Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Siding

The type of siding that you put on your house has a major impact on its appearance. Two otherwise identical houses, one clad in brick and the other in aluminum siding, will present very different faces to the street. Your choice of siding will be based on cost, ease of installation, appearance and durability. Spend more now and get quality siding rather than saving some money now and dealing with siding problems in a few years.

Measuring tape
4-foot level
2-inch nails
Hammer
Tin snips

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any obstacles that will complicate the siding installation. These may include mailboxes, downspouts, shutters and anything else that is attached to a surface where you plan to install siding.
- 2
  Apply exterior insulation, before adding the siding, if you need to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Putting on new exterior siding is the perfect opportunity to add insulation as well.
- 3
  Install siding trim to windows and doors before you put the siding on the walls. Be sure that any vinyl or aluminum coverings for door and window trim are installed tightly and lay flat against the exterior walls.
- 4
  Mount wall siding beginning at the bottom of the walls. Check the evenness of the first course with a 4-foot level.
- 5
  Snap each strip of siding into the previous one by placing it against the wall just above the previous course then pushing upward to interlock the edges. Trim the courses to fit between doors, windows and other openings as needed.

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