When contemplating exterior wall finish options, vinyl siding is actually quite a budget friendly yet attractive option. No matter where you use siding – on your garage, your shed or even your house – it’s undeniable that vinyl siding is extremely durable and offers consumers many options in colors and styles. It’s made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC is a great value for the cost and will give you decade after decade of trouble free coverage of your home.
It’s advisable to hire a contractor that’s skilled in siding but if you are interested in doing it yourself, it can be a great project to undertake. You must go into this job prepared, however.
Ensure that you don’t end up with ugly, noisy or faulty siding that’s not up to your expectations by following a few rules of working on a siding project on your own:
1.Get the right instructions to suit your specific project.
Not every line of exterior siding is the same, so it’s advisable to do your research. Visit the website of your specific line which will most likely have the installation instructions. You may be able to find a wealth of resources, including installation pamphlets, booklets or brochures, including step by step instructions or quite detailed diagrams ensuring that your installation process is as easy as possible.
2. Get more than one extra pair of hands.
Installing vinyl siding is not a job for one person. Usually, the pieces of siding are about 12 ft long, another person should be there to aid you moving the siding, holding it, snapping it, nailing as well as other general jobs on the job site.
3. Keep an eye on the weather and pick your installation date carefully.
With many other outdoor jobs, you’ll find that the weather is a huge factor in the success of a timely vinyl siding installation. Too much wind can make it difficult to handle materials and may wind up scattered around the yard as vinyl is rather lightweight and can easily be blown around. Rain won’t create too much of an issue as the siding is waterproof but ladders can become slippery. Also, high heat or humidity can make it extremely difficult to complete your project quickly. The vinyl will become softer and you may find it difficult to get the right fit and the heat can reap havoc on your hydration and energy levels.
Check the weather on The Weather Network
4. Fasten close, but not too close.
When installed, vinyl siding is fastened by nailing it into your outside wall. In your siding pieces, ou should notice nail slots that you can refer to. One complaint of homeowners is that their siding may rattle in high wind or is noisy. This is most likely due to improper installation. While the siding needs to be nailed down firmly, if it is nailed too tightly, you run the risk of causing issues with expansion and contraction.
5. Keep it on the looser side.
When it comes time to snap your siding in place, it’s advised to not put them in too tightly. Once it’s locked, it can hang a bit loose. While you’re doing the installation, make sure that each piece is level after every five rows or so.
Your shed, home, garage or other structure will look amazing once your project is complete and you will have an overwhelming sense of pride of doing it yourself! Now sit back and enjoy your durable, low-maintenance and aesthetically pleasing exterior. Just be sure to remember to thank those that lent a hand in the process!
Pro Bob is an experienced contractor and renovation specialist, who loves to share his know how with others.
