Source: TOOLS OF THE TRADE Magazine
Publication date: November 1, 2005

By Mike Guertin

Photos: Mike Guertin

The only time I used to touch vinyl siding was to tear it off an old Colonial or Victorian I was hired to rescue, or to hang it on unremarkable buildings like strip malls, multifamily units, or a shotgun ranch. So, I was shocked when a client asked for vinyl on a new $700,000 custom home.

Now more than half my clients request it, and I shouldn't be surprised. Vinyl replaced wood as the predominant siding choice a few years ago.

The No. 1 reason people want it: low maintenance. It may not be as perfect-looking as cedar or redwood, but never having to paint makes it attractive.

Applying vinyl siding is easy, requiring just a few tools. While this article focuses on basic installation tips for new construction, many principles transfer to re-siding; however, that work presents its own obstacles and creative details beyond those I can cover here.

Before You Start

Because vinyl siding systems have many places where water can get behind, proper weatherization is vital. First, install housewrap or building paper with care, especially with regards to flashings and proper drain-plane detailing. Vinyl siding leaves an air space behind it, so it performs better than wood nailed against a wall. Water that gets behind vinyl siding can drain.

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