When Installing Siding, Do You Start At The Top Or Bottom

When Installing Siding, Do You Start at the Top or Bottom?

The Complete Siding Installation Guide for Homeowners in Northeast Ohio

If you’re planning to upgrade your home’s exterior, siding is one of the most impactful changes you can make. It not only boosts curb appeal but also adds weather protection and insulation value.

But during your research or while watching your contractor install new siding, you might wonder:
“When installing siding, do you start at the top or bottom?”

The short and simple answer:
✅ You always start at the bottom.

But why? What happens if you don’t? How does siding actually work, and what do homeowners in Jefferson, Ashtabula, Youngstown, Geneva, and across Northeast Ohio need to know before starting a siding project?

This guide breaks it all down in detail—from siding installation basics to expert tips, step-by-step processes, cost, mistakes to avoid, and how to hire the right contractor.

🔨 Why You Start Siding Installation at the Bottom

Starting at the bottom of the wall is essential to ensure the siding properly sheds water and withstands the elements. Here’s why:

1. Water Shedding Principle

Siding is designed to work like shingles on a roof—each layer overlaps the one beneath it to allow water to drain away from the structure.

If you started at the top, the overlapping direction would trap water between layers, leading to:

• Moisture damage
• Rotting sheathing
• Mold growth
• Premature siding failure

2. Structural Alignment

Installing from the bottom up allows the installer to:

• Align the first row level with the foundation
• Stack rows upward with consistent spacing
• Maintain tight joints for stability
• Secure edges with proper nail spacing and lock-in systems

3. Gravity Works With You

Installing from bottom to top gives each course a secure base. If you install from the top down, there’s nothing to support the siding until the bottom course is added.

🧱 Understanding How Siding Works

Whether you’re installing vinyl, fiber cement, engineered wood, or metal siding, most siding systems are built on the principle of layered protection.

Components of a Siding System:

• Sheathing – Plywood or OSB base layer
• Housewrap or Moisture Barrier – Tyvek or equivalent, stops water intrusion
• Starter Strip – Installed at the bottom, holds the first row of siding
• Siding Panels/Boards – Installed in overlapping rows
• Trim – Installed at corners, windows, doors, and soffits
• Flashing & Caulking – Prevent water intrusion at vulnerable points

🪚 Step-by-Step: Installing Siding from the Bottom Up

Let’s walk through how the process actually works on a typical vinyl siding installation, the most common type in Northeast Ohio.

Step 1: Prep the Surface

• Remove old siding and nails
• Inspect sheathing and framing
• Repair any water or insect damage
• Install housewrap (moisture barrier)

Step 2: Install Starter Strip

This thin horizontal strip goes at the lowest point of the wall, ensuring the first siding course starts level and straight.

It’s nailed just above the foundation line or water table board.

Step 3: Attach Corner Posts & J-Channels

Install outside corners, inside corners, and J-channels around windows and doors. These pieces help anchor the siding ends and provide a clean transition.

Step 4: Begin First Row of Siding

Starting at the bottom corner of the house:

• Lock the siding panel into the starter strip
• Nail through the nailing flange—leaving 1/32” clearance for expansion
• Use a level every 3-4 feet to keep the course straight

Step 5: Add More Rows

Stack additional rows of siding upward, overlapping the one below. Maintain a consistent reveal (usually 8″, depending on the product).

Use a zip tool and snips to fit under soffits and around windows.

Step 6: Install Top Row & Trim

The final course is tucked into a utility trim or under-sill trim at the top of the wall. This area often requires custom cutting to fit neatly under eaves or soffits.

🧱 What Happens If You Start Siding at the Top?

Here’s what can go wrong:

• Trapped Water – Rainwater seeps behind the siding
• Warping and Buckling – Bottom panels can’t support upper panels
• Uneven Appearance – Panels may not line up or look crooked
• Voided Warranty – Manufacturers like CertainTeed, Mastic, and James Hardie specify bottom-up installation
• Costly Repairs – Reinstallation may be needed to fix moisture damage

🏠 Common Types of Siding and How They’re Installed

Vinyl Siding

• Most popular in Ashtabula and Trumbull Counties
• Lightweight, flexible, and affordable
• Installed bottom-up using starter strips and nail slots

Fiber Cement (James Hardie)

• Known for durability and style
• Heavier—requires more precise fastening
• Installed bottom-up with joint flashing and fiber cement nails

Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide)

• Natural wood appearance
• Prefinished options
• Also installed bottom-up using proper sheathing and flashing

Metal Siding (Steel or Aluminum)

• More popular for barns and outbuildings
• Can be vertical or horizontal
• Requires precise measurements and starting at base trim

🌦️ Local Climate Considerations: Why It Matters in Northeast Ohio

Ohio’s unique mix of cold winters, humid summers, and wind-driven rain makes proper siding installation crucial.

Jefferson, Geneva, Ashtabula:

• Lake effect snow requires tight, water-resistant siding installs
• Insulated vinyl or fiber cement is best for extreme weather

Youngstown, Warren, Boardman:

• Wind uplift is a factor—bottom-up locking ensures siding stays secure
• Seamless finishing improves curb appeal in growing suburban markets

Proper bottom-up installation ensures ventilation, insulation, and moisture protection are built into your walls—something we take seriously at S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC.

🏘️ Real-Life Client Examples

Case Study 1: Geneva Colonial Home

The homeowner tried DIY siding and started at the top, thinking it would be easier. Within two years, water infiltrated the sheathing behind the windows.

✅ Our team removed the siding, reinstalled it bottom-up, and added foam insulation. No more leaks—and a gorgeous finish.

Case Study 2: Youngstown Rental Property

The old siding was warped and loose. We installed new Mastic vinyl siding starting from the base, added Tyvek housewrap, and included new soffit vents.

⚒️ End result: a 32% improvement in energy efficiency, zero callbacks, and a 10-year warranty.

💵 Siding Installation Cost Breakdown in Northeast Ohio

Project Type	Vinyl	Fiber Cement	Engineered Wood
Material Cost (2,000 sq ft)	$3,500–$6,000	$6,000–$9,000	$5,500–$8,000
Labor Cost	$5,000–$9,000	$7,000–$12,000	$6,500–$11,000
Total Installed	$8,500–$15,000	$13,000–$21,000	$12,000–$19,000

Prices vary based on house height, trim details, and tear-off needs

💡 Pro Tips from the Pros

1. Start with a Level Starter Strip
   The first course sets the stage for the entire install. Use a chalk line and laser level for accuracy.
2. Leave Expansion Gaps
   Vinyl expands in the heat. Leave ¼” clearance at ends and don’t nail tight.
3. Don’t Caulk Panel Ends
   Siding must breathe. Caulking panels can trap water.
4. Use Proper Fasteners
   Galvanized roofing nails or manufacturer-approved screws prevent rust and sagging.
5. Hire Certified Contractors
   DIY siding installs can go wrong quickly. Hire a pro who knows local codes and product warranties.

✅ Why Choose S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC?

We’re proud to be one of the top-rated siding companies in Northeast Ohio, with 5-star reviews from homeowners in:

• Jefferson
• Ashtabula
• Geneva
• Youngstown
• Warren
• Conneaut

Here’s why homeowners choose us:

• Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
• James Hardie & Mastic Certified Installer
• Fully Licensed and Insured in Ohio
• 0% Financing Options Available
• Local Crews—No Subcontractors

Want to see what our customers are saying? Check out our ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Reviews and browse photos from dozens of recent siding projects.

📋 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you install siding in winter?

A: Yes—with proper precautions. We use cold-weather rated materials and heating tools if needed.

Q: How long does siding take to install?

A: Most homes take 4–7 days, depending on size and number of stories.

Q: Can I replace just the siding without touching the roof or windows?

A: Yes—but if your trim, roofline, or window capping is damaged, we may recommend coordinating those upgrades.

🧭 Final Takeaway: Start at the Bottom, Finish at the Top

So, when installing siding, do you start at the top or bottom?
✅ Bottom. Always.

It’s not just a tradition—it’s how siding systems are designed to work. Starting at the bottom ensures long-term performance, proper water drainage, and a home that looks as great as it performs.

📞 Ready to Install New Siding in Northeast Ohio?

Whether you’re remodeling in Jefferson, Youngstown, Ashtabula, Geneva, or surrounding areas, S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC has you covered.

We offer:

• Free Estimates
• Financing Options
• Top-Rated Service
• Product Warranties up to 50 Years

👉 Call us today or request a free quote online to get started.
Let’s protect and beautify your home—from the bottom up.