Home Improvement Information

Installing Vinyl Siding - Making It Simple


Installing vinyl siding can be a very rewarding process that could dramatically change the appearance of your home. For the most part, if you plan your job well and adhere to some simple guide lines, anyone could learn how to install siding to there home.

The first thing to consider when installing vinyl siding is what tools will be needed for the job. Basically with some common carpenter tools, like a, hammer, level, chalk line, screw driver set, tin snips and a good circular saw you can pretty much achieve what it is you need to do. But if you plan on making a profession out of it, expect to pay in the thousands for a properly equipped truck.

After you have gathered your tools, you will need to collect your materials to prepare the job. Below you will find a list of some fundamental items needed to start your siding project.

Sheathing/Backerboard

Vinyl siding should be applied over a sheathing that provides a smooth, flat surface. Since every district has different code requirements you may want to consult local building codes for sheathing requirements. Vinyl siding should never be applied directly to framing studs without sheathing. As an alternative to backer board, there is a variety of specific types of contoured foam under lays available for various styles of vinyl siding.

Weather Resistant Barrier

Vinyl siding should be installed over a continuous weather resistant barrier to stop the intrusion of incidental water. Weather resistant barrier systems commonly consist of a combination of exterior cladding, flashed wall openings and penetrations, weather resistant barrier material, and sheathing. Commonly used is black carpentry felt. When using felt be sure to check thickness requirements.

Flashing

Code-compliant flashing should be integrated with the weather resistant barrier and applied around windows, doors, and other openings. Flashing should also be applied to inside and outside corners, and the intersection of walls and roofing to prevent water seepage through the joints.

Once your outside wall has been covered with sheathing to provide a smooth flat surface, and your windows and doors have had flashing installed to channel any incidental water from collecting, you may now install the starter strip. This strip is an accessory applied directly to the surface of the building at the lowest part of the wall to be sided, and is used to secure the first course of siding to the home. This course will need to be checked for level as it is what the rest of the job relies upon for evenness.

With aluminum, galvanized steel, or other corrosion-resistant nails, you may now start installing the vinyl siding. As each style of panel may be different refer to installation instructions supplied. Cut the panels to length with a circular saw and trim with tin snips. As you nail the panels in place, be sure to leave about the thickness of as dime between the nail head and wall to allow for shifting. Check every 5th or 6th course for horizontal alignment. When portions overlap you must have about 1" to seal the joint.

The basic installation of vinyl siding is quite simple, but since there are codes governing how certain aspects are handled, you should inquire with a professional for specific trimming tasks and other more complicated vinyl siding installation practices.

All in all, you will find the task of re-siding your home manageable with only a few frustrations to contend with. But the reward will be well worth it.

Article provided by the editors of: http://www.vinyl-siding-n-windows.com - An online service providing free contractor referrals.


MORE RESOURCES:

The Associated Press

Ahead of the Bell: Home improvement retailers
Forbes, NY - 1 hour ago
The home improvement retailers are part of a sector that has "competitive dynamics, stable gross margins through the downturn, and clear cyclicality ...
How home improvement chains fared in 3rd quarter The Associated Press
Home Depot Posts 31% Fall in Net Income, Cuts View Wall Street Journal
Tough economy takes toll on Home Depot Atlanta Journal Constitution
Stockhouse - CNNMoney.com
all 564 news articles


Economic Downturn Sparks New Home Improvement Trend
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
With the harsh reality of uncertain economic times, and the average consumer shouldering $10000 or more in credit card debt, a new trend in home improvement ...


Canada.com

Endeavour Docks at Space Station on Home-Improvement Mission
Bloomberg - Nov 16, 2008
16 (Bloomberg) -- NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour docked with the International Space Station today just after 5 pm New York time on a home-improvement ...
Video: AP Top Stories AssociatedPress
Shuttle Endeavour docks with ISS on 'home-improvement' mission RIA Novosti
Endeavour to launch on 'home improvement' flight Spaceflight Now
EastDay.com - Space Fellowship
all 5,714 news articles


TheHomeMag Experiencing Continued Growth in Slow Housing Market
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
Additionally, revised numbers from HIRI (Home Improvement Research Institute) show the long-term outlook for the home improvement industry remains strong ...


Royals need home improvement
Reading Eagle, PA - Nov 17, 2008
By Don Stewart Reading, PA - Since the Reading Royals' inaugural 2001-02 season, the Sovereign Center has been a rough place for opposing teams. ...


$2 Million for Home Improvement in Elmira
WETM-TV, NY - Nov 17, 2008
ELMIRA- About two million dollars is up for grabs in the city of Elmira for you to use in home improvement projects. All you have to do is apply! ...


The Republican - MassLive.com

Holyoke officials, residents debate benefits of proposed Lowe's ...
The Republican - MassLive.com, MA - Nov 16, 2008
by The Republican Newsroom By KEN ROSS HOLYOKE - Planning Board members are touting the economic benefits of a proposed Lowe's home improvement store in ...


Kudzu.com Survey Reveals DIY Projects Are an Unreliable Way to ...
MarketWatch - 1 hour ago
In fact, one in four (25%) Americans have hired a professional to fix or finish a home improvement project they first attempted themselves. ...


Key Challenges and Issues facing the World Home Furnishings Market ...
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
Canada 60 Home Improvement Products - A Market Overview 60 Wall Coverings Market 60 Furniture and Fixture Market 61 Growth Drivers 61 3. ...


Obama hires another...Economic summit...Space age home improvement ...
Reiten Television KXMB Bismarck, ND - Nov 14, 2008
As the shuttle leader said, they'll be taking "home improvement to a new level" when they hook up extra cooking and sleeping equipment so the station's crew ...

Home-Improvement - Google News

home | site map
© 2006