If you’ve prepared your walls for vinyl siding, you’re probably now asking yourself: How to install vinyl siding starter strips & the corner posts that receive the siding panels? Here, you’ve got to prepare the existing wall and moves through installation of all siding and trim. Many mounting strips are the same for both vertical and horizontal siding. Sometimes though, this isn’t the case so you must be mindful. Vertical siding uses a base trim along the bottom instead of a starter strip/spacer.

First, you’ll want to snap a level chalk line for the first starter strip at the base of the wall. Determine the lowest corner of the house…this is where the new siding will begin. Most manufacturers provide starter strips that secure the bottom course of siding to the sheathing holding it at the right angle. Many times, a wooden spacer can be used to provide that proper angle if you’re having trouble.

When installing the starter strips, allow a small space for corner posts and J-Channels for expansion. Also, keep the ends of adjoining starter strips at least a quarter inch apart to also allow for expansion. Position your corner posts and suspend them by driving two nails in the upper most slot.

As you can see, installing starter strips & vinyl siding in general is no easy task. Beyond what was briefly mentioned here, to properly install starter strips one needs to understand the importance of wider starter strips & installing longer panels first, capping the corner posts, nailing fundamentals, overlapping your top J-Channels, flashing the bottom of the windows, and not trapping water inside.

One mistake and you can cause long lasting detriment to your home’s exterior. Lasting damage that your homeowner’s insurance simply may not be interested in helping cover. Siding repair is simply put: A task best left up to the professionals.

Notice issues on your siding? Aloha Construction is a group of siding contractors you can trust. We can help!

Need Help?

Aloha Construction Inc.