Are you looking for a way to update the exterior of your home and give it an instant modern makeover? Installing siding onto your brick house is one of the most effective renovation projects that will provide a much needed facelift. Not only will this dramatically transform the look of your house, but it’s also relatively inexpensive — making it ideal if you’re on a budget!
In this blog post, we’ll show you everything there is to know about how to put siding on brick houses. We’ll cover topics such as tools and materials required, techniques, pros and cons, prep work and more. Read on to learn all you need to know about this wonderful DIY project that could potentially save thousands compared with hiring someone else do complete the task!
Why Do You Need to Put Siding on Brick House?
1. Gives Protection
Siding is a great way to protect your home from the elements while boosting its overall aesthetic. Not only will it provide an extra layer of insulation, but it can also help increase your home’s value. Siding can also be used to completely transform the look of a house — and if you’re looking for an easy yet effective way to give your home a new lease of life, then this is it.
2. Cost-Effective
Installing siding onto brick houses can be relatively inexpensive compared with other renovation projects, making it a great option for those who are on a budget. Not only that, but you could save more money in the long run too — as when properly installed, siding can last for years with little to no maintenance required.
What Materials Do You Need?
When it comes to materials, you’ll need a few items before getting started on your siding project. These include but are not limited to:
- Plywood sheathing
- House wrap
- Siding of your choice
- Trim pieces
- Nails and screws
- Hammer or power drill
- Caulk
- Paint and primer
It’s also important to make sure you purchase enough materials so that you can finish the job without having to take multiple trips back and forth to the store. To get an estimate, you should measure the walls of your house and then add an extra 10% to cover any waste or miscalculations.
Preparing the Brick House for Siding Installation
Before you get started, it’s important that you properly prepare the brick so that the siding can be applied correctly. Start by cleaning off any dirt or debris from the surface with a stiff brush and water. Once you’ve done this, use a putty knife to fill any holes or cracks in the brick with masonry filler.
Next, measure the walls of your house to get an accurate idea of how much siding material you’ll need — and also check if there are any protrusions such as windows or light fittings that need to be taken into consideration. It’s also a good idea to make sure the walls are even — as any unevenness in the brick may cause problems when it comes to laying the siding.
How to Put Siding on Brick House in 4 Easy Steps
Now you’re ready to begin installing siding onto your brick house!
Step 1: Nail the Plywood
Start by nailing plywood sheathing to the walls. Make sure to use long nails and evenly space them for a secure fit. While nailing, make sure to check that the plywood is level — and use a spirit level if necessary.
Step 2: Attach House Wrap
Once you’ve finished nailing the plywood sheathing onto the walls, attach house wrap over it. This will provide an extra layer of protection against moisture and help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Step 3: Install the Siding
Now it’s time to install the siding onto your house! Start by attaching a starter strip to the bottom edge of the wall — then attach each panel one at a time, making sure they’re level as you go. To avoid any gaps between panels, make use of overlapping strips and caulk to provide a tight fit.
Step 4: Finish with Trim Pieces
Once all the siding panels are attached, finish the job by adding trim pieces such as corner posts, window trims, and soffits. These will help give your house a much more polished look — and also make it easier to paint in the future.
Pros and Cons of Putting Siding on Brick Houses
Like all DIY projects, there are both benefits and drawbacks when it comes to putting siding onto brick houses. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Can dramatically transform the look of your house
- Cost-effective compared with other renovation projects
- Provides an extra layer of insulation and protection against the elements
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Increase home’s value
Cons
- Can be time consuming
- Professional installation is recommended if you want a perfect finish
- Not all siding materials are suitable for all climates
8 Safety Precautions to Follow
Putting siding onto a brick house can be dangerous, as it involves working with ladders and sharp tools. To ensure your safety, we suggest following these 8 precautionary measures:
- Wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection at all times when installing siding onto your brick house. Protective wear will also help prevent any cuts or scratches from occurring.
- Make sure your ladder is secure and on a flat surface before climbing up it — and if possible, have someone else hold onto the ladder to provide extra support.
- Start working from the top of the wall and work your way down — this will help prevent any accidents from happening due to ladders shaking while someone is up on it.
- When using power tools, make sure that you’re familiar with how to use them properly and safely. Read the instruction manual before starting and also wear ear protection if necessary.
- Always keep children and pets away from the work area to ensure their safety. Otherwise, they may be at risk of getting injured.
- Double-check to make sure all nails and screws are tight and secure before moving on to the next step. All the steps are important, so don’t rush the process.
- Make sure your siding is properly ventilated to avoid heat buildup — this will help prevent any fires from occurring. Proper ventilation can also help reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
- Last, but not least, always have a first aid kit on hand just in case of any accidents or injuries. It will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared in case of any emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will It Take to Finish the Project?
The length of time it’ll take to finish the project will depend on a few factors, such as the size of your house and how experienced you are in DIY projects. Generally speaking, most people can expect to complete the job in one or two days — but if you’re a beginner, it could take longer.
What Type of Siding Should I Use?
When it comes to choosing the right siding for your brick house, there are a few factors you should consider. Firstly, think about the climate where your house is located — as this will determine which types of siding are most suitable for the area.
You should also factor in maintenance and cost, as some siding materials require more upkeep than others. To get an idea of what type of siding would be best for you, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional who can provide advice on finding the right material for your needs.
What Paint Should I Use?
When it comes to painting your siding, you should use paint that is specifically designed for exterior surfaces and can withstand the elements. It’s important to choose a paint that has a high-quality finish — as this will help protect against fading, cracking, and peeling.
Also, make sure to select a color that’s appropriate for the style and age of your house. If you’re unsure, a professional can offer advice on the best paint to use for your particular needs.
Conclusion
Having a beautiful exterior on your brick house doesn’t have to be difficult! With the help of this guide, you now know how to put siding on brick house with ease.
No matter what material you choose, the process of putting siding on your brick house will take some time and attention to detail. However, it’s worth every effort when it’s finished, and you have a highly durable exterior for years to come.
The most important thing is that you take safety precautions throughout the process while having fun. With proper preparation and precision workmanship, proven results can be achieved.
What’s great about putting in new siding yourself is that it can also add value to the home, as long as all tasks are completed correctly. Ultimately, we hope that by being armed with all of these tips you now have the confidence needed to tackle a siding project on your own!
