The first course of ASCEND Composite Cladding establishes the alignment for the entire wall. Learn how to properly install the starter strip, level the first course, engage the first plank, maintain required clearances, and avoid installation mistakes that can affect appearance and warranty coverage.
ASCEND Contractor Installation Guide
How Do You Start the First Course of ASCEND?
The first course of ASCEND Composite Cladding is the most important course on the entire wall. Every plank installed above it depends on the first row being perfectly level, fully engaged in the starter strip, properly fastened, and installed with the required movement clearances. Even a small error in the first course can become increasingly noticeable as additional courses are installed.1
Why the First Course Matters
ASCEND is an interlocking siding system. Every plank locks into the course beneath it, meaning the first row establishes the reference line for the remainder of the installation.
If the starter strip is not perfectly level—or if the first plank is not fully seated—the error is repeated on every course above it. The result can be uneven reveals, crooked shadow lines, difficult panel engagement, and unnecessary callbacks.
Professional Goal
- Create one perfectly level reference line.
- Seat every plank completely into the starter strip.
- Keep the plank flat against the wall.
- Allow proper expansion clearance.
- Verify alignment before installing additional courses.
Step 1 – Install the Starter Strip
The starter strip supports and locks the bottom edge of the first plank. It must be installed perfectly level because every course above follows this line.
Use a laser level, water level, or long builder's level to establish the finished height before fastening the starter strip to the wall.
Starter Strip Checklist
- Verify wall is straight.
- Snap a level chalk line.
- Install starter strip level.
- Fasten securely.
- Leave 1/4-inch between adjoining starter strips for movement.
- Confirm alignment before continuing.
Step 2 – Check the Wall Before Installing the First Plank
Before installing the first plank, inspect the wall one final time.
- Weather-resistant barrier installed.
- Flashing complete.
- Corners installed.
- J-channels installed.
- Receiving channels complete.
- Starter strip level.
- Fasteners available.
- Wall free of debris.
Step 3 – Seat the First Plank
The installation guide states that the first course should be seated completely into the starter strip. The plank should fully engage the starter strip while remaining flat against the wall.2
Do not force the plank downward after it engages. Excessive pressure can create compression in the panel before it is fastened.
Correct Installation
- Fully engaged in starter strip.
- Lays flat against wall.
- No bowing.
- No compression.
- No gaps along starter strip.
Step 4 – Verify Expansion Clearance
Before fastening the first plank, maintain the required 3/8-inch clearance between the plank and all receiving channels, inside corners, outside corners, windows, doors, and other fixed obstacles.3
Never cut the first plank tightly into a corner simply because it looks cleaner.
Step 5 – Fasten the First Course
Fasten the first plank using approved corrosion-resistant fasteners driven into the center of each nail slot.
Leave approximately 1/32 inch between the fastener head and nail hem so the plank can expand and contract normally.4
Never Hard Nail ASCEND
- Do not drive fasteners tight.
- Do not crush the nail hem.
- Allow the plank to move.
- Keep fasteners centered in slots.
Step 6 – Check Alignment
Before installing the second course, inspect the entire first course.
- Starter strip remains level.
- Plank fully engaged.
- No visible gaps.
- No twist.
- No bow.
- Proper corner clearance.
- Proper fastening.
The manufacturer recommends checking horizontal alignment approximately every fifth course, but experienced installers know the best time to correct alignment is before the second course is installed.5
Common First Course Mistakes
- Starter strip not level.
- Starter strip sections butted tightly together.
- Plank not fully engaged.
- Driving plank downward after engagement.
- Hard nailing.
- No expansion clearance.
- Cutting tightly into corners.
- Ignoring wall irregularities.
- Skipping a final level check.
Professional Installation Tip
Many experienced installers spend considerably more time installing the first course than any other row on the wall. Once the first course is straight, every additional plank installs faster and with greater consistency.
Trying to save five minutes on the first row can easily cost several hours correcting alignment farther up the wall.
Your Local ASCEND Composite Cladding Distributor
Suburban Wholesale & Supply provides contractors throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois with ASCEND Composite Cladding, installation training, current manufacturer literature, compatible accessories, and technical support.
Whether you're installing your first ASCEND project or your hundredth, our knowledgeable team can help you select the correct accessories, understand manufacturer requirements, and keep your project moving efficiently.
Contractor Notes
We‘re here to help.
Suburban Wholesale & Supply works with contractors, remodelers, builders, and property professionals across Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, and the wider Quad Cities. If How Do You Start the First Course of ASCEND? | Suburban Wholesale & Supply affects a project you are pricing, our team can help compare product lines, confirm available options, and prepare a quote that fits the opening, exterior, or jobsite requirements.
Our counter and showroom teams support window, patio door, entry door, storm door, siding, trim coil, gutter protection, and accessory orders every week. We can talk through manufacturer differences, color and finish selections, installation details, lead times, and documentation so you can give your customer clear answers before the work begins.
For current availability, contractor pricing, product literature, or help matching this topic to a real project, contact Suburban Wholesale & Supply or send the details through our quote form. We will help you move from product research to an accurate material order with fewer surprises.
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