Siding can improve the look of a home by making it look modern and well-maintained. Many home improvement stores and contractors will install siding for a fee. To save money, some homeowners choose to install the siding themselves. It’s not too difficult to do. Following the tips below will make the process of wood siding or vinyl siding installation faster and easier.
Level the Siding
If the first piece of siding that is installed is not level, none of the other pieces will be either. To level the siding, one installs a start strip that covers the entire side of one wall. The starter strip should be completely level and straight. Thereafter, installing the siding against the starter strip allows all of the siding to be level. One can also check that the vinyl or wood siding is level before starting.
Avoid Installing the Siding to the Home Too Tightly
Installing the siding too tightly can cause it to warm or bend, making the overall design look bad. One should follow the guides on the siding pieces and make sure that each nail is placed in the nailing slots on the top of each panel. These guides are put in place to show users where each nail should be placed. If followed correctly, the siding will be easier to install and will look better afterwards. Vinyl siding installation will be much easier if the pieces are not nailed so tightly together.
Install the Siding on the Back of the House First
Any mistakes will not be as visible in the back, and this will allow the user to get used to the installation process before moving on to the front. When installing siding, it is not uncommon for the edges to overlap on either side. Starting with the back will cause the sides on the back to overlap instead of the ones on the front, again making them less visible.
Install the Siding on Studs
Installing the siding on studs will make it more secure and less likely to fall or blow off the house. If one is unable to see the studs from the outside of the house, stud finder might help. Stud finders can be purchased from most home improvement stores. One can also gently tap on the side of the house to hear the difference between studs and the empty space between them. To make sure that one nails the siding to the studs, one can locate the studs ahead of time and mark them with a marker. Then, he or she can line up a nail slot from each piece of siding with a stud and then nail them into place.