Home Siding Installation

Installing Home Siding

Close-up of a hand using a power drill to fasten trim during siding installation

Re-siding a home is among the top ten remodeling projects that can be done in terms of overall payback. Re-siding is an excellent investment, as homeowners often recoup 75–100% of their total costs. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when installing siding:

Check on your local building codes and obtain the necessary permits.
Take a blueprint or accurate measurements of the house to Holmes Lumber for a FREE estimate.

Ask a sales associate at Holmes Lumber to help figure out how to work around details such as windows and door caps, sills, corners, etc.
This is a good time to think about replacing your windows and doors as well.
This is also an ideal time to add decorative or functional touches such as exterior lights, doorbell buttons, new outdoor faucets, and dryer vents.

Nailing Your Siding

Vinyl siding must be attached loosely because it expands and contracts as much as 1/4" over a 12' 6" length with temperature changes.
Do not face-nail siding. Face-nailing is not only an eyesore but will cause vinyl to buckle with changes in temperature.
Do not nail siding too tightly. Leave 1/32" between the nail head and vinyl.
Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of siding.
Drive nails straight and level to prevent distortion and buckling of the panel.
Start nailing vertical siding and trim pieces in the top of the uppermost slots to hold them in position. Place all other nails in the center of the slots.
Space nails a maximum of 16" apart for horizontal siding panels, every 12" for vertical siding panels, and every 6" to 12" for accessories.
Make sure panels are locked at the bottom. Do not pull them tight when nailing.

Vinyl siding must be attached loosely because it expands and contracts as much as 1/4" over a 12' 6" length with temperature changes.
Do not face-nail siding. Face-nailing is not only an eyesore but will cause vinyl to buckle with changes in temperature.
Do not nail siding too tightly. Leave 1/32" between the nail head and vinyl.
Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of siding.
Drive nails straight and level to prevent distortion and buckling of the panel.
Start nailing vertical siding and trim pieces in the top of the uppermost slots to hold them in position. Place all other nails in the center of the slots.
Space nails a maximum of 16" apart for horizontal siding panels, every 12" for vertical siding panels, and every 6" to 12" for accessories.
Make sure panels are locked at the bottom. Do not pull them tight when nailing.

Horizontal Siding

Place the first panel in the starter strip and securely lock.
Fasten panels per nailing tips above.
Check the course to ensure proper alignment with windows, eaves, and adjacent walls.
Allowances should be made for expansion and contractions by leaving about 1/4" at all corner posts and channels.
Always overlap joints away from entrances to improve the overall appearance of the installation.
Lap end joints per manufacturer's recommendations so that the vinyl panels can move freely in a side-to-side direction.
Stagger end laps so that one is not directly above the other unless separated by three courses.

Place the first panel in the starter strip and securely lock.
Fasten panels per nailing tips above.
Check the course to ensure proper alignment with windows, eaves, and adjacent walls.
Allowances should be made for expansion and contractions by leaving about 1/4" at all corner posts and channels.
Always overlap joints away from entrances to improve the overall appearance of the installation.
Lap end joints per manufacturer's recommendations so that the vinyl panels can move freely in a side-to-side direction.
Stagger end laps so that one is not directly above the other unless separated by three courses.