Why the First Row Can Make or Break a Siding Installation

Everyone wants to talk about how the finished siding looks. But long before you reach that point, there's one part of the job that deserves plenty of attention: the beginning.

A properly positioned starter row gives the rest of the siding installation a reference point to follow. Get careless at the start and you may spend the rest of the job compensating for it.

Why the Starter Row Matters

Siding installation involves repetition. Each new section relates to the work that came before it. That means your starting position matters.

A small positioning problem at the beginning can become increasingly noticeable as installation continues. That's why experienced installers don't treat the first row as something to rush through.

Positioning Can Be More Annoying Than Fastening

Fastening material is only one part of the job. Before that happens, you need to get everything where you want it.

That can mean holding material, checking alignment, making adjustments, and keeping it from shifting while you're preparing to secure it. This is where the installation can become frustrating.

Support the Material Before You Commit

Temporary material support can give you more control during this stage. Instead of trying to hold everything in position while simultaneously checking alignment, a siding support tool can help keep the material where you need it.

Dodge Hangers® offer solutions designed for material support during installation, including applications relevant to siding work.

The idea is simple: support first, position carefully, check your work, then secure it according to the requirements of your siding system.

Don’t Rush the Part Everything Else Depends On

Trying to save a minute on the starter row can cost considerably more time later if the installation needs correction.

Take the time to establish a good starting point. Use the appropriate siding installation tools. Follow the siding manufacturer's installation requirements. And make sure the material is properly positioned before fastening.

Start Better

A cleaner installation often begins with a better process. Sometimes that means adding one small tool to the workflow.

Explore Dodge Hangers® and their siding applications at DodgeHangers.com.