How to Install Siding on a House

Installing exterior siding on your home can be costly. It is possible to do the work yourself and avoid hiring a contractor. This saves a great deal of money. The exact procedures for installing siding will vary slightly depending on the type of siding you choose.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nails
• Nail punch
• Hammer
• Recprocating saw
• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Ladder
• Pry bar
• Nail puller

1. Determine the type of siding you will be replacing. Match the existing siding as close as possible. Measure the length, width and thickness. Determine the type of material the siding is made from. For example siding may be made from wood, fiberglass or aluminum.

2. Create a material list. Be sure to include any trim boards that have to be replaced. Gather all the tools you will be using. Prior to replacing the siding, check with your local building department to determine the regulation for the spacing of nails, building permit, cost of the permit and inspection schedule.

3. Remove any objects from the interior walls which may fall during work. Trim back foliage and clear away unnecessary items in your work area to avoid tripping hazards. You may also want to lay down tarps to make clean up easier.

4. Take off the old siding. Remove any obstructions from the face of the siding such as utility lines. Use a nail puller, pry bar, hammer and reciprocating saw to remove trim boards and siding. Remember to keep work area clear of debris at all times.

5. Prepare siding and trim boards for installation. It is a good idea to mark where framing studs, electrical lines and plumbing lines are to avoid driving nails into the wrong place.

6. Measure and cut the siding to size. Place the first piece of siding on the wall and temporarily secure it with two partially driven nails. Check siding for proper alignment and finish securing the siding.

7. Install trim boards. The boards will need to be measured and cut. Use the nail punch to set nail heads just below the surface of the siding.

[canoetete]

on 8/19/2009 this list of instructions is way too general. isn't there supposed to be building paper or tyvek somewhere in the process? how about flashing? what kind of nails should i use? can i use screws? how much do boards overlap? you didn't say that i should start at the bottom of the wall; does that mean i can start from the top and work my way down? maybe a level would be a good tool to have on this job?

some real, useful information would be handy.