How to Install Vinyl Siding

Step 1: Remove Old Material:

This is especially important if you are installing vinyl siding on an older home because there is a chance that you will uncover multiple layers of material. To begin, use a zip tool to easily unhook the current vinyl siding panels from each other. Remove all the old material from the house.

Step 2: Attach the Sheathing and Flashing:

Sheathing is the next step after you have a clean slate. According to experts, you should not attach your siding directly to studs. Sheathing provides a smooth surface for exterior siding installation to be attached to and can also act as insulation if you choose foam plastic over OSB or plywood. After sheathing, you will need to install a water-resistant barrier and flash around doorways, windows, and corner posts.

Step 3: Install Starter Strip:

After attaching the sheathing you have to install the starter strip. Start by leveling the starter strip so everything can be in the exact position. Nail the starting strip to the bottom wall and one of the parts that protrude from it is where the siding is attached. Expert advises using a laser level since a wobbly beginning point will disrupt the remainder of the siding installation. “And nothing will be more disappointing than discovering that the siding is not level halfway through your siding project,” he says.

First, make sure your house is perfectly level by snapping a line around it, then as you proceed and hang more siding panels; make sure you’re on track by checking your level every few courses, marking the locations where the laser indicates, and finally nailing the starter strip.

Step 4: Install the Inside Corners:

Inside corner trim pieces are required for the interior points where the walls meet; ideally, the inside corner should extend 3/4 of an inch past the bottom of the starter strip. Hold the inside corner trim in place, or ask a friend to hold it for you, and nail it in place. Nail one side of the trim completely, leaving a 12 to 14-inch gap between nails, and then work on nailing the other side.

Step 5: Install the Outside Corners:

Installing the outside corners is similar to installing the inside corner pieces. Additionally, the material should extend 3/4 inch past the bottom of the starter strip. Hold the outside corner trims in place and nail one side, leaving a 12 to 14-inch gap between nails.

Step 6: Install Vinyl Siding Panels:

You may install your first exterior siding installation panel after you’ve finished installing the beginning strip and the inner and outside corner pieces. Cutting the panel to fit will likely be necessary. Because it expands and contracts in the summer and winter, it’s crucial to trim it short and allow room at the ends. Remember to allow a 1/32-inch space between the wall and the nail head.

Make sure the second panel clamps onto the first one before installing it. Verify and make sure that every panel is attached to the one underneath it. You might not be able to clip these later, in which case you would have to remove them all and start over.

Also, make sure that you have installed all the necessary siding panels from top to bottom.

Step 7: Install J-Trim on Windows and Doors

After that, you have to install the J-trim, also known as the J-channel, around windows and doors. To begin, measure the J-trim by positioning it against the window or door, marking it, and cutting it. For the sides, hold the trim in place (or have someone else do it for you), then nail it end to end to keep it up, leaving 12 inches between your nails. For the top J-trim, cut both ends 3/4 inch.

Fit it into the J-trim on the sides when you place it above the doors or windows, and then just nail the J-trim to the top of the window or door using the same methods as the other pieces.