how high to start first course of siding

Full Answer

How do you start siding on a house?

Once you've decided where you want the siding to begin, drive a nail through a point on your chosen starting height and snap a chalk line around the perimeter of the house. Nail a piece of plywood about 3.5 inches (89 mm) thick along the top of the chalk line -- this will hold out the bottom of the first row of siding.

How do you determine how much siding you need for a house?

Reattach the gutters. Measure the walls. Measure the length of the walls from the eaves to the bottom of any existing siding. This will help you to figure out how many panels of siding you'll need per wall. Divide the length of each wall by 8 inches (the width of a piece of siding).

How much space do you need to cut siding?

Divide the length of each wall by 8 inches (the width of a piece of siding). If the result is a whole number, you're in luck: you'll be able to install the pieces of siding without leaving any gaps or needing to cut any pieces to size.

What do you need to know before installing vinyl siding?

You will also need vinyl corners and trim for windows and doors, as well as a termination trim for where you meet other surfaces such as soffits and masonry work. Prepare the outside of your home for the installation. Before you begin, you will need to properly prepare the outside of your home for the siding installation.

How do you start the first row of siding?

4:175:30Vinyl Siding Installation - Getting Started - 2018 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLeave at least a quarter inch gap between adjacent pieces of starter strip and where the starterMoreLeave at least a quarter inch gap between adjacent pieces of starter strip and where the starter strip meets any corner post nail. Every 10 inches in the middle of the nailing slot.

When installing vinyl siding where do you start?

Snap the bottom of the panel into a starter strip and nail it to the wall. Begin panel installation at the back corner of your house and work towards the front. Leave a 1/4-inch space where each panel butts the corner post. The siding should be lapped away from high-traffic areas like doors and sidewalks.

How do you start a level of vinyl siding?

0:060:53Installing Starter Strip for CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by locating the lowest point of the sheeting. Subtract. One and snap a level chalk. LineMoreStart by locating the lowest point of the sheeting. Subtract. One and snap a level chalk. Line continue the process around the building next attach the starter strip align.

How long is starter strip for vinyl siding?

A: these strips are 12'6" or 150" in length - sold in cartons of 40 each.

How do you start siding on a house?

13:5529:45How to install Vinyl Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart installing siding on the lowest wall lock. The first panel into the starter strip. And slideMoreStart installing siding on the lowest wall lock. The first panel into the starter strip. And slide it into the corner post. Make sure that panels are fully locked along the length of the bottom.

Can you use J channel instead of a starter strip?

3:334:40Vinyl Siding - J channel Options - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow where you have to use it as a starter strip is with vertical siding so eric's going to show thatMoreNow where you have to use it as a starter strip is with vertical siding so eric's going to show that to you we have a piece of board and batten very common.

How do you fix siding too close to the ground?

2:4514:49VINYL SIDING (That is Touching the Ground) | How to Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe siding between the siding. And the wall there will be a hole. We're gonna put this wood to sealMoreThe siding between the siding. And the wall there will be a hole. We're gonna put this wood to seal it so once we cut it will have this situation with the wood.

What does vertical furring behind siding create?

Horizontal beams can form little ledges and become a trap for moisture. For this reason, furring strips should always be installed vertically to establish an effective drainage plane that helps water runoff flow downwards.

Do i need foam board under vinyl siding?

By installing insulation on the outside of the framing it causes the location of the dew point to move to the outside of the wall assembly. This reduces the likelihood of condensation within the wall cavity. The exterior insulation also helps keep the siding (all vinyl siding leaks!)

Do you nail vinyl starter strip tight?

galvanized roofing nails for your vinyl siding unless the sheathing has foam on it. Then you'll want longer ones. Don't drive the nails tight: Each panel should be able to move back and forth or the siding will bubble on really hot days.

How wide is a siding starter strip?

Georgia-Pacific Vinyl Siding Starter Strip White Vinyl 2.5-in x 122-in.

How wide is a vinyl siding starter strip?

3.5 Inch Wide | Vinyl Siding Starter Strips.

Vinyl Siding Starter Strips

Snap a level chalk line for the first starter strip at the base of the wall, no less than 8 inches above ground level, after determining the lowest...

Install Door & Window Trim

Before installing door and window trim, first caulk around the openings to create a moisture- and air-proof seal. Install the tops first, then the...

Install Trim Under Eaves & Rakes

For horizontal siding, install F-channel trim at the soffit and gable rake. For vertical siding, install J-channel trim. Nail every 12 inches on ce...

Where is the starter on a siding?

The starter is basically the thin piece or strip usually installed at the furthest bottom. It is, in most cases 1-inch and usually installed underneath the first course. Since siding needs a little overlap, this starter helps stimulate that.

Should you cut siding smaller than the actual length?

In this case, cut your sidings a few inches smaller than the actual lengths.

Is trim thicker than siding?

Here is a little something about the trim, it should always be a little thicker than the siding you intend to use so that they are compatible and fit properly with each other.

What does the 7 in line mean on shingles?

The 7-in. line indicates the top of the starter course ; the 12-in. line indicates the top of the first course of shingles . Starter courses can be three-tab shingles with the bottom 5 in. cut off or a starter strip that comes on rolls in various widths.

Do you cover starter course with shingles?

You’ll cover the starter course with the first course of shingles. Running starter courses along the rakes isn’t imperative, but it’s smart because starters stiffen the overhanging shingle edges and create a cleaner sightline from below.

Is it cheaper to trim shingles with starter strips?

Still, trimming three-tab shingles is cheaper, so here’s a quick look at that method.

How Do I Make a Fiber Cement Starter Strip?

HardiePlank lap siding requires a starter strip beneath the first course. You have two options here – you can make your own or you may be able to find acceptable prefabricated, third-party starter strips available for purchase. You can make your own fiber cement starter strip by ripping a piece of HardiePlank lap siding into 1-1/4-inch strips.

How to Stagger Lap Siding

For walls longer than 12 feet, you’ll need to butt additional lengths of siding together. It’s best to stagger the joints in each successive course to avoid noticeable patterns. Butt joints in adjacent courses should be spaced apart by at least two stud bays for 16-inch, o.c. framing or one bay for 24-inch, o.c.

How Do I Flash the Siding Butt Joints?

Flashing behind butt joints is an effective, low maintenance way to comply with building code and help protect against water intrusion. James Hardie recommends 6-inch-wide flashing that overlaps the course below by 1-inch.

What Are Some Helpful James Hardie Lap Siding Installation Tips?

We have lots of great HardiePlank lap siding installation tips that will help you with your project.

How long is vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding usually comes in 12-foot (3.66-meter) lengths. Therefore, you will need to cut these long pieces of siding to fit the measurements of your soffit. Keep in mind that the soffit pieces should measure 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) shorter than the actual length of the soffit.

Why is it important to allow extra room for expansion when installing vinyl siding?

When installing vinyl siding, there are a number of important rules to follow with regards to fitting and nailing. Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature changes, therefore it is important to allow extra room for expansion in order to prevent the siding from buckling.

Why do you need to install vinyl siding?

Installing vinyl siding can help to reduce the amount of maintenance you have to do to the outside of your house. If you decide to install vinyl siding yourself (without the help of a contractor), it's important to be as prepared as possible and to have a clear idea of what the installation process involves.

What are the problems with vinyl siding?

One of the major issues with vinyl siding is that it masks moisture problems and other structural defects.

Is vinyl siding good for a house?

Think about why you want to install vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is a good option for homeowners who like the look of siding , but don't want the expense that accompanies cedar and concrete composite products. It is also a favorite for homeowners who don't want the hassle of repainting the outside of their house periodically.

Can you cut siding lengthwise?

But if the result is not a whole number, you will need to cut the final piece of siding (lengthwise) in order to fill in the remaining space.

Does vinyl siding affect the value of a house?

Ask a local realtor about how installing vinyl siding on your home might affect the value of the house -- although it will have a positive effect in most places, if your house is the only one with vinyl siding in a neighborhood of restored Victorian homes, it could bring the value down.