The Proper Way to Install Vinyl Siding

Preparation

1). Measure the height and width of the wall you are covering using a tape measure and cut fan fold foam insulation to fit using a utility knife.
2). Apply the insulation to the sheathing with its bottom edge even with the top of the foundation. Screw the foam to the sheathing with 1 1/4-inch treated deck screws, running them in flush with the foam face without countersinking, using a cordless drill and screw tip.
3). Install a starter strip along the bottom edge of the foam, with its bottom edge just below the bottom of the foam. Drive one screw through it every 12 inches, running them in flush, without dimpling.

1). Use a tape measure to measure the ends of the wall and cut corner trim to fit between the top of the foundation and the eaves using tin snips. Fit the trim to the corner and attach it with one screw every 8 inches along both long ends.
2). Measure and cut J trim to fit the sides and top of every door and window using the tin snips. Screw the trim in place, pressed against the door or window trim, with the open channel facing out.
3). Measure the bottom of each window and cut undersill trim to fit. Install it as for J trim. Measure the width of the top of the wall and cut end trim to fit. Install it in the same way, with the channel facing down, pressed up to the eaves.

1). Fit the first plank near one corner. Press the bottom of the plank onto the locking bead along the top of the starter strip. Pull up sharply to snap it in place. Slide the plank over until the end is inside the channel of the corner trim. Drive one screw through the fastener strip along the top of the plank every 8 inches. Drive the screws flush without puckering.
2). Add the next piece end to end with the first, overlapping by 2 inches. Screw it in place in the same way. Add full pieces in like manner as far as possible. Measure and cut a piece to fit at the end, overlapping on the inside end and fitting into the corner trim channel on the outside. Install rows above in the same way, snapping the bottom onto the locking bead at the top of the row below. Add full height rows as far as possible.
3). Measure and cut pieces to fit around the doors and windows, using the tin snips. Measure and cut enough pieces to the correct height to fill the top row, so that the top edge fits into the open channel on the bottom of the end trim. Fit them in place, snapping onto the row below and tucking the top edge into the end trim.