Important Safety Measures to Take During Siding Installation

It is difficult to completely remove all safety dangers in any construction job, whether one is working on a home or just hammering a nail back into place. While siding your home, there are however preventative steps that may be implemented.

1. Consistently read directions

Always read the assembly and siding installation instructions provided by the manufacturer before installing any outdoor construction equipment. Even though installing something isn’t usually the most enjoyable activity, doing it wrong can result in the product breaking, the warranty being worthless, and even damage to the installer or homeowner.

2. Maintain your skill level

Be sure the siding is within your skill level, doesn’t require any special tools, and doesn’t produce any hazardous dust when cut if you’re installing it yourself.

3. Make room for growth

Because vinyl siding expands and shrinks in response to temperature variations, sufficient space must be left for expansion to avoid buckling. A further 14 inch (0.6 cm) of space should be left between siding panels and any accessories. The siding on your home can also be hung rather than fastened with nails if you space your nails between 1/8" and 1/16" from the wall. When it expands or contracts, this will allow mobility, which is safer and more practical.

4. Avoid hammering nails too firmly.

Also, avoid driving the nails too deeply, which would limit the ability of the panels to move. To allow for movement and avoid waves in the panels, leave a gap of approximately 116 inch (0.2 cm) between the nail head and the siding.

5. Avoid facing the nail.

Also, you must drive each nail straight rather than crooked into the correct hole while centering them all. While installing siding, you should never face nail, or drive nails through the panels, since this might cause the panels to buckle.

6. Add air flow

Your grill will be your siding’s worst enemy. The heat it generates may damage your siding and you will have to replace it. Keep the barbecue as far from your siding as possible. However one can avoid such cases by adding an air flow during siding that let heat escape and keep an even temperature. Vent out your attic by installing perforated soffits with gable vents. Another added bonus would be to get ridge vents that will add airflow through the attic space.

7. Have the Right Tools On Hand

Exterior siding installation requires the proper tools, which is crucial. For instance, hanging siding from a single ladder when dealing with height is quite challenging since you are working with very frail parts. You will want at least two ladders, a reliable pal, and a scaffolding system would be ideal.

Before the siding installation day, a good contractor will organize a meeting with you to talk through specifics such as where the trash will be put, where the equipment will be set up, where the cables will be housed, and how the garbage will be picked up.

By setting up a pre-installation meeting, you may obtain all the information that you might not have previously considered. You can use this opportunity to inquire further about the installation.

The builder must complete all other project specifics at this time, including the siding design, color scheme, and modifications you have chosen.