How to Install Vinyl Siding and Soffits

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Across the whole of North America, vinyl siding and soffits is one of the most popular exterior housing materials. It is especially popular in people building their own home for the first time, because it is convenient, cheap to purchase and install, and looks very pleasing to the eye. Even people who already own a home are choosing to update to vinyl siding to their house, because it updates their home with a modern appearance and it eradicates the need to paint the exterior of their house. Any homeowner who has just a basic DIY skill can install vinyl siding and soffits.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

A sharp knife
Tin snips
A framing square
A hammer
A level
A Tape measure
A chalk line
Circular Saw with plywood blade installed
Specialized tools, which include a nail slot punch, snap lock punch and zip unlock tool
Ladders/ moveable scaffolding

Step1

Make sure that the surface you’re going to be working on is smooth and in very good condition. If you need to replace any old caulking, then this is the time to do it. Repair any damaged and rotting wood. You might want to consider putting in insulation between your wall and the vinyl siding.

Step2

You need to start with all the trim piece of vinyl siding when you are beginning installation. These trim pieces need to go on doors, vents, windows, and corners, anywhere that the vinyl will be interrupted by another object. The first piece that you need to install is the starter strip, which runs all around the bottom of the house, it holds the first course of vinyl siding in place against the wall. For the soffit at each corner, you need to measure down and draw a chalk line between the marks. Nail the center of nailing slots, leaving gaps of 10 inches.

Step3

Starting with the bottom panel, make sure this is locked in place securely, engaging the interlock with the starter strip. It needs to be nailed down every 16 inches. Work the way up the wall, installing each set of panels by interlocking them with the previous course. Panels should overlap by at least one inch, and the factory finished edge should be the one which is exposed. Be sure to check regularly that the siding is all being fitted evenly.

Step4

You need to leave a thin gap of a few millimeters between the vinyl and the head of the nail – the vinyl will expand in extreme weather, and you need to allow for this. Make sure you nail in straight, and center the nails into the nailing slots.

Tips & Warnings

All manufacturers of vinyl siding and soffits will offer detailed instructions, so be sure to get hold of this and study it carefully before installing.
Always wear safety goggles and protective gloves/ clothing when cutting the vinyl siding
If possible, use scaffolding as this is much safer than a ladder.