How to Install Aluminum Siding

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Installing aluminum siding may be the most eye-catching home improvement that you can make. The change can be remarkable, and is sure to turn heads and impress your neighbors. With a little know-how and a few simple pieces of equipment, this is a task that you can easily accomplish yourself. Here are some steps to guide you as you learn how to install aluminum siding.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. Once the old siding has been removed, clean the exterior walls thoroughly, removing any old paint, putty or caulking. Any stray nails should be hammered flat or removed. Fill any dents or depressions left in the wall with wedges (small pieces of scrap material). [1]
  2. Foam board is the most commonly recommended underlayment application for aluminum siding. Install each sheet with nails, laying every sheet straight and being sure to leave no gaps between the sheets.
    Advertisement
  3. At each corner, suspend the posts, using two nails in each of the upper nail slots. If you have to use more than one post (referred to as stacking) in a single corner, be sure that there is an overlap of 1 inch (2.54 cm).
  4. This refers to the piece of trim that is placed at the bottom of each of the exterior walls. This is where the starter strip will be installed.
  5. The top sheets of siding will be installed to slide under this piece. [2]
  7. This is referred to as a J-channel. Measure each piece of trim so that it will be two channel widths longer than the opening itself. Cut notches in the ends of each section of J-channel, so that they will fit together. [3]
  8. Nail it at 12 inch (30.48cm), increments.
    • When installing the trim at the windows, start at the bottom, then move to the sides and install the top portion last. This will help control water flow and prevent leakage.
    • Each sheet of siding has a nail strip at the top. Attach the siding to the wall with a nail in each section of the nail strip. Siding is intended to hang from the nails, not to be nailed flat.
  9. Slide the bottom of the siding into the footer, being sure to leave enough space to allow for expansion. Slide the end, that meets the corner, in the same way. [4]
  10. [5]
    • Always be sure to complete one wall before moving on to the next.
    • When it is necessary to use more than one sheet of siding to complete a row, be sure to overlap successive panels by 1 inch (2.54 cm). For the best results, try to create seams as far away from the focal point of the wall as possible.
  11. Use gutter-seal adhesive to finish the installation at window sills and at sections of soffit.
  12. Lock the bottom into place at the top of the preceding panel, and slide it under the trim that you've installed under the eave.
    13. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I install vinyl siding myself?
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Use a siding gun! Siding guns make it easy to install siding without having to hand-nail every single nail in. You can also adjust it so all of the nails are inserted at the same depth. Always leave the nail 1/8 in (0.3 cm) out of the plywood so the vinyl siding has a little room to breathe and move.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How do I attach two pieces of aluminum if I do not have anything to nail them to?
    Community Answer
    Add wood backing behind the aluminum for a place to nail onto, or drill a hole in the aluminum and use a pop rivet to attach the two pieces of aluminum.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Always use aluminum 1 1/2 inch (3.81 cm) roofing nails to install aluminum siding.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • When buying your siding, be sure to get, and follow, the instruction manual, which should always be included.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Remove Vinyl Siding
      How to
      Paint Aluminum Siding
      How to
      Install Exterior Siding
      How to
      Install Shiplap
      How to
      Install Vertical Metal Siding
      How to
      Install Vinyl Siding
      How to
      Install Fiber Cement Siding
      How to
      Cut Vinyl Siding
      How to
      Repair Vinyl Siding
      How to
      Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://thehousingforum.com/how-to-install-aluminum-siding/
      2. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/roof/how-to-install-aluminum-soffits-that-are-maintenance-free/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EplVUONQD60
      4. ↑ https://www.yourepair.com/2014/how-to-work-with-and-repair-aluminum-siding.html
      5. ↑ https://www.yourepair.com/2014/how-to-work-with-and-repair-aluminum-siding.html
      6. https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-install-aluminum-siding
      7. https://thehousingforum.com/how-to-install-aluminum-siding/
      8. https://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/siding-vinyl-aluminum-installation.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 95,464 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement