Easy way to install vinyl siding

[Cherryville Chuck]

I’ve been putting vinyl siding on my shop. I started the usual way by nailing it with roofing nails. Trying to get nails started between studs on spruce plywood shearing was difficult and resulting in a lot of banged fingers from the bouncing. I decided to try using some washer head screws I picked up at my local auction and I’ll never go back to using nails again.

The screws ended banged fingers plus the screws are easy to start between studs and hold better than nails. Where I used to carry a tack remover to loosen nails that got driven in too far I now just give my little Makita 7.2 volt impact a little bump in reverse. The 1” #8 washer head screws are about the same head size as roofing nail nails. I have yet to encounter a downside using screws.

[RainMan]

Great idea imo .I believe I used nails but actually thought at the time why not use screws . And as you mentioned, it’s easy to back them out in case you’ve got them too tight .
My biggest issue was keeping them straight . I got to the soffit and was out a half inch . I got a little pissed off and removed a bunch , but when I measured from the bottom where the top of the next panel would be , I hammered a small nail on each side and followed the string to make sure everything was perfectly straight and level .
Took forever ,but the outcome was perfect

[Cherryville Chuck]

Great idea imo .I believe I used nails but actually thought at the time why not use screws . And as you mentioned, it’s easy to back them out in case you’ve got them too tight .
My biggest issue was keeping them straight . I got to the soffit and was out a half inch . I got a little pissed off and removed a bunch , but when I measured from the bottom where the top of the next panel would be , I hammered a small nail on each side and followed the string to make sure everything was perfectly straight and level .
Took forever ,but the outcome was perfect

I didn't build the original building but it wasn't quite bad enough to tear down and start over, especially since I needed to focus on fixing the house with money and time available and needed to shop to do it. Nothing is square, straight or level so I just have to deal with it the best I can. It's over 55' wide so a string won't give me a very straight line either. I have the punch you need to make tabs on the last row so that they snap into the top cap and lock in, but it's going to be a slow tricky process to get the widths right so that they fit properly.

[Biagio]

We don’t use siding this side of the world (masonry construction), but I never hear of aluminum siding anymore. Still in use?

[DaninVan]

We don’t use siding this side of the world (masonry construction), but I never hear of aluminum siding anymore. Still in use?

All the Aluminum siding salesmen have died and gone to Hell...
(just kidding; I think Aluminum just got priced out of competition. Also. it dents and vinyl is pretty durable...how ever if the house next to you has a fire you are in trouble! )

[Stick486]

.how ever if the house next to you has a fire you are in trouble! )

OR if it has reflective glass windows...