How to Estimate and Install Vinyl Siding

Measure the width of the wall and multiply that by the wall's height to get the square footage. Repeat this process for all the walls for which you need to order vinyl siding. Order enough starter strips to run around the bottom perimeter of the house, and measure the height of every vertical inside and outside corner for corner caps.

Install the tar-based felt paper on top of the OSB or plywood sheeting before you install the vinyl siding, as this is the moisture barrier. Cut the pieces down to length with the utility knife and staple them in place with the hammer tacker. Tack the bottom pieces on first, then attach the higher pieces so they overlap the bottom pieces by at least a few inches, to keep any moisture that wicks through the vinyl from penetrating to the wood.

Make a mark on the wall where you want the first row of siding to start. Use the level to draw a pencil line across this mark, then snap a chalk line across the length of the wall using the level line as a reference. Cut down enough 3-inch strips of plywood to run around the perimeter of the house. Nail these in place on top of your chalk line with the nail gun to angle the first row of siding out, then install the starter strip that came with your vinyl siding order on top of the plywood.

Install your first row of siding on top of the starter strip. The bottom edge of the siding will be kicked out by the starter strip and the plywood. Place nails along the top edge of the siding in the designated nail lines to attach it to the wall. Run the entire bottom row of a wall before moving up to the second row.

Lock the second row of siding into the pre-aligned grooves of the first row. Picture a J, with the lip of the J being the bottom section of the second row. This slides together with the groove in the first row. Hold the second row tight up against the first row and nail it into place. Each subsequent row will attach in a similar fashion, using the pre-designed interlocking mechanism and pre-designed nail holes. Work your way up the wall until you're finished.