Based in Washington, D.C., Kate Evelyn has been writing professionally since 2000. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, including "Elle" magazine, "Brass|CU" magazine and the "Credit Union Times." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Western Maryland College.
SUPPLIES
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- 5" Nails
- Siding panels
- Furring strips
- Starter strips
- J-channel
- Under-sill trim (optional)
- X-acto knife
- Tin snip
- Level
Overview
If you're thinking of installing siding on your house yourself instead of hiring a contractor to do it for you, remember to put an emphasis on safety. Always have a friend there to help you, even if his or her job is just to hold the extension ladder. If you do it right, you can save a lot of money by putting your own siding up. Just make sure you have the time and patience to complete the job correctly.
Step 1
Unscrew and remove anything you have on your home's exterior that could get in the way of the siding, such as hose holders, outside lights, outlet covers and rain gutters. Use caution when taking these items down so that you don't lose any of the hardware. Trim trees that touch the house so the branches don't get in your way or scratch your new siding.
Step 2
Find your furring strips (thin, flat pieces of plywood) and nail one to abut each side of each window and the top and sides of each door. Also put one below any doorways that are not flush with the ground outside. Then find your starter strips (which will be pieces of metal longer than the furring strips) and nail them on at the bottom of wood currently on the house. Like the name suggests, they will help you when you start laying the siding panels.
Step 3
Take corner posts and nail them along each corner of the house, from top to bottom. (The post will fit over the "sharp" piece of the corner.) Then put J-channel on these posts (making sure to get both sides) and also on the strips above the windows and doors. Sloped eaves also require a J-channel, while horizontal eaves require under-sill trim.
Step 4
Secure all trim pieces with extra nails, as needed. Then go to one of your starter strips and begin installing your main panels of siding on the house by nailing them in. Once you have the first panel in, continue left to right, then right to left as you move your way up the house. Make the panels overlap by an inch so the seams are less likely to show.
Step 5
Cut the siding when needed to fit around doors, windows or outlet. Score it twice and then trim it with the X-acto knife.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Use a tin snip to make holes in the siding so you can hang up your lighting and hose holder when you're done.
Check the starter strips with the level to make sure they're straight before you start installing the main panels.
Resources
