Residing a House in Vinyl

Lift the bottom edge of each length of siding on your exterior wall. Place the blade of your zip tool into the gap beneath the edge of the siding, and slide it from one end to the other until it lifts free from the piece below it. The mounting strip and nails which hold the siding in place on the wall will be revealed. Use your pencil to trace along the top edge of the mounting strip as you remove each length of siding. These guidelines will serve as your reference point when installing the new siding.

Use your crowbar or hammer claw to pry off the top edge of each piece of siding, followed by the corner posts and window trim. Use your pencil to trace along the top edge of the starter rail at the bottom of the wall before removing it. Remove any caulk or nails remaining from the old siding. The surface of the building exterior should be completely clean, tightly fastened in place, and without obstruction before the new siding is installed.

Install new J-channel around each window and door frame. Use your circular saw and fine blade to cut J-channel to the length of each edge of your window or door opening, then use your razor knife to cut each end to a 45-degree angle. Fit the cut ends together so that flush corners are formed. Use your hammer and nails to fasten the J-channel into the window frame.

Install a new strip of starter rail at the bottom edge of the wall, using your hammer and nails to fasten it, and your pencil guideline to mark the installation location. Install the inside and outside corner posts at each corner of your exterior walls. Use your hammer and nails to fasten the corner posts in place. Leave about 1/2 inch at the top and bottom at each corner to allow for expansion and contraction.

Install strips of siding starting from the bottom of the wall and moving upward. Install the first piece over the starter strip at the base of the wall, and continue to install subsequent strips at each of your pencil guidelines. Place the top edge of each piece of siding at the pencil mark, and use your hammer and nails to fasten it in place. Apply pressure to each new strip until it locks into the one below it. Check the installation with your level to ensure a plumb finish.

Use your razor knife to cut slots into siding strips so they fit tightly around windows and doorways. At the top of each opening, attach your cut away strip to the full strip above it, then fasten both together so the bottom partial strip is reinforced by the one above it. Leave about 1 1/2 inches of space between the end of each strip of siding and the corner post or window frame that abuts against it.

Install the corner post cap by applying pressure along its length until it snaps firmly in place.