Vinyl siding trim trio: 3 basic borders
Just about everyone is familiar with the appearance of vinyl siding, but how much do you know about the various trims used during its installation? Look closely at a house with vinyl siding, and you should see a lot more than just the siding. There should be a piece of vinyl trim everywhere there's a transition to another material or some type of corner. To achieve a smooth installation, it is essential to order the correct trim for your project.
3 essential vinyl siding trim elements
When you order vinyl siding, the distributor is probably going to ask how many squares you need. A siding square is the amount of siding needed to cover 100-square-feet of wall area. Depending on the type of siding you select, a certain number of boxes or cartons make up the quantity.
Vinyl siding trim is normally sold by the piece or box, although you may occasionally find a retailer selling it by the linear-foot. Choosing a color should be easy. Most homeowners simply match the trim to their siding, but it's also possible to choose a shade that creates a contrast with the primary vinyl color.
These are a few vinyl trim types that you're almost sure to need for a vinyl siding project:
- J-channel: This trim is used to provide a stopping point for vinyl siding, when it reaches window and door trim, rake boards or other types of exterior trim. Some newer windows have trim designed to serve the same function as J-channel, thus eliminating the need for this vinyl trim. A good rule of thumb: You probably need a piece of J-channel just about anywhere your vinyl terminates at a door, window or material such as brick or wood.
- Corner trim: During vinyl siding installation, you should anticipate the need for corner trim almost everywhere you meet with an inside or outside corner. There are distinctive designs for both situations.
- Starter strip: As the name implies, this trim is used around the band board of your home to provide a starting point for the siding. If you have vinyl siding on a wall, there should be a piece of starter strip at the bottom.
These are just three types of primary trim for which you may discover a need. Check with your local siding distributor for other trims that may complement your application, such as window pediments and decorative louvers.
Featured Articles
- Exterior siding: all about the details
- Siding: 5 ways to add gingerbread
- Finish new vinyl siding project with trim
- Don't forget your vinyl siding accessories
- Don't paint! Cover fascia trim instead
- Aluminum or vinyl siding trim, which is best?
- 7 bold vinyl siding trim styles
- Choose Alcoa siding for strong performance within budget
- Pros and cons of Alsco siding products
- Aluminum Fascia Installation for Less Exterior Painting
- Vinyl Siding Price with soffit, fascia, and aluminum
