Fit the Top First

Once you´ve got the top fitting nicely, you´ll have to cut the bottom to length. I will say that, depending on the length of your piece and your landscaping, you might have to shorten the corner just enough so that it can be put in place while you´re getting the top to fit properly. Just try not to cut too much off.

Add some Insulation to the walls of your House, from the Outside

One of the big selling factors for new siding is the fact that you now have the opportunity to add some insulation to the walls of your house, from the outside. A lot of older homes out here in the Mid-West were built without a lick of insulation. These homes are expensive to heat in the winter, and expensive to cool in the summer. You can save yourself a bunch of money the first year if you install ample insulation before you start siding.

What to do with the old siding

Now you´re faced with the question of what to do with the siding you already have on your house. Well, I´m glad to tell you that there are only two choices, remove it, or leave it. My recommendation almost all the time is to remove the old siding.

Asbestos shingles

There are cases when that is not the best method, such as with Asbestos shingles.

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

This list of tools will enable you to install the majority of popular siding today. You can install aluminum or steel and vinyl, and even wood shingles or shakes.

Finding the Pitch of your roof

There are several methods for doing this. A trained eye can usually guess the pitch just by looking at it, but you can find it very easily with a small level and a speed square. Just get a ladder and position yourself at a gable end. Climb up to where a good portion of the rake is eye level. Place the level so one end is laying on the roof. A small spirit level is real good for this. Leaving this end on the roof, raise or lower the other end until it is level.