The first thing you’re going to want to do before installing vinyl siding is to of course choose the vinyl siding you want to use. There is a wide range of vinyl siding on the market. One of the newest vinyl sidings available is insulated or solid core vinyl siding. Solid core vinyl siding is installed the same way as conventional vinyl siding is installed.
The first step you should make is to read any instructions and directions from the siding manufacturer. For more tips you can also go online and find many details about how to install vinyl siding for your home. There are also do-it-yourself videos for installing vinyl siding available online.
Many homeowners who install their own vinyl siding make the mistake of nailing the vinyl siding panels too tightly to their house exterior. Vinyl siding is made to expand and contract relative to temperature and must be able to “move” on the side of the house. Make sure the siding can slide back and forth against the house.
Types of Vinyl Siding
Cedar Vinyl Siding: It is known for its natural appearance, style and its traditional look of real wood. Minimal maintenance required to keep it looking fresh and good. Cedar vinyl siding is available in many distinct profile types, including a wide variety of natural and standard looking colors.
Dutch Lap Smooth Vinyl Siding: Is known as German lap siding or Cove lap siding. It offers that traditional wooden building style. The one side of the siding panel has a slight curve. Dutch Lap vinyl siding comes in two designs, smooth or textured which resembles wood grain.
Beaded Vinyl Siding: It offers that clean, traditional look. Beaded vinyl siding is available in a huge array of colors making it one of the most popular styles of vinyl siding available. Minimal maintenance required.
Board and Batten Vinyl Siding: It provides your house with that old world look as it replicates the look of wood and is great for those who like the old rustic look. Is a great alternative to more expensive wood siding such as cedar. Board and Batten vinyl siding can be used as an accent siding or to cover the entire exterior of your house, making it very versatile. Board and batten vinyl siding is also much cheaper than most house siding options and requires minimal maintenance.
Log Vinyl Siding: It gives you the look of an actual log cabin. Log vinyl siding is easier to install compared to installing actual logs. It does not require regular treatments for insects and staining, making it more cost effective in the long run. Low maintenance costs, as logs won’t need to be replaced on a regular basis.
Seamless Vinyl Siding: It has fire resistant properties. The design prevents insects from entering your house through the gaps which are commonly found on other types of vinyl siding. Seamless vinyl siding provides good home insulation and protects against water damage. Seamless vinyl siding needs to be custom manufactured therefore measurements of your home need to be taken and sent to the manufacturer as a guideline when fabricating the vinyl siding.
Pre-primed Vinyl Siding: As it is pre-primed, it can be painted and therefore more choice of colors is available. Pre-primed vinyl siding is very durable and requires minimal maintenance.
Solid Core/Insulated vinyl siding: It offers impact resistant properties and is therefore a best option for those who live in areas with many hail storms and adverse weather conditions. Easy installation compared to other vinyl siding alternatives. This type of siding fits flat to the wall due to its solid foam core. It can also improve your home’s R-Value up to 20%.
Shake and Shingle Vinyl Siding: It offers a unique look to your house. This type of vinyl siding is generally used as an accent piece in conjunction with other siding types. It is more durable than other alternatives. Shake vinyl siding is easy to maintain and very cost effective.
Liquid Vinyl Siding: Is very effective in reflecting heat away from your house and is ideal for regions with warm weather conditions. Liquid siding also reduce the energy in cooling your house saving you money on energy bills. It is maintenance free and last much longer than regular paint. Liquid vinyl siding is very eco-friendly compared to the other vinyl siding types as it does not emit any harmful chemicals.
Types of Vinyl Siding Gallery
How To Install Vinyl Siding
Installing Vinyl Siding on New Constructions – If you are installing vinyl siding on new construction you will install it directly on the new wall sheathing. If you’re installing vinyl siding on an older home you can install new siding over old siding, but most experts suggest that you remove the old siding so that you can nail the new siding directly into solid wood.
Installing Vinyl Siding on Old Constructions – On older construction this is the best time to update the insulation. You can at this time use a blow in siding, or you can update the hard insulation boards using a product like Tyvek. This is also a good time to wrap the house to guard against air infiltration.
Tools Used for Installing Vinyl Siding
You won’t need to many speciality tools in order to install vinyl siding. Most vinyl siding can easily be trimmed with a pair of large bladed tin snips. You’ll need a measuring tape. If you want to use a circular saw to do the cutting, make sure you use a fine-toothed cutting blade. You should use galvanized roofing nails that are long enough to penetrate the studs of the home.
Remember that you want the rows of vinyl siding to line up across all the entire width of your home. You may want to lay out the siding first to make sure you know the siding will match and be level when it meets in the corners. Don’t be hesitant to install your own siding. Once you realize how easy it is to install vinyl siding you’ll be ready to start!
Tools you may need:
- Hammer
- Tin snips
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- Utility knife
- Level
- Square
- Hacksaw
- Power saw
- Nail hole slot punch
Instructions for Installing Vinyl Siding
Step1 – Firstly thing you’ll need to do before installing vinyl siding is to decide what color and thickness siding you want. Vinyl siding come in a variety of thicknesses from .044 – .055 inches thick, the thicker the siding you choose the more it will cost. Thicker vinyl siding is generally more durable.
Step2 – Now you’ll need to prepare your home for the siding. If you home already has siding on it you’ll need to remove it first. Vinyl siding needs to be nailed into solid wood, so while your siding is off make sure that the underlying wood is still feasible enough for the new siding to be nailed onto it.
Step3 – Lay out your siding making sure all the panels line up then measure each piece you’ll need and cut it according to your measurement. Make sure that when you decide to hang your vinyl siding that all panels match on all sides of your house.
Step4 – Now that all panels are cut you can start nailing them to your home, start from the bottom and work up ensuring that the rows of vinyl siding overlap each other. Do not secure the siding too tightly as warm and cold temperatures can cause vinyl siding to expand and contract. Use 1 1/4 inch galvanized nails and nail them through the slots in the siding. The siding needs to be able to move back and forth, if siding is attached too firmly it can cause damage to your siding panels in adverse weather conditions.