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How To Install Vinyl Siding

Part 1

Vinyl siding is a project that is well within the abilities of most home handymen. With some care, the home handyman can finish a project that will look as good as any professional can accomplish.

Note: The following instructions and information should be considered to be a general guideline. Always follow the manufacturer's detailed installation instructions.

home with vinyl siding

Figure 1a - House with vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is considered to be a an exterior cladding. It is not designed to be used as a weather-tight barrier. The siding is designed in such a manner that the material underneath the siding can breath. It provides some protection from the elements, but should not be considered to be the barrier to rain, snow or other inclement climate conditions.

The installation of vinyl siding is accomplished using horizontal or vertical sheets of vinyl that fit into or connect to an assortment of finishing trims and moldings.

Note: Each manufacturer's product will vary somewhat, but each will have a finished trim piece to handle most circumstances.

Before you start your siding project you should understand some basic siding terminology:

Profiles, Styles & Textures Of Vinyl Siding:

insulated straight vinyl siding

Insulated Straight

hand split shake vinyl siding

Hand Spit Shake

half round vinyl siding

Half Round

dutch lap smooth vinyl siding

Dutch Lap Smooth

cedar perfections vinyl siding

Cedar Perfections

board batten vinyl siding

Board Batten

beaded smooth vinyl siding

Beaded Smooth

straight wood grain vinyl siding

Straight Wood Grain

straight smooth vinyl siding

Straight Smooth

rough sawn cedar shingle vinyl siding

Rough Sawn Cedar Shingle

dutch lap wood grain vinyl siding

Dutch Lap Wood Grain

beaded wood grain vinyl siding

Beaded Wood Grain

The manufacturer's will usually have matching fascia and soffit panels. In most cases the fascia material is installed after the siding and soffit panels.

When choosing your soffit you must decide on vented or non-vented. For further information on attic ventilation follow the link.

Styles Of Vinyl Siding Moldings & Finishing Trims:

starter strip trim for vinyl siding

Starter Strip

J-channel trim for vinyl siding

J-Channel

T channel trim for vinyl siding

T-Channel

finishing trims for vinyl siding

Finishing Trims

lineal trim for vinyl siding

Lineal

F-channel trim for vinyl siding

F-Channel

flexible J channel trim for vinyl siding

Flexible J-Channel

drip shield trim for vinyl siding

Drip Shield (formed on site from aluminum)

outside corner trim for vinyl siding

Outside Corner

inside corner trim for vinyl siding

Inside Corner

Continued........

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5