Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Metal Siding for Your Home Renovations

Installing sheet metal siding can be a big DIY project, but it is also a great way to give any home a more modern look and to make it more energy efficient. Metal siding is a great alternative to shingles or wood, in that it is more durable and requires less maintenance, once installed. The newer metal siding products are not only fireproof but also dent-resistant, which is a bonus when it comes to curb appeal.\n

The key to successful installation is being organized. Start by determining how much siding you need, by measuring the entire area to be covered. Be sure to check the walls and take care of any nails and rotted wood. Clean away paint and debris with a paint scraper and fill in any depressions with wedges. Attach waterproof underlayment to the house with a staple gun and give special attention to the corners, overlapping it by at least two inches.

Install the base strip around the bottom of the entire building securely, so the sheet metal siding can slide underneath. Line up each sheet straight, hammer in the nails with a nail gun into the precut holes of each piece, and leave a 3/4-inch gap at the corners, to be able to install corner caps. Overlap each sheet by at least two inches and keep the nails from hammering less than six inches from the overlaps. Slide the rims of the corner caps under the appropriate sheet of metal siding and hammer the nails into them to ensure a secure connection.

If desired, the metal siding can be painted to match the home’s color scheme. This adds to the energy efficiency of the home and adds a nice touch of curb appeal. Be sure to research the best type of paint to withstand the elements and give the longest-lasting result.

Follow the above steps and you’ll soon have a perfectly installed sheet metal siding that will last for years to come. The effort you put in to install the siding properly is far preferable to a poorly installed one, with leakage and corners that are not properly secured.