- 1). First, check the overall condition of the house wrap. The house wrap should be free of defects, window flashings should be properly covered by the house wrap and seams should be taped.
Now, take your tape measure and measure down on the corner of the wall, down to where the sheathing of the house ends. This measurement will be where the started strip is nailed into place. Now measure the width of the starter strip (I will use 2 1/2" for this example). From the bottom of the starter strip, measure up 2 1/2" and make a mark. This will be the top of the starter strip. Repeat this step on the opposite side. After completing this step, put a nail about half way into the sheathing where your mark is. Using you chalk line, hook the end of the line on the nail and go to your other mark on the opposite side of the wall. Tap the chalk box as you go to make sure the line in properly chalked. Pull the line tight against the building and snap the line. You will now have your reference point for the entire house. You will use this same measurement all the way around so make sure you remember it. Nail the starter strip into place. - 2
Now it is time to install the J-channel and corner pieces. First, cut the corner pieces so they are roughly 1/2 to 3/4" longer than the measurement for the bottom of the siding. Cut with either a miter saw with the blade turned backwards, or with a utility knife. Use your square to draw straight lines for reference.
Now hold the corner piece up making sure that the vinyl is square on the corner and install one nail to hold it in place. Use your level to make sure it is plumb and nail as you check every 12". Make sure to keep the nails loose as expansion will occur.
Next it is time to install J-channel around the windows, doors, and along the eaves and rakes of the house. The diagram below shows the proper way to install J-channel around a window. Basically, you install in this order: Bottom piece, side pieces, top piece. The side pieces will have to have a small amount of the inside of the channel removed so the siding is allowed to move back and forth during expansion and contraction. The same for the top. Simply take your utility knife and cut along the inner edges of the channel about 1 inch an fold the tab down the siding will no longer be obstructed.
By the eaves where you have installed the rest of the J-channel, an ending strip needs to be installed this is simply nailed into place under the J-channel.
Now that all of the channel and prep work is done. It is time to start installing the siding. - 3
To install the siding, take a full piece (if you can without cutting) and snap the bottom into the starter strip. Nail along the top every 16". It is beneficial to try and nail into wall studs. This is why 16" works well. The next piece you will probably have to cut. ALWAYS CUT THE END THE TERMINATES INTO THE J-CHANNEL OR CORNER CHANNEL. Cut the piece of siding 3/4" less than your measurement to allow for expansion. When measuring siding, please note that you are measuring on the top of the piece to where the overlap is shown NOT the very edge.
Now that you have your first row of siding on, you should measure up about 3' and make a mark and measure up 6' and make a mark. Repeat on the other corners. Use a nail on one of the marks and attach your chalk line. Snapping lines will help keep your siding straight and save you time over the course of the project. Simply measure up to make sure you are not gaining or losing on either side.
When nailing vinyl siding, it is very important to nail the siding so it remains loose. Nailing tight will cause warping, cracking, and other siding damage. Use the diagram below for reference. - 4). Now that you are done siding, all you have to do is caulk around all the windows, doors and any penetrations through the siding. Use a colored latex window/door caulk that matches your new siding. Carry a damp cloth with you to clean up any excess caulk.
Your siding project is now complete! Congratulations of a job well done!
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