Vinyl is amongst the most commonly used siding materials for the right reason. Not only is it a low-maintenance, cost-effective as well as incredibly durable option but it is also one of the feasible and simplest kinds of siding to install at any place including home. The installation of vinyl siding yourself can save you a lot of money which otherwise may become an expensive house project.
The only cost that you might have to incur is the material itself. Having said that, the process of home siding installation, especially vinyl siding, is not an easy walk in the park. Instead, it demands a ton of patience as well as a proper carpentry experience. If you also wish to have a similar kind of project for your house, then read this guide before you dive in.
1. Remove the Old Material
Before initiating the process, you should get rid of all the old material which is available in the house. It is more true especially when you wish to install vinyl siding on an older home. So you need to eliminate a huge covering of material already present. You can make use of a zip tool so that you can easily unhook the already present vinyl siding panels apart from each other.
2. Attach Sheathing and Flashing
After you have secured a clean state. The next process is to join the sheathing. However, make sure that you don’t make the mistake of attaching the sidings directly to the studs. Instead, attach them to the sheathing as they offer a plain and smooth surface for sidings to get attached to. These also serve as insulation when you select the foam plastic option instead of plywood or OSB. After installing the sheaths, the water-resistant barrier is installed.
3. Install the Starter Strip
After attaching the sheaths, try to install the starter strips. These strips should be in a level position so that anything getting installed above them gets settled in the best position. These starter strips are then nailed to the bottom of the wall. And then sidings are joined to one of the pieces that emerges from it. If you find out mid-way that the siding is not level it will be a big blunder. So ensure smoothness at every step.
4. Install Inside and Outside Corners
Where the wall connects to the inside at that point you would need to have an inside corner trim piece for such places. Ideally, you will require the inner corner to stretch 3/4 of an inch beyond the bottom of the starter strip. Hold the inside corner trim at the right place and then nail it in at the correct place. The method of installing the outside corners is pretty much similar to installing inner corner pieces.
5. Install the Vinyl Siding Panels
After the proper installation of starter strips as well as inside and outside corner pieces, you can install your very first siding panel. Probably you will be required to cut the panels so that they may fit well. Before moving to a second panel, make certain that it clips to the first one.