How to Install Siding

Is your siding hanging off the side of your house? Siding wears over time, especially after heavy thunderstorms and other inclement weather. Installing siding yourself can save you a bundle of money. Here’s how to install siding on your home:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• siding of your choice
• siding splices
• galvanized nails
• house wrap
• plastic-capped nails
• primer
• caulk
• trim
• chalk
• screw driver
• tin snips
• hammer
• level
• utility knife
• work gloves
• eye protection

1. Choose a type of siding to install. This is an easy choice if you are just replacing sections of the existing siding on your home. Siding comes in many sizes and colors. If you are starting from scratch, here are some options you can choose from:
   
   • vinyl (most popular and holds up well)
   • fiber-cement board (second most popular, doesn’t rot, but cuts only with a diamond blade)
   • aluminum and steel (most common among metal siding, prone to dents, requires painting)
   • oriented strand board (not very moisture proof)
   • SmartSide (good edge protection, less absorbent, has a fungicide)
   • hardboard siding (not good for rainy climates)

2. Buy your siding materials from a local home improvement store.

3. Remove the old siding by using a pry bar under each nail. Saw apart the siding around conduits as necessary. Be careful of vents, mechanical connections and any electrical outlets that may be present. You may need to have your utility company unlock and unhook your meters in order to remove and reinstall the siding behind it.

4. Wrap exposed sheathing with “house wrap” (a special plastic barrier that goes underneath siding) to help reduce heat loss in the home. Use plastic-capped nails to keep the wrap in place.

5. Install metal rain caps over the doors and windows and caulk the edges before installing the siding.

6. Paint the back of the siding panels with primer to help keep moisture out after they are installed.

7. Install the first row of siding at the bottom and nail it in place with galvanized nails.

8. Continue to install more rows and cut the siding as needed to fit around conduits. Be sure to place the siding over the top edge of each piece below it. Use siding splices to fit cut pieces together, then caulk.

9. Leave a 1/8” inch space between the siding and house trim so the siding will have room to expand in summer months.

10. Place trim at the top of the siding where it meets the roof. Be sure to caulk the edges.

11. Replace any fixtures or conduits after the siding is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear work gloves and safety glasses when removing the old siding.
• Turn off the circuit breaker when working around electrical components.

[amandadyar]

on 8/10/2009 5 stars. I am actually about to do this to my remodel. I am kinda iffy about it.

[langleycornwell]

on 7/13/2009 Good instructions for installing siding. Sounds like a major project.

[Mitestarossa]

on 6/2/2009 Excellent, save a lot of money by installing your own siding.