6 Types of Vinyl Siding Trim: Which Is Best? (2024)

Trim is the cherry on top of the cake when doing the final touches of your vinyl siding project. Trim serves an aesthetic and functional purpose and is one of the best investments you can make for the value of your home.

The right piece of trim used at the right place will hide gaps and neatly round off siding edges. It also makes your house look inviting and well-cared for.

If you want to learn about vinyl siding trim types, you have come to the right place. In this article, I outline the main categories of trim used with vinyl siding; there are many other types and add-on accessories but let’s start with the main ones. Read on to find out more.

Table of Contents

  • 1. Starter Trim
  • 2. Undersill Trim
  • 3. J Channel
  • 4. Soffit Trims
  • 5. Window Trim
  • 6. Corner Post Trims
  • Summary

1. Starter Trim

6 Types of Vinyl Siding Trim: Which Is Best? (1)

Starter trim, also known as starter strip, is the foundational trim in any vinyl siding installation project. It is typically installed at the bottom of the house’s perimeter and serves as a foundation for locking the first row of siding.

The strip secures the first vinyl siding slats to the sheathing and keeps the siding at an accurate angle. Usually, wooden spacers are nailed 6 inches apart to support the starter strip and ensure it stays in a straight line as you install the siding.

2. Undersill Trim

6 Types of Vinyl Siding Trim: Which Is Best? (2)

The undersill trim is installed behind the window casing, i.e., underneath a window to support the siding panel. The beveled vinyl siding may protrude slightly from the wall; an undersill can help round off and lock the hanging siding.

The undersill also helps to direct water out and away from the siding when it rains. Without this trim, rainwater will easily seep behind the siding, causing potentially costly water damage.

3. J Channel

6 Types of Vinyl Siding Trim: Which Is Best? (3)

The J channel is arguably the most well-known vinyl siding trim type. The J channel is installed around doors and windows, corners where the siding meets the roof, and interior corners.

The J-channel vinyl siding trim is installed on three sides of a door and all-around a window. When installing on a window, the J-channel is cut and aligned with the window casing.

Next, the side J-channels are positioned to align with the upper window casing and the lower face of the bottom trim. A section of this bottom J-channel is then cut and tucked under to square the corner.

To install the upper J-channel trim on both the door and window, the piece is installed to align with the outer face of the side J-channel.

If you want to learn more about installing the j-channel on vinyl siding, check out this handy video.

4. Soffit Trims

Soffit is the siding below your roof’s overhang. Several types of siding trim are installed around this part of the house. Let us take a look at common soffit trims:

H-channel Trim

The H-channel trim is a transition trim used to join horizontal and vertical siding, creating a neat and smooth bend between the two types of siding. It can also be used to bring two soffit panels together at mitered or squared corners.

F-channel trim

6 Types of Vinyl Siding Trim: Which Is Best? (5)

Like H-channels, F-channel trim pieces support soffit panels. The F-channels are first fastened to the outer edge of the fascia and vinyl siding for the soffit panels to be installed. During installation, the F-channels are positioned so that the slot in the F faces inward toward the house.

Before installing the F-channel strips, ensure that the fascia board and siding are level. Use a carpenter’s level and mark the edge of the level on the siding every three feet. This will guide you on where to position the F-channels. You will then attach the trim pieces to the outer bottom edge of the fascia board, which is fastened to the eaves.

Hold the F-channel to the siding along the line you had marked using the level to secure the trim. Position the F-channel in a way that the slot faces the F-channel trim secured to the fascia.

Hammer in nails through the F-channel and into the siding. Don’t drive in the nails too tight to allow space for the usual expansion and contraction of the trim and siding material. Ideally, the nail’s head should only slightly touch the face of the F-channel.

Follow this procedure to nail F-channel trim around the rest of the house. Just be sure to keep the trim leveled against the fascia board and siding.

Fascia Trim

The fascia is the horizontal panel along the edge of the roof rafters. The fascia board offers a strong support system for the soffit panels and gutter. The trim installed on the fascia board offers protection against the element, but it can also add interesting visual appeal when contrasting with the siding color.

To install the trim, cut it into pieces measuring 12 inches in width. Mark a vertical line down the center and split a small notch along the lower lip of the trim. Cut each side of the notch at 45-degrees to form a full 90-degree angle upon folding and tucking the trim.

Next, fold the fascia trim 90-degrees fastened it to the fascia board starting from one corner through to the other. Use this method to install trim on the entire fascia and then put back the gutter.

Frieze Trim

The frieze trim is installed between the soffit and siding. Frieze boards are typically flat but may be installed at an angle on a gable siding. Like other trim types, frieze trim can enhance the home’s aesthetics or serve a function by separating two different types of siding colors or styles.

The frieze board trim helps keep moisture from penetrating through the gap between the soffit and siding. Moisture in this part of the roof can cause potentially costly problems such as rot and mold behind your siding.

In addition, frieze trim covers gaps left where the siding ends. The trim may also work as a transition between two types of siding or between the soffit and siding.

5. Window Trim

6 Types of Vinyl Siding Trim: Which Is Best? (6)

The way you accessorize your windows will have a big impact on your home’s aesthetic appeal and, to some extent, market value. A lot of thought should go into choosing the right window trim to dress your vinyl siding.

There are different window vinyl siding trim types depending on your taste and home’s overall architecture. A common window trim for vinyl siding is the super J trim, a wider J channel that can be used to trim doors and windows.

Another type of window trim is the deep pocket J trim, which typically measures 1½ inches wide and works as trim for both doors and windows.

The window surround is used alongside the window starter trim. It is installed as a wide perimeter and is usually mounted on the window starter trim. Aside from this, the window surround serves an unmissable aesthetic function and helps to highlight the majestic features of a window.

Lastly, we have the window starter trims. These are basically the cornerstone of any window vinyl siding trim, as they act as the anchor upon which surround trims are installed.

6. Corner Post Trims

6 Types of Vinyl Siding Trim: Which Is Best? (7)

Corner post trims give the corners in your siding a well-rounded look and add plenty of architectural appeal to any home. Like other trim types, corner trims are also utilitarian and help protect the corner joints in your siding against weather elements and general wear and tear.

When choosing trim for your siding corners, you can select from a wide array of colors, styles, and widths to suit your home’s style. You’ll find regular corner posts in 2″, 3″, and 4″ inches, designer trims with ribbed faces and wide channels, and some that are insulated and contoured.

Summary

Installing vinyl siding is an excellent investment in your home. But, if you really want your house to pop, go the extra mile and dress it with the right trim.

As you can see from our run down, there are many different vinyl siding trim types, and in this article, we have only scratched the surface. My best advice is to take your time and work with a professional vinyl siding installer who can guide you in choosing the best trim type for your home.

Related posts:

  • Wood Siding vs. Vinyl Siding: Which is Better?
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  • Aluminum Siding vs. Vinyl Siding: Which Is Better?
  • 10 Best Vinyl Siding Cleaners of 2023 – Pressure Washer Siding Cleaner
  • How to Install Vinyl Siding Over Wood Siding? (Step-by-Step Tutorial)
  • Composite Siding Vs. Vinyl Siding: What’s the Difference?
6 Types of Vinyl Siding Trim: Which Is Best? (2024)

FAQs

What type of siding adds the most value? ›

The value of fiber cement siding is undeniable. According to the 2023 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, replacing your existing siding with fiber cement adds an average of $17,129 to your home's value.

What is the most popular type of vinyl siding? ›

#1 Traditional Lap Siding

Let's kick off our list with a simple, but the most common style that vinyl siding comes in; traditional lap siding. This siding style overlaps horizontal boards to create a sophisticated layering effect on your exterior walls.

What is H trim used for in vinyl siding? ›

This transition trim is commonly used to join vertical and horizontal siding panels, creating definition between the two siding styles. The H-trim can also be used to marry soffits when the length exceeds the panels.

What is the trim on vinyl siding called? ›

Channel: the area of the accessory trim or corner post where siding or soffit panels are inserted. Channels also refer to the trim itself, and are named for the letters of the alphabet they resemble (e.g., J-channel, F-channel, etc.).

What is the best siding for the money? ›

Vinyl siding tends to be low cost, low maintenance and more weather-resistant than wood siding, and it's also available in a range of colors and styles. Fiber cement siding is especially durable against a range of weather conditions, making it suitable for homes that face rain, high winds, sleet or snow.

Are there different grades of vinyl siding? ›

There are different siding grades which are divided by their thickness, although the thicker the material, the more durable and long-lasting it is.

What type of siding is most expensive? ›

Metal Siding - is a medium to higher priced siding option. Durability and finish quality vary by brand. Denting and scratching may be problematic. Natural Stone and Brick - are among the highest price cladding options and are typically used as an accent on one or more sides of the home or structure.

What is vinyl siding F trim used for? ›

F-Channel is a necessary accessory to complete any vinyl siding job. Used to install soffit, it provides a receiving channel to hide ends of soffit panels.

What finish is best for vinyl siding? ›

House siding is typically painted in a flat or low lustre finish, as these sheens hide imperfections well and are easy to work with. We recommend Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior for a long-lasting vinyl paint that maintains its color.

What is the difference between J-channel and utility trim? ›

J-channel is used to trim out the ends of siding panels where they meet a door or window and to cover cut edges of panels around windows and under the eaves. It comes in 10' lengths (Fig. 1). Undersill or utility trim forms a tight loop (as opposed to J-channel, which is open).

What is the difference between trim and fascia? ›

Fascia is a specific type of trim, which is installed just below the roof line. It helps to cover the soffit, and provides a more finished appearance for the roof and eaves of the home. These boards may vary in width, but is generally a slightly wider or thicker version of the same trim used on the rest of the home.

What siding has the highest R-value? ›

Vinyl - Insulated

Does siding increase house value? ›

Upgrading your siding is one of the best ways to boost your home's appearance, protect it against the elements, increase its overall worth, and draw in new buyers. While installing fresh siding is a significant investment, it can earn back as much as 85% of its cost when you sell your home.

What is the least expensive type of siding? ›

Vinyl siding is almost always the least expensive way to side your home. You can even find vinyl siding for as cheap as $2 per square foot. Of course, you're going to be looking at your home's siding for many years to come, so it's important to balance the cost with what material you like looking at.

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