How To Replace Vinyl Siding Starter Strip

The starter strip is the first strip of vinyl siding that is nailed to the wall.

How to replace vinyl siding starter strip. As you add starter strip sections be sure to leave 1 4 in. Remember to make sure the sheathing is smooth before you apply the siding so the siding can be smooth also. Determine the lowest point of the wall that will be sided. Below the top of the foundation but the lower the vinyl siding is installed the better.

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 corner of the house. This video shows how to install a starter strip for vinyl and polymer siding installation. It protects the sheathing from rain snow and pests. Ask this old house general contractor tom silva helps a homeowner repair sections of his vinyl siding that have holes.

This is where the new siding will begin. Space between strips for expansion fig. The corner posts should run from 3 4 inch 1 9 cm below the bottom of the starter strip to just beneath the eaves after the soffit pieces have been installed. For the remaining vinyl siding panels to be installed correct and level beginning with the lowest row you must install the starter strip correctly.

Drive nails to remove excessive play in starter but do not nail tightly restricting movement. The bottom of the starter strip the part the bottom panel hooks on to should be at least 1 in. It is a small strip of vinyl siding that has a locking channel on it that the first full sized vinyl siding panel. Subscribe to this old house.

Installing inside corner posts. When the wall surface is uneven shim out the starter strip to avoid a wavy appearance in the finished siding job. In order for the siding to be installed properly in a level fashion the starter strip at the bottom of the wall must be level. From that point measure up 1 4 6 4mm less than the width of the starter strip and partially drive a nail at one corner.

Install 1 2 inch 12 7 mm foam sheathing strips on both sides of each corner then install your corner siding pieces to these strips.