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How to Reside a House

Lacy Enderson

Re-siding your house might be the answer to changing its appearance from old and worn to new and attractive. Don't let the thought of re-siding your house overwhelm you. If you want a new look to your home, re-siding is a perfect solution.

  1. Be careful when removing old siding from your house. To prevent causing damage to the existing structure, there are a few precautions to take into consideration. Tearing old siding off an older house can cause drywall nails on the inside of the wall to pop out.

  2. Tear the old siding off the house carefully to avoid knocking anything of value off the wall on the other side. Always check the interior before removing the siding. Make sure there are no glass vases or figurines sitting on shelves. Make sure there are no pictures hanging on the wall. Being in a hurry can cause the loss of someone's valuable possessions.

  3. Tear off the old water barrier after tearing down the old siding. Don't try to save the old felt. Plenty of damage can occur to the felt as the siding comes down, so just plan on tearing it down and putting up a new moisture barrier.

  4. Use a 30-pound felt moister barrier under the new siding. Re-siding your house for aesthetic purposes is a great idea, but don't neglect the protection underneath. The plywood or studs under the siding must be protected against moisture to ensure longevity. Cutting corners will only result in future problems.

  5. Measure and cut your siding according to the length of the walls you will be re-siding. Make sure to cut the siding pieces accurately to prevent having to cut them again after they are hung. Take just a few extra minutes to ensure your cuts are correct, and you'll save yourself time.

  6. Screw your siding boards to the house using a screw gun. You can also nail them in place using a nail gun. When placing your screws or nails, try to space them at regular intervals. Part of making sure your exterior house is attractive is by keeping your job neat and clean. That means paying attention to where you place your nails.

  7. Tip

    Draw up some type of project plan before you begin re-siding your house. Make a list of materials, measurements and all accessories you will need. Be prepared before you begin to ensure your re-siding project is as smooth and easy as possible.

    Warning

    Use the correct type of screw or nail when securing your moisture barrier and your siding. Most material comes with full instructions. Since there are different types of siding materials, you will need to check with the manufacturer before purchasing your nails and screws. Some siding materials take screws, and others take only a particular type of nail.