Trimming Doors for Siding

Thank you all for the wonderful inspiring comments keeping us encouraged up at the Momplex! My sweet husband, he works all day up there, and then comes home and reads your comments, and every once in a while, I catch him grinning to himself. You are making a huge difference to us!

This isn't the first time we've built a home, but I tell you what, this is the first time we've built this BIG, the first time we've built entirely with ICF ARXX blocks, and this is the first time we've built putting quality and energy efficiency first and foremost. Wouldn't do it for our selves ... but for our Moms? Of course we are going the extra mile!

But behind the positiveness, I can tell you, it has been hard to tackle such a huge project. There are days when it's not said, but we definitely think, Let's just call a contractor ... and get it over with ... There have been days ...

But we just keep going.

Grandpa Tim keeps showing up to help us out, the Ram keeps putting his tool belt on, and one screw at a time, we are DIYing this Momplex. And I want to thank you for helping us stay on track and keeping us inspired. Without you reading, supplying us with tips and ideas, offering encouragement, I know we'd not be where we are today.

And today, we are finally at the last stage of the exterior of the Momplex. Today, we start SIDING!!!!!!!

Okay, before I get too excited, we still have to put decks on, bring in utilities, landscape, pour sidewalks ... but some of this stuff can wait until spring, and essentially, after the siding is done, we can move inside and start working on making this Momplex Mom's home!

Momplex

Step 1 Diagram

Step 1

We technically started siding with the faux rock work that covers the bottom few feet of the Momplex.

Step 2 Diagram

Step 2 Instructions

But now the real work begins.

We've chosen to use a metal siding that is installed like vinyl siding, but is fire resistant and has a 40 year warranty for paint. It's the first time we have used this product, so this is a slow process as we learn each step.

First things first, metal drip flashing needs to go up on top of the simulated stone siding, pushing water away from the building as it drains downward.

Step 3 Diagram

Step 3 Instructions

We start by snapping a chalk line across the front of the Momplex.

Step 4 Diagram

Step 4 Instructions

And then check the drip edge for fit on the string line, marking the length.

Step 5 Diagram

Step 5 Instructions

And then use tin snips to cut the flashing to the marked length.

Step 6 Diagram

Step 6 Instructions

Perfect fit!

Step 7 Diagram

Step 7 Instructions

Silicone is added to make sure water doesn't somehow seep behind the flashing and behind the siding. If water gets behind your siding and pools up and freezes, it's going to expand and cause you lots of problems.

Step 8 Diagram

Step 8 Instructions

We then screw the drip edge to the Momplex. We keep the screws high on the drip edge.

Step 9 Diagram

Step 9 Instructions

So when we add the siding starter strips later on, the screws are hidden.

Step 10 Diagram

Step 10 Instructions

Now we want the door ways to stand out with a little white trim. So we've purchased some composite exterior trim in white, and just cut it to fit.

Step 11 Diagram

Step 11

The composite trim goes over the drip edge.

Step 12 Diagram

Step 12

We trim out the sides of the garages with this stuff.

Step 13 Diagram

Step 13

We just predrill holes into it, just like a wood board.

Step 14 Diagram

Step 14

And then use special screws that have white painted heads for attaching.

Step 15 Diagram

Step 15

Next we add a longer piece above the garage doors. I love this composite trim stuff because Mom will never have to paint it or worry about it warping or rotting out later on.

And it's easy to install ... just get's screwed on!

To make the front entry doors stand out a little more, we add the composite moulding around them too.

Now we get to a dilemma on the tops of the doors.

If we go ahead and put the 1x4 composite board on top, we will also have to add C Channel (it's a trim for the siding ends) to the top of the 1x4, and then again on the underside of the wood entry framing ... this would leave just an inch or so of siding showing in between.

I had an idea ....

What if we took a wider piece of that composite trim stuff ...

And added it above the door, filling in the entire space ....

So I have somewhere to put house numbers?

Not only does it look great, but we've saved a TON of time. And because this is the Momplex, where you do everything twice, we saved a TON of time times two!!!

DIY, it is not always easy or glamorous or fun ... but if you aren't the one doing it yourself, you can't make these sorts of decisions on the fly. Thanks so much for keeping us going! Can't wait to put that siding up!