Let’s face the fact here. Vinyl siding is not exactly everyone’s first choice. However, there are many homes that want to have vinyl siding in their houses. If you are someone who is looking for a good way to improve the look of their house with actually going through the trouble of painting it, then trust me when I say this, vinyl siding is the best bet.
This is probably the reason why most people are opting for it. It is reliable, and most of the builders and homeowners choose it for its durability. Known to be a simple process and pretty easy to maintain, installing a vinyl siding is certainly what you need.
Before Installing A Vinyl Siding
There are some people who consider taking professional help for installing vinyl siding in their homes. However, it is best if you do that yourself. There is a certain satisfaction when you get the job done on your own rather than taking any help.
And not to mention the money you save from doing the job alone. Installing a vinyl siding is not very difficult, to be honest. However, it can be a bit challenging for some due to the technicality of the job. There are certain things that you need to keep in mind before you go ahead and start the procedure.
- Make way for contractions and expansions. You do not want to restrict the expansion and the contractions that happen due to the changes of weather! So nail the vinyl siding in a perfect position. Cut the sidings to provide for the movements. Providing a gap for that is the best way to ensure that your siding is installed
- Make sure that you pick the right kind of nails for the procedure. They should be resistant to corrosion, and the material should be stainless steel. The measurements of the nails also have to be perfect according to your requirements.
- Make sure that you don’t nail too hard on the vinyl. Gaping is important as the space between will allow the movements such as expansions and contractions, and it will also prevent the effect of waves in the sidings known as dimpling.
- Make sure that the nails are placed in the center. You don’t want to compromise with the positioning of the siding right? Drive the nails in a straight and leveled Using crooked nails will disrupt the siding and will cause the siding panels to buckle. Also, keep a little space between the nails for precautionary reasons.
- Make sure that you don’t pull the siding taut while you are driving the nails. It will cause the panel to move out of shape and will lead to a lap joint.
Steps For Installing The Vinyl Siding
Here are some steps that’ll come in handy when you are installing a vinyl siding:
- The first step would be to take the measurements when you cut the corner post. This is to ensure that a gap is left between the top post and the house.
- Cutting the vinyl siding is the next important step in the process. Make sure that you take a full measurement of the siding and decide how much you need. Make the marking and cut it to your measurement. Cut the rest of the J-range.
- The next thing needs to be done nailing the corner post.
- You need to pick out the lowest part that is supposed to have the siding. Draw a line of chalk across your house to place the first horizontal piece.
- Laying the top strip would be the next step in the process. Lay the strip along the line of chalk. Make sure that it is leveled
- By using nails, attach the starter strip to the house. Make sure that you leave a gap of 10 inches.
- Attaching the ends of the J-channel trip piece is the next step. Make sure that the trim piece is attached properly to the sides attached to the window sides.
- Now it’s time to cut and add the very first piece of siding over the starter strip.
- Once you are done with the first piece, go ahead and nail every other piece of the siding having a gap of 1/8inch.
Installing a vinyl siding is easy if you have the right tools and you know the right techniques. Be sure to follow every step, and you will see the results.