Installing vinyl siding can greatly improve the appearance and weather resistance of your home’s exterior. With proper planning and careful attention to detail, you can install vinyl siding yourself and save on labor costs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install vinyl siding successfully.

Planning the Vinyl Siding Installation

Careful planning is crucial for a smooth vinyl siding installation. Here are some key steps to take before starting the project:

Choose the Vinyl Siding Style and Color

Vinyl siding comes in different styles that mimic wood grain, stucco, brick, and other textures. Popular options include:

• Clapboard or lap siding with a horizontal, overlapping board design
• Dutch lap siding with a double row of overlapping boards
• Shake or shingle style siding that resembles wood shakes
• Vertical siding with long, narrow boards installed vertically

Vinyl siding also comes in a huge range of colors. Hold up color swatches to your home and view samples on the house before deciding. Neutral siding colors like white, tan, and gray are popular choices.

Calculate the Amount of Siding Needed

Measure the height and width of each exterior wall to find the square footage. Multiply the square footage by a waste factor of 10% to account for off-cuts. Compare this to the coverage area specified on the siding packaging to determine how many boxes or packs to purchase. Buy all the supplies at once to avoid color mismatches.

Check Local Building Codes

Most areas require a permit for re-siding. Check with your local building department about permit needs, inspection requirements, and any specific building codes for siding in your region.

Install House Wrap

House wrap creates a moisture barrier between the siding and your home’s exterior walls. Staple the house wrap in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Overlap seams by 6 inches and tape them.

Install Flashing and Corner Boards

Flashing prevents water from getting behind the siding. Install flashing above windows, doors, patio covers, and wherever siding meets rooflines or chimneys. Use L-shaped corner boards to create straight corners.

Preparing the Surface

Proper surface preparation prevents future problems with your vinyl siding installation:

Repair Exterior Walls

Inspect exterior walls and repair any holes, cracks, or rotted areas. Use exterior wood filler for minor holes and paintable caulk for small gaps. Repair larger areas by replacing damaged sheathing and siding.

Remove Protrusions

Vinyl siding should be installed over a flat surface. Remove or flatten any protruding nails, conduit, pipes, or other items.

Install Furring Strips

If the existing siding or exterior walls are uneven, use furring strips to create a flat surface. Strips of wood or plastic fastened horizontally across the old siding provide an even base for the new siding.

Installing the Vinyl Siding

With proper planning and prep work completed, you’re ready to install the vinyl siding:

Plan the Layout

Snap horizontal chalk lines to guide the first row of siding. Measure up from the base of the house to set the line allowance for the bottom panel’s lock system. Determine if you’ll do a full panel at the top or trim to fit.

Install the Starter Strip

The starter strip goes along the base of the house. Use the edge with the lip facing out. Leave a 1/4 inch gap between the strip and corners. Fasten into the sheathing every 6-12 inches.

Hang the First Panel

Hook the bottom of the first panel into the starter strip and align the left edge on your chalk line. Leave room for expansion on the right edge. Fasten into the studs every 8-12 inches along the top. Don’t nail tightly.

Install the Subsequent Panels

Overlap each panel into the previous one, slipped into the top locking channel. Maintain a consistent reveal of around 1/4 inch. Stagger seams between rows by at least 6 inches.

Trim the Last Panel

Measure and cut the final panel to size. Insert into the previous panel’s upper locking channel. Leave room for expansion on the right edge. Avoid cutting narrow strips where possible.

Install Windows and Doors

Measure and trim to fit siding pieces around windows and doors. Maintain a 1/4 inch gap for caulking. Use specialty J-channel along the sides for a finished look.

Finish with Accessory Pieces

Use inside and outside corner posts, J-channels, and other vinyl accessories to cap edges and openings neatly. Lock components together and caulk gaps.

Helpful Tips for Vinyl Siding Installation

Follow these tips for the best results from your vinyl siding project:

• Make sure the temperature is between 50-80°F during installation. Extreme heat or cold can cause buckling.
• Use a zip tool to unlock and separate misaligned pieces after installation. Don’t force them apart.
• Drive fasteners straight to prevent puckering. Fill holes and use a smaller nail if overdriven.
• Hold back natural expansion gaps around windows, doors, and openings. Don’t caulk these!
• Overlap joints away from entrances and away from view for best aesthetics.
• Store siding flat and supported on a smooth surface to prevent warping before installation.
• Consider using foam backing for extra insulation benefits.
• Hire an experienced siding installer if your house has complex roof angles and shapes.

With good planning, proper materials, and careful installation, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results by installing vinyl siding yourself. Pay close attention to prep work, measure precisely, and take your time fastening the panels. Your new maintenance-free siding will provide curb appeal and weather protection for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Vinyl Siding

Here are answers to some common questions about installing vinyl siding:

Is it hard to install vinyl siding yourself?

Vinyl siding installation is very doable as a DIY project if you are reasonably handy. Good preparation is key. Take time to properly measure, install house wrap and flashing, and create an even surface with furring strips if needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely during the hanging process. Patience and care will be rewarded with straight, attractive results. Consider hiring a professional for complex multi-story homes.

What tools do I need to install vinyl siding?

Basic tools include a circular saw or shear for cutting, a utility knife, level, hammer, nail gun or screw gun, zip tool, and aluminum brake for bending flashing. You may also need a tall sturdy ladder. Invest in a vinyl siding installation kit, which contains specialty tools like a snap lock punch.

What is the best way to cut vinyl siding?

Use a circular saw with a fine-toothed plywood blade, keeping the finished side face down. For simple straight cuts, a vinyl siding shear is fast and easy. Use a utility knife and straightedge to score and snap off excess from the backside. Go slowly to avoid cracks.

How do I keep vinyl siding straight?

Check for plumb walls and use furring strips to create a level surface. Snap chalk lines to guide the first row. Measure precisely between rows to keep courses parallel. Install vinyl starter strips and corner lineals first for a straight edge to butt panels against.

Should I caulk vinyl siding?

Caulk is not necessary along the overlapping horizontal seams between vinyl siding panels. These interlocks allow expansion and contraction. Only caulk vertical seams, gaps around windows/doors, and corner posts where siding meets trim. Use exterior-grade caulk made for vinyl.

How long does vinyl siding last?

With proper installation and periodic cleaning, quality vinyl siding should last 40-50 years or more. Look for siding certified by the Vinyl Siding Institute or that carries a lifetime warranty. The color coating may fade over time before the siding itself wears out.

With careful planning and installation, you can successfully install vinyl siding. Using furring strips, proper flashing, starter strips, and caulk, vinyl siding can give your home a beautiful, low-maintenance exterior for decades to come.

Conclusion

Installing vinyl siding allows homeowners to improve their home’s appearance and protect it from weather damage and deterioration. With proper planning and preparation, vinyl siding can be installed successfully as a DIY project. Carefully measure the home’s exterior, purchase all needed supplies, and prepare the walls with house wrap, flashing, furring strips, and starter strips. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to hang the siding panels row by row, maintaining proper overlaps and allowing for expansion. Trim panels around windows and doors and finish with accessory pieces like J-channels and corner posts. Take time to properly install house wrap, flashing, furring strips, and starter strips for best results. With patience and care, vinyl siding will provide years of durable, low-maintenance performance. Hiring a professional installer is a good option for homes with complex shapes and roof angles.