In order to cut costs, many people are becoming more self-sufficient. Instead of paying someone else to work on their home, they are learning to do it themselves.
One project that many homeowners are choosing to do is replacing their old siding with vinyl siding. Although many would say it is too large a project, some are still choosing to do it themselves. So, if you are planning to replace your own siding, here are some basic tips on installing vinyl siding on your home:
1. Because vinyl siding is tough, durable and maintenance free it needs nothing more than a rinse from a hose to keep it clean. It’s a great way to enhance the look of your home!
2. Your best bet would be to take off what’s there, get back to the sheathing, put a house wrap on it, foam and then apply the vinyl siding. 
3. When measuring your house for siding, do not deduct for windows or doors. Measure it like it’s a square from the width — from the bottom to the top of the peak.
4. Hanging it from one ladder is extremely difficult – you need at least two ladders and a trusted friend. If you can get a scaffolding system, that would work even better!
5. Snap a level line all the way around your house and make sure it’s level. The first piece of vinyl you’re going to hang is on the starter strip (it will be made of aluminum and it usually comes about 3 inches in width and 12 feet long). Remember, it is important to check your level every four or five courses by putting a level on the siding.
6. When cutting vinyl siding, it’s usually to go into a corner. Whatever your measurement is, take at least 1/4″ or 1/8″ on both sides for the panel to slide back and forth. If you don’t cut your siding short, when it expands in the summer it’s going to buckle.
7. Always start from the back of the house and work forward toward the street, so seams are now facing the backyard. Make sure you overlap where you have a joint only when necessary. It’s important to use the factory edge at the seams – it assures that you get the proper overlap.
8. This is one of the most crucial steps in installing vinyl siding: never nail the siding to your house, hang it. Set your nails about 1/8″ to 1/16″ away from the wall. You are not going to set it hard. This will allow movement when it expands or contracts.
9. When heat builds up in your attic, it can warp your roof. Let that heat escape and keep an even temperature. Vent out your attic by installing perforated soffits with gable vents. Another added bonus would be to get ridge vents that will add airflow through the attic space.
Now, if replacing your own siding isn’t something you think you can handle, we can help! Vinyl siding, like all our products, is installed by our own factory-trained professional craftsmen, who are 5-star certified, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Trained and Lead Safety Certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Plus, New York Sash Vinyl Siding is an Energy Star rated product, can reduce heat and air conditioning costs, and provides five times more impact resistance than traditional vinyl siding!
