Has anyone put vinyl siding on themselves ? If so, how difficult was it ? ?

Question

My husband and brother in law are both very handy and we would like to put it over our existing wood siding. My biggest concern is the trim. My husband wants to put F&J trim up around the windows and doors. Was this a big undertaking for you ? Most everyone we know says it is a pretty simple, yet tedious job. But, if we do it ourselves, we can keep costs down on our reno. Thanks in advance !

Answer 1

it is very easy to do.  i am not a sider, but consider myself handy and i did my vinyl siding on my house myself.  you don't even need a saw if you don't want.  you can cut it with a snips.  if there are any questions you can find installation guides online from the manufacturer.  it will tell you the gaps at the ends and butt joints for contraction and expansion.  hope this helps you

Answer 2

On a scale of 1 to 10.  I would rate this as a 8 for the simple fact that you are asking how hard it is.  Yes you do need a power saw AND snips.  You may also have to rent or buy special snips for certain pieces of siding that fit into different areas.  Wherever you go to buy this product, they should have some information pamphlets for you to look at.  I would also get a bid to find out what someone would charge to do the job.  You might find that their price and experience is truely worth them doing the job.  I would suggest that you do a little more homework.  I am a huge fan of doing things myself, but a bad siding job really shows big time.  good luck.

Answer 3

It's very easy. I wasn't experienced and did my garage myself. I even recruited my 10yr old son, who had no problem with it once I showed him how. The important things are:

Have to start level. Don't pound nails in all the way due to expansion.

You can score and break most pieces with a utility knife, but it's nice to have a saw blade on your circular saw for corner pieces.

You're hubby should have an assistant because long pieces are difficult to snap into place alone.  

Answer 4

It's as easy as riding a bicycle.  I used longer roofing nails so that I didn't hit my fingers so much.  Just remember DO NOT nail the vinyl down all the way tight, because it needs room to expand and contract otherwise it will bubble or bow.

As far as the trim work, caulk is a man's best friend, it's been covering up mistakes for years. Good luck.

Answer 5

Siding is expensive.  I wouldn't risk the installation of this expensive investment by sub-par installation.

Water could get into areas and rot the wood underneath, etc.