Siding installation apparatuses and methods for installing siding pieces on walls

A method for installing siding pieces on a wall with a siding installation apparatus that includes a support member, an engagement member projecting from the support member, and a securing assembly coupled to the support member, the method comprising:

• positioning the engagement member of the siding installation apparatus under a bottom surface of a first fiber-cement siding piece, the first fiber-cement siding piece being attached to the wail;
• clamping a lower portion of the first fiber-cement siding piece and thereby restricting movement between the support member and the first siding piece by pressing a compressible material against a front surface of the first fiber-cement siding piece;
• placing a bottom portion of a second fiber-cement siding piece on a support surface of the support member
• wherein the securing assembly includes a cam pivotably coupled to the support member and a contact element at least proximate to the cam;
• and
• wherein clamping the lower portion comprises pivoting the cam of the securing assembly to force the contact element through an aperture of the support member and against the front surface of the first fiber-cement siding piece.