How To Install Exterior Siding Panels

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Installing outside siding may be the most effective way to increase the value and restore the dazzler of your business firm. The process is not every bit complicated as it seems, and doing it yourself will salve a lot of money for the cost of installation. Here are some steps to guide you lot as y'all learn how to install exterior siding.

Steps

one
Install horizontal siding, such every bit aluminum or vinyl past hanging the underlayment and installing the trim.
- Save some time and energy by using a pneumatic siding gun. This mode, you don't have to hammer every nail by paw.^[1]
2

Add the corner posts, using 2 nails in the upper slots to suspend them. If you apply more ane piece to complete a corner, be sure that there is an overlap of 1 inch (2.54cm).

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three

Place the footer, which is the slice of trim that is at the bottom of each exterior wall, as starter strip of siding will slide into this.
iv

Apply a strip of F-channel trim at the top of the exterior walls, under the eaves. The peak sheets of siding will slide under this piece.
5
Install your starter sheet. Slide the bottom of the siding into the footer, beingness sure to permit for expansion. You should exist able to wiggle the siding slightly. Slide the ends under the corner posts in the same way.
- Affix the siding to the wall past centering a nail in each department of the smash strip. Don't pound the nails in all the mode.
half-dozen

Go along up the wall, interlocking the lesser of each sail with the tiptop of the previous sheets. Be sure to overlap successive panels by 1 inch (ii.54cm).
7

Trim the siding panels using a round saw to run across windows, doors, and corners. Use gutter-seal agglutinative to finish the installation at window sills and eaves.
8

Install the top panel by trimming the unneeded portion from the tiptop of the sheet. Lock it into place at the superlative of the preceding console, and slide it under the F-channel.
ix

Install vertical siding by commencement locating the mid-point of the wall.
10

Draw a vertically level line at this position using a straightedge.
xi
Center the starter console on that line and cut the strip ane/8 inch (0.3175cm) short, to allow for expansion. Hang this panel by placing a nail at the top of each boom strip, at almost 8 inch (20.32cm) increments.
- Don't adhere the nails too tightly! If you do this, the vinyl might fissure when information technology goes to expand and contract. And then, yous'll start to encounter vinyl siding falling off or buckling in certain spots.^[two]
- You can besides install nails at 16 in (41 cm) intervals.^[3]
12

Cut the successive strips to rest on the footer, always allowing a 1/8 inch (0.3175cm) gap at the summit. Moving from the centre out, interlock each strip with the previous i, continuing to identify the nails at 8 inch (20.32cm) increments.
13

Install a J-channel on the postal service when you reach a corner. Shim the J-aqueduct at near 5/16 inch (0.794cm) to keep the postal service on the same plane as the other strips. The edges volition insert between the J-channel and the outer flange of the post.
fourteen

Add panels around the doors and windows in the aforementioned fashion equally in Step 6.
15

Proceed with the following steps for installing woods siding. The primary difference between this application and the others, is that the vertical corner boards volition be installed terminal.
xvi

Install trim boards to surroundings windows and doors. Add metal flashing to control water flow.
17

Cut the boards to length, making certain that the joints run across over a stud. Make sure that each plank is cutting square to avoid any gaps. Be sure to prime the sheets of siding on both sides and at the edges. Also, be certain to prime any exposed ends when panels are trimmed.
18
Hang the start slice of siding so that information technology overlaps the foundation by ane inch (2.54cm). Install the successive pieces so that they are nailed through the bottom of the upper board, and into the beveled edge of the lower board.
- The uppermost board volition be installed and then that it abuts the eaves. Split the board so that the width is shortened, and then embrace the exposed edge with frieze lath.
19

Complete installation calculation the vertical boards at the corners, so that they are flush with the horizontal boards, but always allow at to the lowest degree 1/8 inch (0.3175cm) for expansion.

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Add together New Question

Question

Is a siding gun worth it?

Ryaan Tuttle is a Habitation Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman Boston. With over xv years of feel, Ryaan specializes in home improvement and property maintenance by leveraging technology and craftsmanship. Ryaan holds his Construction Supervisor and Dwelling Improvement Contractor Licenses. Dissimilar most handyman contractors, Best Handyman Boston is licensed and insured. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named All-time Handyman Boston the All-time Handyman in Boston.

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

A siding gun is definitely worth it, especially if you buy a cordless one. You merely plug information technology into the compressor, which will set the depth of the nails.

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Always utilize stainless steel roofing nails for woods siding and aluminum nails for aluminum siding. Never bulldoze the nails in tight.
When overlapping successive panels, stagger the seams in order to control water catamenia and avoid leaks.