  • For horizontal siding panels, space the fasteners 16 inches apart (at most).
  • A cloth or soft fabric is preferable for wiping down and/or drying.
  • Our resources provide everything you need, from product literature to architectural drawings and installation guides.
  • In this video, Tom Silva explains how to replace damaged vinyl siding.
  • A successful vinyl siding installation, just like any major project, starts with good planning.
  • The best course of action depends on the extent of the damage.
  • Starting off on the right foot with your siding installation project requires thorough research and preparation.

Side A and B are both the same width as the siding boards that we provide, but Side C is twice the width of the boards, meaning that I Trim (US45) will be installed on that side. The installation clips (AW08) are made of aluminum and serve to attach each board to the joists and allow air to circulate under the siding. Our AW-08 cladding clips have been designed to hold the siding boards perfectly. One of the greatest benefits of NewTechWood’s siding products is its UltraShield technology. This new feature has truly revolutionized the industry of composite boards with its multitude of benefits.

How Do I Keep Woodpeckers from My Siding?

Properly cut and fitted gable siding will ensure a polished and professional look for your home’s exterior. Proper installation of soffits and fascia covers not only enhances the appearance of your home but also helps protect it from water damage. By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking installation and prevent water damage. Our four step-by-step video guides take the guesswork out of installing the most popular Real Cedar siding profiles—Tongue & Groove, Shiplap, Bevel, and Board & Batten. Each tutorial covers the essential tools, techniques, and tips you need for a polished, professional result. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a hands-on homeowner, these videos will help you bring the natural beauty of Western Red Cedar to your next project.

  • Composite sidings are available in many styles and can mimic the other siding options.
  • You may require more than one length of J-channel, which must be spliced together.
  • Ensuring a solid foundation will help guarantee a smooth and long-lasting installation that protects your home from the elements.
  • You are now ready to cut this section of steel siding out so your TruLog™ panel will fit neatly underneath the window.

For smooth and secure siding, inspect the surface that it will be attached to. If you’re replacing old siding, make sure to remove or adjust any uneven portions before installing the new siding. Avoid using freshly cut lumber for the underlayment in new constructions. Estimating the correct amount of siding required for your job is vital. Too much could lead to restocking fees or storage issues while too little could cause delays.

Siding installation

In the case of an external conduit, nail insulation backing board around it and trim the sides and top with J-channel. Then, snip the bottom of the channel 1/2 inch on each side and bend these tabs down to create a drip edge. If your home has a deck, it’s likely to be suspended from a wall and covering the bottom of the existing siding.

If you don’t feel comfortable using these tools, we recommend getting a free, no-obligation siding quote. 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. When moisture becomes trapped behind siding, it can cause rotting and mold issues.

We are also proud to be James Hardie preferred contractors and offer James Hardie siding installers services for your exterior home remodeling needs. Shake and Shingle are trending siding options for gables, and we know it can be tricky to transition to them from horizontal vinyl siding. To begin, you must terminate the vinyl siding and begin again with the shake. The vinyl siding and shake siding will not lock directly together. The easiest method is to terminate the vinyl siding in the same way as you would normally with a j-channel. Inside the j-channel, add a piece of finish trim, then a piece of flashing, and the starter strip for the shake product.

You will also need to trim back any existing caulk that will prevent your channels from lying flat against the window trim. Even though the rows of siding are installed from the bottom to the top, we are starting at the top when it comes to installing your j-channel. The j-channel, to reiterate, is what will nail into the house itself and hold your siding pieces in place. We’ve talked about how to repair your broken vinyl siding, but what about vinyl siding installation?

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