Siding Basics

Continue making your way around the house in this fashion until you reach the last plane. This is the last wall surface that needs to be sided. You're going to do this wall in just the same way except there is one difference that needs to be noted. You now have two corners that must match up.

The first course should go pretty easy since the starter will help it go from point to point, but on the second course, start paying attention to your corners. Make sure you are matching up on both ends. Wrapping Around The HouseDepending on the house, this could occur on two outside corners, two inside corners, or one of each.

How to Figure Siding Materials for your House

OK, so you have your siding picked out, maybe even the color. Or perhaps you have a couple of selections and want to compare costs. First, you´ll need to figure up how much siding you´ll need for your house. Siding is typically sold by the square. 100 square feet is 1 square. It can also be sold by the board, or by the lineal foot.

How many square your house is

The Trim goes on First with Vinyl Siding

Figuring Trim Accessories

With vinyl siding, your corners, windows, and door trim go on first. Measuring is an art form of sorts. When I measure, I don´t typically right down exact feet of a window, for example. I measure the height and width, then I write down how many pieces of J channel I´ll need to wrap that window. Your average size window usually requires 2 pieces of J. You have to measure from the top of the window, to the bottom and add a couple of inches to compensate for the trim on the top and bottom.

Measuring Doors

Tools you need to side your house

First, let´s talk about some of the tools you´re going to need to start siding.

Tools that are a must
  1. Hammer
  2. 4´ Level
  3. Utility Knife
  4. Pencil
  5. Tape Measure
  6. Aviation Snips
  7. Tool Pouch

Optional:
  • Fluid Level or Laser Level