The method discussed here is an easier and more common one installing corner trim first and then butting the siding to it.
How high to start first course of siding.
Lock a small piece of scrap siding into the lower panel next to the window.
This project is using an 8 wide siding with a 1 overlap resulting in a 7 reveal.
Hammer in one nail about 2 inches from each end of each shingle and another nail about 1 inch above each cutout.
To provide a common reference point measure up 8 in.
The walls should be stripped of all previous siding and the surface should be fairly smooth and flat because lap siding will follow along any contours.
Spend the extra few bucks on the wider stuff and start your siding a bit lower.
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.
This is where the new siding will begin.
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.
Begin by installing the first row of siding on both sides of the deck.
From the top of this row and stretch a string line across the deck.
Add approximately 1 4 6 4mm to both sides to allow for expansion and contraction of the siding.
Make sure to keep nails out of the tar strip as you work.
This will be used as a template for the horizontal cuts.
Use a table saw to rip a 1 wide strip of the siding.
Most suppliers sell two sizes of starter 2 1 2 in.
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.
Click here to learn some vinyl siding cleaning techniques that will make your house look new.
Generally a starter piece is installed underneath the first course to simulate the typical overlap and to orient the panel at the proper angle.
Preparing walls for lap siding.