How To Install Vertical Metal Siding [Step By Step Guide]

If you're thinking about changing the siding on your home or if you want to install siding for a new structure, this can become a confusing process. Specifically, what if you want to add vertical metal siding to your property? How is this typically done?

Luckily, we've done extensive research on this topic and have the answers below!

Follow this step-by-step guide to install vertical metal siding:

Inspect the working surface
Install sheathing and furring strips
Install J-channel and trim
Fix the first panel
Install the second and the rest of the panels

There is a solid reason why metal siding has become more common among households. Homeowners are opting for metal siding for their homes because of its durability, ease of upkeep, and wide range of styles. Continue reading as we elaborate on how to install the vertical metal siding.

How To Install Vertical Metal Siding

Spaces look bigger than they are because of vertical siding, which produces the classic appearance of towering, crisp outlines.

Though installing vertical siding may be a little difficult, the outcome will be worthwhile. Detailed instructions for installing vertical metal siding are provided below.

1. Inspect The Working Surface

Since installing vertical siding begins from the bottom working upwards, you need to overlay every course. A typical task involves installing one wall at a time while doing frequent straightness and levelness checks.

Examine the work surface first to determine whether you need to even it before installing the siding. If you install vertical metal siding on irregular terrain, the siding will become wobbly or deformed.
Examine the walls for any apparent dings or flaws. It is vital to fill any cracks or gaps before installation.

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2. Install Sheathing And Furring Strips

Furring strips are thin hardwood strips that you can buy from the hardware store closest to you. These strips will help you level the area where you are working and stop the metal siding from becoming shaky.

You can reinforce the furring strips with a sheet of sheathing, such as plywood, to create a level surface to mount the metal siding. Your nearby home improvement store should have sheathing.

Affix the furring strips horizontally rather than vertically (you should install furring strips in the opposite direction of the metal siding.) Cut the material to the proper size and use nails to fasten the strips.
Leave 16 inches between each furring strip as you attach them to the surface you're working on.
Mount one-inch sheathing on the furring strips - carefully trim the material to the proper size, then nail it onto the furring strips.

3. Install J-channel And Corner Posts

The J-channel is a trim piece that makes the siding look seamless and polished. It is typically installed around window and door corners where the siding and roof meet and in other corners of the house.

Install the corner posts first, then mark a baseline 1-inch above the wall's lowest point.
Measure and cut the j-channel to ensure it fits where you need to install it. You can use a power saw or tin spin to cut the j-channel.
Install the j-channel at the bottom of the wall. Remember to leave a 1/4-inch gap between the j-channel and the corner posts to allow for expansion and contraction.
Mount the j-channel along the top of the wall, under the eave.
Nail the J-channel on the gable ends and the framing of the windows and doors.

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4. Fix The First Panel

You may need to use partial panels if the width of the wall is not divisible by the width of the panels. In such instances, it is best to split the partial panel into two for each corner to achieve a uniform look. Please note that you first need to create support for the panel to compensate for the lock you cut.

Insert a vertical furring strip of an appropriate thickness into the outside corner post and nail it to the substrate.
Slide a utility trim into the corner post and fasten it to the furring.
Slide the cut edge of the panel into the utility trim. Ensure that the panel connects to the snap locks.
Fasten the metal siding to the sheathing, aligning the nails to the center of the horizontal furring strips.

5. Install The Second And The Rest Of The Panels

Overlap the second panel to the first panel and then repeat the nailing procedure to secure the first one.
Repeat step 1 to install the remaining full panels.
Measure and cut the panels to fit around windows and doors. Remember to leave an allowance for expansion.
Insert the cut panels into the j-channels.

Here is a video to help you with this:

Pros And Cons Of Vertical Metal Siding

Metal vertical siding can elevate your home's outside look, whether employed as the primary cladding or as an accent. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of vertical metal siding.

Benefits

Metal vertical sidings have many advantages, as discussed below.

They are durable.
They don't hold water. As a result, they are significantly less likely to sustain rot and water damage from standing water since they are metal.
They require little upkeep - you only need a hose, a soft scrub brush, and mild soap to clean them.
They have good curb appeal. A few people will undoubtedly notice the attractiveness of vertical metal siding. Aside from working nicely with various building materials, the distinctive design's crisp lines also blend with an infinite number of color options.

Drawbacks

Before beginning a metal vertical siding project, there are certain things to consider.

They have a longer installation process than the horizontal siding since a few extra steps are involved. For instance, you need to install furring strips before installing the sheathing, thus taking longer.
Due to the longer installation process, the labor charge for installing vertical sidings is more than that of horizontal sidings.
Because installing the vertical sidings is more challenging, you may contact a professional. Consequently, installation costs increase.
The challenges with resale come last. Although vertical siding has excellent curb appeal, not everybody likes it. It isn't seen as traditional cladding and could be a turnoff when it is time to market the house.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Vertical Siding?

Siding is made of the same material, but the finished product has a unique appearance because of the diverse installation methods. There are numerous varieties of vertical siding besides metal ones.

We discuss them below.

Board And Batten Vertical Siding

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Board and vertical batten siding are distinctive choices that can make your house shine out from the neighborhood.

This pattern uses battens and thin strips of wood that alternate between broader boards to create a layered appearance.

Board and batten are durable materials that can last for many years and boost the property's market value by enhancing its charm.

Cedar Vertical Siding

Cedar sidings are popular since the wood can be used for vertical and horizontal siding.

Cedar is available in many different designs and textures and has a pleasant look. In addition to being resistant to bulging, breaking, and warping, cedar stains very well expose rich patterns.

You can use it alongside cedar shingles and shakes. Also, its installation and upkeep are relatively straightforward.

Vinyl Vertical Siding

Vinyl vertical siding is also commonly installed in homes. You can use it in place of wood since it has the same aesthetic appearance as cedar or other wood sidings. Furthermore, when installed, it needs little to no upkeep.

Composite Vertical Siding

You can also opt to install composite vertical siding in your home. This siding can be made from wood, plastic polymers, wood fiber, concrete, and gravel.

Composite vertical siding is sturdy, extremely durable, and fire, rot, and crack resistant. It also possesses the appearance of wood while being more durable than wood.

To Finish Up

Hiring a professional to handle the vertical metal siding installation on your home is wise if you feel it will be challenging. Although it is not the most difficult chore, it requires some expertise, and mistakes can have severe consequences in the long run.

Before you go, here are related articles that you may want to read:

How Far Should Siding Overlap Foundation?

How To Replace Siding On A House [Step By Step Guide]

How Big Should Gap Between Siding And Wall Be?