Home Improvement Needs :: Vinyl Siding Installation

Vinyl Siding Installation:

Vinyl Siding Installation Can Be a Do-It-Yourself Project




The old house just does not look the same.  It was gorgeous in its prime.  Once upon a time the paint was fresh.  The trim was perfectly matched.  Everything looked new.  Now the paint is chipping.  Some of the trim has fallen off.  It is time to think about vinyl siding installation.

Easy Job

Vinyl siding installation is actually a very easy project to do.  Going over the existing exterior, there are no worries about dumpsters full of old building materials to haul away.  Although it is not a weekend project, vinyl siding installation can be done in a few days.  You just need to know some tips to make the job smoother.

Weather-proof

Remember that vinyl siding has been developed to expand and contract with the elements. Being made of PVC, it is going to do this more than any other building material you use.  The first tip in vinyl siding installation is where to place the nail.  There are slots on the top edges of each 12 foot panel of siding. You will want to position your nail in the middle of the slot to allow the siding to move back and forth.  Trying to put the nail in at the end will only cause the siding to crack when it needs to move in either direction.

Take Care with Vinyl Siding Installation

You must also remember during vinyl siding installation to never, ever pound the nail in tight.  The nail should only be driven in until there is at least a 1/16th inch gap from the head of the nail to the wall.  The vinyl siding must be able to be move.  Much more of a gap and your siding might be too loose and could blow off.

The vinyl siding can crack easily.  It may not seem like this is the case.  Once you begin your vinyl siding installation project, you will see how flexible the material can be.  The problem is when this material gets cold or brittle after years of service: that’s when the vinyl siding is more likely to crack.  This can create many more problems.  You must be careful when placing your nails.  There are times when you will find a piece which needs to be nailed but no nail hole is provided where it needs to be.  This is where you will have to create your own nail hole with a nail punch.  A smooth, clean-cut hole in the siding will not allow the vinyl siding to become damaged.  By just pounding in a nail any place you want can create cracks and stress points you cannot see until winter.

Two other important tips for your vinyl siding installation project is to remember when the siding has been locked into place, do not pull it tight when nailing it.  Just let it hang.  You must also remember to leave some room when positioning the siding panels into the J-channel.  This allows the siding to move comfortably when expanding or contracting.

By following these simple tips when doing your vinyl siding installation project, you should have no problems.  The siding you install should last for years to come.  This is one project which can truly add to the beauty and value of your home.



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