How to Work With Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding hit the market in the 1940s. Homeowners liked it because it's durable---it doesn't rot, it's fireproof and it's termite-proof. It could also be installed over existing siding. Contractors liked aluminum siding because it's light and easy to work with, compared with other available coverings. Today, vinyl siding has a bigger market share than its aluminum counterpart. But the latter is still being used. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles
- Protective gloves
- Gauge plate or micrometer
- Radial-arm saw or a circular saw
- Tin snips
- Siding brake
- Hammer
- Aluminum nails
- Power drill
- High-speed twist bits
- Wood
Instructions
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Put on safety goggles and protective gloves to work with aluminum siding. The goggles will protect your eyes, especially from flying debris. The gloves will protect your hands from the metal edges.
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Measure the thickness of aluminum siding by using a gauge plate or micrometer. The thickness is measured in gauge numbers. The lower the gauge number is, the thicker the aluminum siding.
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Cut aluminum siding with a radial-arm saw or a circular saw that has a fine-tooth blade. Use tin snips to cut small pieces, make small cuts or cut out holes. Thick aluminum siding trim can be cut with a hacksaw.
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4
Bend aluminum siding with a siding brake. This tool basically holds the siding while you bend it into shape. Buy one at a hardware or at a home improvement store. You can also rent a brake to work with aluminum siding.
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Hang aluminum siding with aluminum nails that have 1/8-inch shanks and measure 5/16 inch in diameter. The length of the nails will depend on the thickness of the material you're nailing into.
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Drill into aluminum siding by using a power drill and high-speed twist bits. If you're working with siding that hasn't been installed yet, place a piece of wood behind it. The wood will help support it so the aluminum siding doesn't dent or bend.
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Tips & Warnings
Bend aluminum siding gently to no more than a 90-degree angle. Bend it only once.
When you're hanging aluminum siding, it's important to place a nail in the center of each slot. Don't drive the nails in all the way, either. When you work with aluminum siding, be careful not to scratch or dent it.
