How To Install a Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular siding options among homeowners. This is mostly because of its durability, cost-effectiveness, and the fact that it doesn’t need to be painted.

Vinyl Siding is also quite versatile, and it can match nearly any architectural style. For example, you can choose from a horizontal siding like clapboard or a vertical siding like board and batten. This material also gives you the option to choose from various color combinations. For instance, if you want your exteriors to have that natural wooden look, you can choose natural-looking cedar wood grain pattern

However, if you are installing the siding for the first time, you may have questions like, “How can I install vinyl siding corners” or “How can I install vinyl siding around windows?” While you may be tempted to do it all by yourself, having professional assistance is always an excellent way to go about it.

Today, we will walk you through the vinyl siding installation process, and we have broken it down into eight crucial steps.

Let’s walk through them-

How To Install Vinyl Siding In Seven Easy Steps?

Step 1:  Set Up Your House Exterior

Since vinyl siding is usually installed on a pre-constructed property, it often covers up the prevalent cracks and holes. However, these issues can come back and haunt you later. So, instead of installing vinyl siding over it, we recommend that you fix all the structural issues before initiating the process. For example –  

• Scrape old sealant from door and window frames
• Replace rotted wood, 
• Tighten any loose structures, and 
• Re-caulk trouble areas

This way, you will ensure that your siding installations stay intact and look great for years to come.

Step 2:   Sheath Your walls

You should never install vinyl siding without first sheathing the walls. Sheathing gives the framework shear strength. Sheathing materials give vinyl a smooth surface, thus, allowing it to lay flat against the wall. We recommend that you use half-inch plywood or oriented strand boards for sheathing. It’s risky to put vinyl siding around windows without using these sheathing materials.

Step 3:  Take Accurate Measurements Of Your Walls

You should take accurate measurements of your walls from the bottom margins of your roof to the bottom of the wall. This will give you an idea of the number of siding pieces you’ll need for each wall. Then, divide the result by the width of one panel, which is usually around 8 inches. If you get a whole number for an answer, you won’t have to cut your siding panels to make sure they fit. If you don’t, you’ll have to cut the last piece of siding to fit the space.

Step 4: Install The Starter Strip

If you are wondering how to install vinyl siding starter strips in your house, we would say it can sometimes get tricky if you don’t have any prior knowledge and experience. 

A starter strip is usually placed where your vinyl siding hooks the first row of the siding. You can try and find out the starting point and put a nail on it. Then use a chalk line to mark the point around the perimeter of your house. 

Once this is done, you can install your starter strip over the chalk line. You have to make sure it’s not too tight because this will limit the movement of the panel. It’s good to keep a 1/4 inch gap between each strip to provide space for expansion.

Step 5 Set Your Corner Posts

It’s best if you install corner posts on every corner of the house. They should run from 3/4 inches below the bottom edge of your starter strip. If you’re using vinyl soffit, make sure there’s enough room below the eaves for accessories.

Then, place the inside corner pieces on neighboring walls, nailing them at the top and 8 to 12 inches down. Again, don’t hammer anything too hard. Make as many splices as you need, and overlap them.

Step 6:  Install flashing and J-Channel Trim 

The flashing tap should fit into all four sides of your doors and windows. This is to make sure that moisture doesn’t get into the interior of your house. Before cutting out J-channel pieces, measure the perimeter of your doors and windows. Once you do this, you can then go on and install the channels. While locking the pieces with the door and window casing, try not to nail them too deeply. You don’t want it to have restricted movement in any way. 

Step 7:  Vinyl Siding Installation

Cut out pieces of your siding, making sure to leave the usual 1/4 inch gap. After that, install the first row of siding such that the bottom lip of each panel is tightly looped around the starting strip. Make sure the nails are 16 inches apart when fastening the vinyl pieces to the wall.

Also, ensure that they start at the center of the nailing slot. Remember not to nail too tight when handling the J-channel, as there must be some room for expansion. Once you’ve done the first row, move up. Each row should start from the back of the house to the front.

The Vinyl siding installation procedure can seem intimidating at first. Things get a lot easier once you’ve done the first three rows, and it’s just a matter of repeating the technique throughout the project.

If you are still unsure about the installation, you can always reach out to our professionals at Park Place Constructions for hassle-free and affordable siding installation services.

Call us at 443-968-2327.