Home Siding Installation Tips & Best Practices
Re-siding a home is among the top ten remodeling projects that can be done in terms of overall payback. Re-siding is a great investment since homeowners can often recoup 75–100% of their costs. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when installing siding:
- Check local building codes and obtain the necessary permits.
- Take a blueprint or accurate measurements of the house to Carter Lumber for a FREE estimate.
- Ask a Sales Associate at Carter Lumber for help figuring how to work around details such as windows and door caps, sills, corners, etc.
- This is a good time to think about replacing windows and doors too.
- This is a good time to add decorative and functional touches such as exterior lights, doorbell buttons, new outdoor faucets and dryer vents to make the job look great all around.
Nailing Vinyl Siding
- Vinyl siding must be attached "loosely" because it expands and contracts as much as 1/4" over a 12' 6" length with temperature changes.
- Do not face-nail siding. Face-nailing is not only unsightly, but will cause vinyl to buckle with changes in temperature.
- Do not nail siding too tightly. Leave 1/32" between the nail head and vinyl.
- Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of siding.
- Drive nails straight and level to prevent distortion and buckling of panel.
- Start nailing vertical siding and trim pieces in the top of the uppermost slots to hold them in position. Place all other nails in the center of the slots.
- Space nails a maximum of 16" apart for horizontal siding panels, every 12" for vertical siding panels and every 6" to 12" for accessories.
- Make sure panels are locked at the bottom. Do not pull them tight when nailing.
Installing Horizontal Siding
- Place the first panel in the starter strip and securely lock.
- Fasten panels in accordance with nailing tips above.
- Check course to ensure proper alignment with windows, eaves and adjacent walls
- Allowances should be made for expansion and contractions by leaving about 1/4" at all corner posts and channels.
- Always overlap joints away from entrances to improve the overall appearance of the installation.
- Lap end joints per manufacturer's recommendations so that the vinyl panels can move freely in a side-to-side direction.
- Stagger end laps so that one is not directly above the other unless separated by three courses.