How to Replace Aluminum Siding

How to give your house a whole new look by replacing old aluminum siding with vinyl.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ladders
• Walk board
• Tin Snips
• Measuring Square
• Tape measure
• Level
• Hammer

1. 
   Siding Options

   First you probably would want to do some research to decide what type and color of siding it is that will best suit your needs. There are many different kinds to choose from. Once you've determined the type of siding you want. Measure the Square footage of your house length times width or height. Measure each side of your house and add them together. This will give you the square footage of the house that's how much vinyl siding you'll need.

2. 
   Soffit

   Next you'll need to measure around the perimeter of the house to find out how much starter strip is needed in lineal footage.Determine how many corner posts you will need by counting the corners.You may want to make the corners nicer by using Redwood or Cedar. You will also need to measure around each window, door and any other area that will be separated from the vinyl to get the linear footage of J-Channel that will be needed. Measure any soffits or overhangs and get the required materials to finish the soffits.

3. 
   Starter Strip

   Start by removing the old aluminum siding with a pry bar and hammer. Then plumb and attach corners. Level starter strip along the perimeter of the bottom of the house by measuring starter strip and allowing the strip to over hang the foundation about a half inch. Put marks at each end of the house and snap a line with a chalk line. Make sure it's level.

4. 
   Siding

   Now begin with a full piece of vinyl. You want to place the vinyl so that you can't see the seem from your focal point. If your focal point is the front of the house. Start in the back and overlap each piece toward the front. If there really isn't a need for focal placing place the siding against the wind so that the winds can't get under the siding constantly.

5. 
   Siding Install

   Before you get to your windows you will need to J-Channel around them. measure each side of the window. Those measurements will be the inside dimensions of your J-Channel. Use a measuring square to make 45 degree angles on the J, as to make a picture frame and cut each piece with snips and attach around the windows. Proceed with the siding making sure to overlap all in the same direction. When you get to the windows measure the piece making sure to accommodate for the overlap and cut out for the windows.

6. 
   New Vinyl Siding

   Use appropriate boxes around lights,outlets,vents and spigots to make the job easier. J-Channel up under the soffits and finish applying the siding. Some Break work may be necessary to finish certain things. Silicone Around all of the windows, doors and wherever needed. Complete soffit.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses when doing construction

[NuttyMomma]

on 3/20/2009 sounds like a big job! 5*