How to Install Vinyl Siding

Vinyl sidings are nice to look at. They make a house attractive what with the various colors and designs available today that can simulate the architectural details of wood.

Although there have been health and durability issues associated with this plastic vinyl siding, many homeowners and builders still prefer to use it. For them, this material is incomparable to the traditional wood and can save them from spending on paint as using this does not require painting at all.

A siding system normally comes with sidings that are 12 feet in length, a window and door trim channel, J-channel, utility channel, corner moldings and metal starter strips. Instructions are also provided when you purchase the material. It should be noted that sidings must be installed on a flat surface.

Before you start installing the vinyl sidings, first make sure that the wall you’re going to be working on is clean, dry and free from distractions. If trees are situated near the house, tie the branches that reach the walls and remove downspouts, lighting fixtures and shutters if possible. If old caulking still remains, remove it as well.

Keep in mind that the surface you should be working must be flat. So for uneven walls, you need to use furring strips approximately 16 inches on center from the foundation to the eaves as well as all around the windows and doors.

The starter strip is the first to be installed all around the lower part of the house. Using a chalk line after getting the measurement will be helpful. Install a plywood strip first near the foundation before you nail the metal starter strip.

The next step is to install the inner and outer corner posts. Allow a 1/4 inch gap at the eaves with the post extending below the lower part of the old siding.

The J channel should be installed next specifically on the sides and then across the topmost part of the windows and doors. It should also be placed at the sloped eaves of the walls and gable. When nailing, position the J channel such that its back lays against the fascia board. At corners, it should be installed back to back with another in a diagonal manner.

When installing the siding panels, ideally you should start from the bottom and work your way up. The joints should be about four feet apart. To hide the joints, one panel should overlap the other about one inch at the end.

In areas where the panels butt into the J channels or corner posts, make sure to leave a 1/4 clearance during warm weather. The panels should be nailed not too tightly to allow the vinyl sidings to stretch. They should be nailed in the center of their slots and not directly through the panel. This will allow the panels to hang loose and move in both directions.

For corner areas of the house, place thick foam insulation before nailing the corner trim on top of the board. These are the just the basic steps for vinyl siding installation. Refer to the manual for more detailed instructions if you’ve decided to install the sidings yourself.