Siding Installation: Mastering the Art of a Worry-Free Exterior

Siding installation is not just a project; it’s a shield for your home or business. It protects the exterior from damage or excessive wear and tear and provides additional insulation to keep your home comfortable in all seasons. However, when your siding begins to deteriorate, you can find pests inside your home’s walls, rising energy costs and more. This serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and the potential risks of neglecting your siding. Custom fitting your vinyl siding around obstacles such as faucets and utility equipment ensures a seamless and professional appearance. Cutting and fitting around these obstacles, as well as using J-channel and utility trim, will provide a clean and polished finish.

• Drip cap flashing above all openings will help ensure a weathertight installation.
• Vinyl siding is an economical choice, requiring minimal maintenance and offering a beautiful aesthetic.
• Carefully nail the upper portion of the fascia with 4D galvanized or pre-painted nails.
• If you need service on your Champion products, please submit your service-request here.
• The good news is that you don’t have to settle with a poor-performing home.
• Base trim will be installed after the underlayment and prior to the siding panels.
• It will then restrict water from getting behind the side channels once it’s set in place.
• A strong foundation at this stage prevents common issues like misalignment, gaps, and buckling.

Step 6: Install Siding Trim Around Windows and Doors

You can see how this is accomplished in the installation video below. Like most siding, you will install the fiber cement boards from the bottom up when using a traditional, horizontal lap application. You will begin with a starter strip with weep holes that will allow moisture to readily escape. You will need a clearance from the grade that either follows installation instructions or local building codes (whichever is greater). Then, you would install your fiber cement corner and window trim.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency through Siding

Skipping this step or cutting the acclimation time short can cause gaps, cupping, warping, or buckling and can also cause damage to the boards as they move against the fasteners. Also, it is important to remember not to leave stacks of siding horizontal and exposed. Taking the time to do this part right will make your installation smoother and our natural wood products will preform better long-term.

The best method is to lay 2x4s in periodic spacing about every 3 feet. BE SURE NOT to allow moisture to accumulate beneath your boards. This can happen if you stack your wood siding or decking overnight on the grass. A home exterior is built, generally, with 2x4s or 2x6s as framing. A product such as OSB is used over the framing; this looks like a big 4×8′ piece of wood.

Vinyl Siding Installation Step #5: Siding the Walls

Thatch is an ancient and very widespread building material used on roofs and walls. Thatch siding is made with dry vegetation such as longstraw, water reeds, or combed wheat reed. The materials are overlapped and weaved in patterns designed to deflect and direct water. On installation day, you can expect to be greeted by our friendly installation experts who will review the process ahead.

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Inside the j-channel, add a piece of finish trim, then a piece of flashing, and the starter strip for the shake product. Jan has a Golden Rule for vinyl siding installation, “Always manage the movement of the product.” All polymer products expand in the heat and contract in the cold. Most times when an installation or the product fails, it is due to how it was installed.

Step 15: Finish Top Course

Regular cleaning and inspections can help identify and address any potential issues, keeping your home’s exterior looking its best. When butt jointing siding, cut ends at 45 degree angles to form an overlapping joint. Ensure joints meet on studs, blocking or furring strips with the nail penetrating solid wood at least 1-1/4 inches. Our four step-by-step video guides take the guesswork out of installing the most popular Real Cedar siding profiles—Tongue & Groove, Shiplap, Bevel, and Board & Batten. Each tutorial covers the essential tools, techniques, and tips you need for a polished, professional result. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a hands-on homeowner, these videos will help you bring the natural beauty of Western Red Cedar to your next project.

Begin this process at the back corner of your home, working towards the front as you go. Leaving a quarter inch of space where each panel butts the corner post, snap the panel bottom into a starter strip and nail it into the wall. We recommend using 3″ wide by 1/2″ thick solid wood strips for this purpose.

Certified Vinyl Siding Installers

Not surprisingly, the durability and environmental impact of composite sidings depends on the specific materials used in the manufacturing process. Products provide environmental advantages by reducing energy use by up to 20 percent. On average, insulated siding products have an R-value of 3.96, triple that of other exterior cladding materials. Insulated siding products are typically Energy Star qualified, engineered in compliance with environmental standards set by the U.S.

Composite siding

• These products are much thinner than furring strips but still allow air and water to flow behind the wood.
• Then, finish nailing the panel at 12” increments, in the midpoint of each of the remaining slots.
• A realistic woodgrain appearance drives a stunning and striking look.
• In short, upgrading your home’s exterior with new siding, particularly vinyl siding, is a surefire way to boost its curb appeal.
• Fiber cement boards are made in factories and are typically painted as part of the production process.
• The Norendex NailRIGHT Siding Installation System makes proper nailing fast and easy.

When the area is dry, you can install flashing beneath your siding with nails or staples. Remove extraneous features like shutters and downspouts before replacing any rotting wood. You might want to install a house wrap for extra moisture protection. It will act as a secondary defense against air leakage and prevent wood rot. Vinyl siding has attracted several common misconceptions, particularly in relation to its durability. If your siding is properly installed, it won’t warp or buckle.

RABBETED NAIL FIN OUTSIDE CORNER CAULKLESS INSTALL

Reading customer reviews and consulting with local contractors can provide insights into brand reliability and performance. We suggest focusing on more reputable brands, as they’re often a safer bet for long-term satisfaction. A “square” refers to 100 square feet of siding in the siding industry.

Working Around Windows and Doors

You’re probably wondering, what about rainwater getting inside the top channel? Unfortunately, there’s no way to stop rainwater from entering the top J-channel. Avoid using nails that aren’t galvanized because they’ll corrode quickly. Galvanized nails are covered with a zinc coating that improves their rust and corrosion resistance. Make a test cut when trying out a new vinyl blade before making any drastic cuts.

• Dive into our product literature to discover the myriad of benefits and possibilities that ASCEND offers, guiding homeowners towards creating the high-end aesthetic they desire.
• Doing these things will make it easier for the team to get right to work transforming your home exterior.
• It can also be butted against adjoining walls with a trim strip used to cover the joint.
• Reglet flashing will be used when you have a chimney or cricket on your roof.
• You’ll achieve beautiful curb appeal and enjoy knowing your house is protected from the elements.

We Install Your Siding So You Don’t Have To!

Learn about each of these materials, the biggest differences, and which is right for your home. Create a flap in the J-channel that sits on top of the door or window. It will then restrict water from getting behind the side channels once it’s set in place. Allowing water to seep in behind the side J channels on a door or window can result in mold and mildew. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to prevent that from happening. Need detailed installation details about a Polaris Siding product?

Vinyl Siding Installation Step #13: Dealing with Obstructions

One of the greatest benefits of NewTechWood’s siding products is its UltraShield technology. This new feature has truly revolutionized the industry of composite boards with its multitude of benefits. We have lots of great Hardie® Plank lap siding installation tips that will help you with your project. Be sure to install the furring strips using screws that go through the sheathing and into the wall studs when possible. We recommend a No. 8 flat-head wood screw, 1-1/2” long, 316 Stainless Steel, with an auger point.

ENTRY DOORS

While vinyl siding can be recycled, it cannot be burned (due to toxic dioxin gases that would be released). If dumped in a landfill, plastic siding does not break down quickly. Use a mixture of water and either a mild detergent products or a mild household cleaner to clean SIDING.

Review the most recent techniques including vinyl siding repair, cleaning, maintenance, historic restoration tips, and recycling leftover scrap. Installing utility trim is vital for securing the last piece of siding and accommodating expansion and contraction. Sealing and caulking are essential for preventing water infiltration and ensuring a clean finish. Use a high-quality, moisture-resistant sealant to caulk all trim and seams around windows, doors, and corners. By adhering to these steps, the starter strip can be ensured to be level and properly installed.

Estimating the Amount of Vinyl Siding Needed for Your Project

With the right siding installation, you’re not just upgrading your home’s exterior; you’re investing in comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings. While vinyl siding is a popular choice due to its durability and low maintenance, it’s also renowned for its energy efficiency. In addition to insulation and weather resistance, insulated vinyl siding is sustainable to the environment. It can be recycled and made into other items made from plastic, keeping the old siding out of the landfills. Wall insulation As it is primarily made of salt, the manufacturing process efficiently has zero or no waste as scraps go back into the product stream.

• If the sheathing is damaged or unusable for any reason, it will need to be replaced before new siding can be installed.
• Before we begin the installation process, preparation of your home for vinyl siding is necessary.
• Vinyl siding is typically nailed rather than stapled to allow for necessary movement due to temperature changes.
• Taking the time to inspect and prepare the wall before installing vinyl siding prevents structural issues and ensures a professional-looking result.
• Ply Gem is the most-popular vinyl siding manufacturer in North America— and for good reason!
• Maintaining a clean and organized workspace will help reduce the possibility of damage to your siding.
• Despite its popularity, vinyl siding has some concerns and misconceptions to be aware of.

Tools and materials needed for vinyl siding installation

• If you’re debating whether to hire out vinyl siding installation or do it yourself, consider these factors.
• While ½” might not seem like much, the truth is that it makes a big difference when it comes to vinyl siding installations in the winter.
• A level and smooth surface is the most suitable for a vinyl siding installation workspace.
• 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.
• For instance, if the siding panels are not securely fastened, they can flap or even detach in strong winds, compromising your home’s structural integrity.
• One on the bottom of the house, and again one just above where your deck boards are installed.
• Not paying enough attention to where water goes and how it flows is the most frequently made mistake we see.
• Cut SIDING using standard carbide tip circular or miter saws with a trim or plywood blade.

This popular choice among homeowners not only rejuvenates the look of your entire house but also adds a touch of modernity and style. In the heart of Ashwaubenon, where the climate can swing from sweltering summers to freezing winters, energy efficiency is not just a buzzword – it’s a necessity. Finally, when you meet the soffit at the top, you need to do a few things to ensure a flush fit.

New Siding Installation Videos

Patience is key here because those clean cuts will make a world of difference in your finished product. Remember that cutting costs shouldn’t come at the expense of quality, as poor materials or installation can lead to higher long-term expenses. Being strategic about your choices can result in smart savings without compromising results. Temperature changes cause vinyl siding to expand and contract. Use the following techniques to help prevent buckling, warping, and other issues related to thermal expansion.

Thermal bridging is the process of energy moving through or across an object that is more conductive than the materials that surround it. The conductive material—metal and wood—allow the heat to pass right through. You might wonder how studs could possibly allow so much energy loss in a home.

Vinyl siding is considered the easiest to install and comes in various colors. Vinyl siding is usually considered the easiest to install on your own. 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. It may be helpful to clear your driveway to allow construction workers better access to your home. Move your vehicles away from your home to prevent damage from loose debris.

Mark these measurements on your TruLog™ siding and start your cuts from the top of the panel where the nail strip is. You are now ready to cut this section of steel siding out so your TruLog™ panel will fit neatly underneath the window. Make sure to watch the full video below to get all the steel siding installation instructions you need.

Moreover, consulting your local building code for the requirements relevant to your geographic area, including the use of stainless steel fasteners, is important. A vinyl siding starter strip goes along the bottom of the exterior wall, where you want the vinyl siding to start. The first “plank” of vinyl siding fits snugly into the starter strip.

If you need more than one piece, overlap the upper piece with the lower piece. Extend the J-channel past the roof’s edge to guarantee good runoff. For nail fin windows, you’ll apply a bead of sealant clear around the nailing flange as to cover the nails and their slots.

Pry off old panels using a pry bar, starting from the bottom and working upward. Once removed, inspect the wall for damage and repair any problematic areas to create a strong foundation for your new siding. To accommodate expansion and contraction, use nails or fasteners in the center of the nailing slot and avoid driving them too tightly against the siding nailing hem. Ensure that panels and accessories are able to move freely from side to side and leave at least ¼ of an inch of clearance at all openings and stops. Ensuring that your workspace is ready will help the installation go more smoothly.