When building a home, you need to have the right siding. However, more than that, you also need to make sure the siding is installed properly. If not, it won’t last, won’t protect your home, and won’t look good.
There are multiple types of siding from which to choose and most are relatively easy to install. You will, of course, need to have the right tools, such as a miter saw that will make it easy to create square cuts. Fastening is simple, but you will need to find studs to nail the siding to unless you have plywood or OSB sheathing on it.
Of course, you will have to keep in mind that different types of siding will often have slightly different methods and requirements. We will be covering the basics below.
Have a Plan
Before you can start the installation, you will need to be sure you properly lay out the job and know the size of the siding pieces that will be needed. You have to accommodate for areas above doors, as well as above and below windows, for example. The siding pieces need to meet and match when they come to a corner, naturally. There should not be any exposure to the surface beneath the siding either.
When laying out the siding plan, using a story pole will help. This tool can help you find potential problem areas, so you can then come up with solutions before trying to add the siding. The same basic ideas hold true with options for vertical siding, such as tongue-and-groove and board-and-batten.
It can take some time to lay out the job, but it is worth spending that extra time planning. Once you have a good plan in place, you will find that it can save you from issues down the line. It also means the siding tends to look better once it is in place.
Installing Lap Siding
Other terms for this type of siding include horizontal siding and clapboard. It can be made from different types of materials including fiber-cement, plywood, wood, and hardboard. Despite the material, the method of installation tends to be the same.
Lap siding tends to be beveled, so the bottom edge will be thicker than the top. With this type of siding, the upper part of the board will always overlap the board below by one to two inches. This can help the house to shed water.
In some cases, the nails will be driven into the upper parts of the board, which keep them hidden on the siding. Other times, though, the nails could be left exposed and then get covered by paint.
Typically, the siding will be added to the home from the bottom upward.
Installing Tongue-and-Groove Siding
This is a good choice for many homes. The siding fits together easily through the tongues and grooves that overlap and underlap each other. While this type of siding can be a good option because it is simple to install, it doesn’t provide as much protection, making it less suitable for certain areas, such as where there is a lot of snow.
Installing Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding works much the same way. Once the preliminary work is done, the installation tends to be easy. Just as with the other types of siding, you could do this on your own or you could hire someone to do it for you.
Always measure your pieces before cutting. As the saying goes, measure twice and cut once. This is true with vinyl siding and other materials. Again, you will start from the bottom and work your way upward to the top.
You could install siding on your own. However, it’s far easier when you work with professionals who have the equipment and the expertise needed. If you need new siding, contact Best Pro Builders today.
