Installing vinyl siding is a big project, but it is accessible to people who have basic carpentry skills. And there’s a powerful cost incentive to handle an installation yourself. According to HomeAdvisor, the average vinyl siding installation cost is $11,136, and most homeowners pay between $6,070 and $16,405 for an entire house. Install your inside corner posts at the building’s existing corners, beginning three-quarters of an inch below the starter strip’s bottom. Nail them to the adjoining walls, placing nails at the top of the uppermost nailing slots and continuing down every eight to 12 inches. Installing utility trim is vital for securing the last piece of siding and accommodating expansion and contraction.
Pros of Vinyl Siding for Resale
- Proper preparation of your home’s exterior is key to successfully installing siding.
- I see common vinyl siding installation mistakes in the field, and I know you might, too.
- If you’re not sure what type or style of siding you need, schedule a free siding consultation with our team.
- Panels are the same as accessories, and most know, but it’s important to always nail loosely and keep about a thickness of a dime between the head of the fastener and the vinyl itself.
- We recommend looking for manufacturers that adhere to or exceed American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for vinyl siding.
- All you need to do is plug in your house dimensions (don’t worry, no one’s judging if you round up a bit.), and you’ll get an instant estimate.
- The bigger the home, the more your siding installation or replacement is going to cost.
Carefully measure, mark your cuts, and trim the siding to fit snugly around these openings. Patience is key here because those clean cuts will make a world of difference in your finished product. With Southwest Exteriors, it is important to us that you are equipped with all of the information you need. Even if you were not curious about the siding installation process, we want you to be thoroughly educated so that you can trust us with your home. Remember that cutting costs shouldn’t come at the expense of quality, as poor materials or installation can Roofing near me lead to higher long-term expenses. Being strategic about your choices can result in smart savings without compromising results.
Vermont Construction Company
Once the prior steps are done, the new siding will be installed to protect your home from the elements once again. If your siding needs painting, this will lengthen the time of the project completion. With the removal of your old siding, you can expect that the insulation that comes with it will be removed as well. Your contractor will make sure that your home is properly insulated by adding new insulation that is appropriate for the siding being installed.
Finishing Touches: Trim and Detail Work
Since vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost (see information above). It’s the material of choice on new luxury homes, and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small. Soffit and fascia protect roof overhangs from weather damage while giving the home a polished appearance. Proper installation prevents water intrusion and improves ventilation. To make sure water doesn’t seep in, add flashing around all exterior openings, inside and outside corners and where walls meet roofs.
Strong, Sleek, and Sloped: Meet the Hip Roof
If you also include painting the siding, this will add a few days to the project. Choosing the right contractor to install your siding pays off in the end. Your contractor choice can make the difference between enjoying durable siding with a long lifespan and having to call another professional to fix your previous contractor’s mistakes.
Cut two-and-a-half-inch flaps in your outside corner posts using a rivet as necessary. During the inspection of your home, the contractor may discover some damage, signs of rot, or asbestos in your home. Asbestos is highly toxic and will have to be rectified immediately.
Vinyl siding is affordable and low-maintenance, while fiber cement is durable and offers a variety of styles. Wood siding is aesthetically pleasing but requires more upkeep. This is some shingle style vinyl siding that I saw on our recent trip to visit family. I’ve heard there are even more options available, but those are what I saw available from Home Depot. I try to use materials that I can find easily locally because otherwise shipping building supplies can be pricey.
Vinyl Siding: A Comprehensive Guide
For this reason, you’ll want to make vertical cuts on the siding panel using a saw or tin snips. Install your starter strip even with the top of the chalk line you created on one side. If the siding is nailed too tightly, the movement will be restricted, and the siding could potentially buckle and crack. If the siding is nailed too loosely, it will tend to sag when temperatures increase during the summer months. The way nails are installed is critical to how your siding looks and performs. The pile of old materials and waste should be discarded by the contractor.
These final steps will complete the polished appearance of your home and ensure its protection from the elements. We recommend using 3″ wide by 1/2″ thick solid wood strips for this purpose. Strips should be at least 3/8″ thick for the minimum allowable air space. If you are installing over ridged insulation use 3/4″ thick furring strips. It is important to allow moisture to run down to the bottom and out so furring strips should be arranged such that they do not collect water behind the siding. With any layout the main goal is to ensure that there is an open space for venting and drainage behind the siding and at the top and bottom where siding will be installed.
📐 Add Corner Posts:
If environmental impact is important to you, we recommend looking for brands that prioritize sustainability. Maintaining original materials or using period-appropriate alternatives may be more valuable in such areas, so consider your neighborhood before installing vinyl. Keep pets and children safely indoors, or schedule play dates so they won’t be disturbed by the commotion. You might want to work outside the house that day too—as siding replacement can get loud.
If you don’t feel comfortable using these tools, we recommend getting a free, no-obligation siding quote. Ultimately, your siding will need to be replaced no matter how well you care for it. Some people may consider tackling this project themselves to save professional labor costs. When moisture becomes trapped behind siding, it can cause rotting and mold issues.
Next Up In Siding
If you’ve handled your starter strip and corner posts well, this should be an easy part of the process. Find the center of your nailing slot, then hammer your panels in, leaving a small gap to allow your siding to expand and contract with the weather. Yes, you can install new siding yourself, but it requires proper tools, knowledge, and patience. Mistakes like improper fastening or poor alignment can lead to water damage and reduced durability.
If the siding is going up against rigid foam rather than the sheathing itself, opt for longer nails. A 3-1/2” starter strip will cover enough foundation for adequate protection against the elements. We offer the finest vinyl and fiber cement siding options, install them flawlessly, and back them with industry-best product and workmanship warranties. Ideally you would un-band the wood and sticker it for proper air flow. The best method is to lay 2x4s in periodic spacing about every 3 feet.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
We’re always fielding questions about Hardie® Plank lap siding installation. Hey, even seasoned pros need to occasionally check up on an installation best practice. Our Siding & Shiplap and Shou Sugi Ban products all come standard with two coats of sealer applied to the face and one to the back. Some of the soot layer will rub off when handled, this is normal.
Vinyl siding is an economical choice, requiring minimal maintenance and offering a beautiful aesthetic. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn step-by-step techniques to master the art of install vinyl siding, ensuring a polished and professional look for your home. Vinyl is a thermoplastic material that expands and contracts as the temperature changes.
Sometimes Furring strips are not realistic due to several reasons. These products are much thinner than furring strips but still allow air and water to flow behind the wood. The fact is that all wood no matter how it is dried (seasoned) will expand and contract during the year due to moisture changes in the air. Most wood expansion and contraction is across the width of the board.
Whether you are trying to keep your home warm or cool, what metal studs are both poor insulators. Once the wood studs come in contact with the exterior cladding, it is easy for energy to pass through them. Long Home may use automated telephone technology to initiate calls to its customers. Calls and in person estimates may be recorded for quality and training purposes. Let’s get real – you wouldn’t paint a canvas without prepping it first, right? A little elbow grease before installing your siding makes all the difference, creating a smooth foundation and saving you headaches later on.
Which Metal Siding Panel Is Right For You?
Fiber cement is popular for its realistic look, durability, low-maintenance properties, fire resistance, and its lightweight properties compared to traditional wood siding. At Universal Windows Direct, we take pride in our meticulous home siding installation services. Our experienced professionals adhere to our strict quality standards, ensuring a seamless and flawless siding replacement. From precise measurements to expert craftsmanship, we ensure that your house siding is installed to the highest standards, providing a beautiful and durable exterior for your home. And thanks to our True Lifetime Warranty, you can rest easy knowing you’ve made a sound, long-lasting investment in your home.
Your professional contractor will thoroughly inspect the existing siding, trim, exterior walls, and underlying structure. They will measure and assess the area to be covered, taking note of any repairs or replacements needed before giving you a detailed estimate and timeline for the siding project. Installing vinyl siding can help to reduce the amount of maintenance you have to do to the outside of your house.
- Our team ensures a flawless finish that enhances your home’s curb appeal while providing lasting protection against the elements.
- Do not use excessive force (e.g. hammers, tapping blocks, etc., see Fig. 9).
- Caulking should be applied where necessary, but it should not be used as a substitute for proper flashing.
- You can start by gently prying up the top piece of vinyl where it overlaps the one below it.
- This style can make a house appear taller, and homeowners use it for contemporary or farmhouse-style homes.
- Whether you are trying to keep your home warm or cool, what metal studs are both poor insulators.
Siding Replacement & Installation Experts
We love creating custom pieces with our own material & finishes. Our experienced siding team works with trusted materials, precision techniques, and manufacturer-backed warranties to ensure your home is protected and looks amazing for years to come. Watch our expert demonstrating the advantages of installing LP SmartSide products. Contractors, watch this video to learn about the advantages of using LP SmartSide Trim & Siding products and how to install them.
Proper installation requires leaving a small gap between the nail head and the siding to allow for movement. Everything else you install will build off the starter strip, so precision here matters. The video below provide an overview of the installation of our 12″ Board & Batten profile. Reference our installation documents below for more detailed installation instructions. The ample 10″ board with 2″ batten provides visual depth and striking architectural appeal as a vertical accent or whole-house exterior. Learn more about Board and Batten siding with our blog “What is Board and Batten Siding”.
If you find any boards that are rotten or broken beyond repair, you should replace them. Old caulking should also be removed so it doesn’t interfere with the positioning of your siding installation project. Proper installation is the best way to ensure your siding looks great and will stay that way for many years. The method of installing siding is essentially the same for new construction and renovation projects. Proper preparation of your home’s exterior is key to successfully installing siding. Before installing the new siding, the contractor will first assess your exterior walls and repair them if necessary.
Laying the Groundwork with Starter Strips and Flashing
Siding is more than a pretty covering for a home’s exterior– —it plays a key role in protecting your home from weather damage, pests, and energy loss. Proper Fastening – Siding should be attached securely but not too tightly. Vinyl siding, for example, expands and contracts with temperature changes, so fasteners should allow for movement.
- Fiber cement boards are made in factories and are typically painted as part of the production process.
- Thermal bridging is the process of energy moving through or across an object that is more conductive than the materials that surround it.
- A special 3 1/2” wide metal starter strip for the SIDING is designed to be used.
- The cutting of fiber cement boards for corners and proper lengths requires tougher saws and tools than siding made of vinyl or wood.
- Remove extraneous features like shutters and downspouts before replacing any rotting wood.
Proper nail placement will ensure a secure and long-lasting siding installation. Ensuring a secure fascia installation will not only improve the appearance of your home but also help protect it from water damage. With the right tools and techniques, you’ll achieve a polished and professional look for your home’s exterior. The choice depends primarily on the desired appearance but also the experience and skill of the installer. They are most commonly used with horizontally applied siding applications such as bevel.
Insulated siding has emerged as a new siding category in recent years. Wood clapboard is often imitated using vinyl siding or uPVC weatherboarding. Plastic imitations of wood shingle and wood shakes also exist. Wood is a moderately renewable resource and is biodegradable.
Siding Materials We Installin Grand Rapids
If you are unsure about why something needs to be fixed, have your contractor show you the damage and explain the issues. Ask to see what sheathing looks like that is in good condition so you can compare. All installers should learn and follow “best practices” in order to deliver a better job for their customer and reduce call backs.
Measuring and calculating the amount of siding required
ASCEND® Composite Cladding offers a first-of-its-kind solution that brings together beauty, performance and efficient installation for one of the best overall values on the market. We go over the most common gauges and when it’s best to use each. Here’s an easy formula to calculate the amount of screws that are needed on a metal roof or wall. Head and jamb trim will be installed around all 4 sides of the doorway. Just make sure to use a slow speed setting, and don’t apply too much pressure to the vinyl panel.
