Use a level to see if the surface is even and feel for any noticeable dips or bumps in the wall with your hands.
To install the furring strips, start by cutting them to size so they run from one end of the surface to the other. Then, nail them to the surface you’re working on, leaving 16 inches (41 cm) between each strip. Make sure you install the furring strips horizontally and not vertically. They need to run in the opposite direction of the metal siding.
Choose sheathing that’s no more than 1 inch (2. 5 cm) thick so you’re not building too far out from the wall. You can find sheathing at your local home improvement center.
Hammer in a nail about every 12 inches (30 cm) down both sides of the corner posts.
You’ll need to measure and cut the j-channel to size so it fits along the bottom edge of the surface you’re working on. Leave a 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) gap between each end of the j-channel and the corner posts so it has room to expand and contract. [4] X Expert Source Alberto DeJesusConstruction Specialist Expert Interview. 15 December 2021. You can cut j-channel using tin snips or a power saw.
Leave a 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) gap at each end like you did with the other j-channel. [6] X Expert Source Alberto DeJesusConstruction Specialist Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.
There needs to be j-channel along each edge of the frame around any windows or doors. If your windows or doors already have a built-in receiver for siding, you don’t need to install j-channel around them.
Measure the wall before you start installing the panels so you know exactly how many panels and partial panels you need to use. Siding panels come in different sizes depending on the brand and type that you purchase, so make sure you measure your panels before you get started. If you need to cut your panels to size, you can use tin snips or a power saw.
For example, if you need to use a partial panel that’s 1 foot (0. 30 m) long for your installation, you would cut two 6 in (15 cm) panels that would go on the ends of the wall. If you cut partial panels, punch tabs every 6 inches (15 cm) along the cut edge to use as nail slots. If you don’t need to use partial panels for your installation, you can skip this step.
If you’re not using partial panels for your installation, there’s no need to install furring strips or utility channels.
If you’re using a partial panel, slide the cut edge of the panel into the utility channel you installed until it locks into place. Make sure the top and bottom ends of the panel are locked into the j-channel you installed along the top and bottom of the wall earlier.
Make sure you hammer a nail into the top and bottom nail slots on the panel.
If the surface you’re working on doesn’t have any windows or doors that you need to work around, you’re finished!
Once the panel is locked into the j-channel, nail the panel to the sheathing using the nail slots that are above and below the window or door.
