Okay, so you want to install exterior wall panels on your house. Maybe you’ve seen those fancy houses with sleek panels and thought, Hey, I could do that! Or maybe your old siding is looking rough and you figure, why not save some cash and do it yourself?
Good news: You can do it yourself. But fair warning — it’s not always a walk in the park. It takes some patience, some measuring, and a bit of grunt work. Here’s the lowdown from someone who’s been there.
Page Contents
Why Even Bother With Panels?
First off, exterior panels don’t just make your house look sharp (which is a nice bonus). They protect your home from rain, wind, sun, and all the other stuff that tries to wreck your walls over time. Plus, some panels help with insulation, so you stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
If you’re picking materials, vinyl panels are usually the easiest to work with because they’re light and pretty durable. The wood looks nice but needs more care and maintenance. Choose what fits your style and how much upkeep you want.
Why Select Wall Panels?
Wall panels are a great selection for home improvement projects owing to the following benefits:
Aesthetic Appeal: Customization is made easy since they come in diverse designs, colors, and textures.
Durability: Wall panels have a long useful life and are resistant to damage.
Insulation: They can help further insulate a house to keep the temperature at comfortable levels.
Easy Maintenance: They do not require a lot of cleaning and upkeep.
About Exterior Wall Panels
What You’ll Need Before You Start
- Don’t jump in without your tools. Here’s the stuff you’ll want:
- Measuring tape (get a good one — cheap ones can be a pain)
- A level (because crooked panels look awful)
- Power drill and screws (don’t use nails if you can help it)
- Safety gloves and goggles (trust me, protect your hands and eyes)
- Saw (for cutting panels to fit)
- Caulk and sealant (for waterproofing)
- Weather barrier (that plastic wrap stuff that keeps moisture out)
Install Exterior Wall Panels Yourself- Simple Steps To Consider
If you don’t have these, stop and get them. You don’t want to be halfway through and realize you forgot something basic.
Step 1: Measure, Measure, Measure
This is probably the most important part. Measure your walls carefully — and then measure again. Don’t eyeball it, or you’ll regret it. Sketch out a rough diagram of your walls, noting windows, doors, and corners.
Buy a bit more material than you think you need — panels can get damaged or you might mess up cuts. Better safe than sorry.
Step 2: Prep Your Walls
Before you attach anything, make sure your walls are clean and solid. Scrape off any old, peeling paint. Fix any holes or cracks, and check for rotten wood. If something’s bad, replace it — no sense putting panels over junk.
Step 3: Put Up the Weather Barrier
This step is super important but easy to skip if you’re in a hurry. The weather barrier keeps water from sneaking behind your panels and wrecking your walls. Wrap your walls carefully, overlapping seams and taping the edges.
Step 4: Start at the Bottom
When you put up your first panel, start at the bottom corner. Use your level to make sure it’s straight. If that first panel’s crooked, everything else will be off.
Step 5: Secure the Panels
Use screws (not nails) to fasten the panels to the wall studs. Don’t just guess where the studs are — get a stud finder or tap the wall to find them. Tighten screws enough to hold panels firmly but don’t crush or crack them.
Step 6: Leave a Little Gap
Materials like vinyl and wood expand and contract with the weather, so leave a tiny gap between panels; about the thickness of a credit card. If you don’t, your panels might buckle or warp later.
Step 7: Cut and Seal the Edges
Cut panels neatly around windows and doors. Add trim boards if you want a cleaner look and extra protection. Then use caulk on all edges and seams to keep water out.
Step 8: Check Your Work and Clean Up
Take a last look over your panels. Are they straight? Screws tight? Gaps consistent? Clean off any dirt or fingerprints.
A Few Things To Keep In Mind
Pick a dry day. Rain or humidity will mess up your work.
Get help if panels are heavy or awkward. Trying to hold them alone is a pain.
Don’t rush — better slow and steady than sloppy and stressed.
Safety gear is not optional. Protect your hands and eyes.
If You Should Personally Hire A Contractor
Embrace Slowness: In trimming work, an expert wouldn’t put you in a situation where you could complete everything within a day. Make certain that you’re precise and accurate in measuring, cutting, and fitting each panel. Careless mistakes will be the last thing that you would want to elaborate.
Best Material Selection: With excellent wall panels, use as much glue for the installation as required. This is going to greatly aid the installation’s aesthetic appeal along with its durability.
Seek Guidance: Do not do everything by yourself. You can seek the help of an expert, or simply search the internet. There are countless information sources readily available which can assist you in clarifying anything regarding the process.
When To Seek Help From Professionals
While the do-it-yourself approach of installing exterior wall panels can be rewarding and economical, some cases warrant seeking a professional’s expertise. If there is severe wall damage, your walls have uneven surfaces, or your home has unusual angles or unconventional shapes, a professional will find it easier to address these issues. They’re well-versed with local building codes and regulations, which means the work is going to be done safely and, up to standard. With the right tools and considerable experience needed to minimize costly blunders and delays, professionals prove to be incredibly efficient.
If the overwhelming nature of the project is too much, or you simply want to guarantee a high-quality finish, enlisting a specialist becomes a brilliant decision.
Final Thoughts
Installing exterior wall panels yourself can save money and give you that “I did this!” feeling. It’s not rocket science, but it does take care and attention.
Just remember: Measure twice, take your time, and don’t skip the weather barrier. If you do, your walls will thank you.
Are you considering getting a professional or looking for high-grade equipment? If so, look no further than USA Builders Depot because they have everything you could possibly need to get started or finish off strong!
Lois Lane is a professional blogger and a seasoned Content writer for wellhousekeeping.com. With a passion for simplifying complex Home Decor topics, he provides valuable insights to a diverse online audience. With four years of experience, Lois has polished his skills as a professional blogger.
