Loading

Removing the Siding for the Ledger Board



In order to install the ledger board, you usually need to remove the house’s siding. Never install a ledger board over the top of siding no matter what you hear, this can weaken the connection. Aluminum and vinyl siding can easily be removed with tin snips from an area one foot surrounding the ledger board location. You can then trim the pieces to be reinstalled with a J channel after the deck is completed for a clean, finished look.

Wood or concrete siding will have to be cut away using a circular saw. Set the blade depth so you won’t cut into the house sheathing below the siding. Make sure you have enough room to install flashing above the ledger board and allow for at least a ¾” space above the decking, preventing water from wicking upwards into wood siding. Start by using plunge cuts across the top and bottom of the horizontal length of the ledger board, followed by the shorter vertical cuts for the ends using a cold chisel. You will then have to use a claw hammer or a pry bar to remove the nails. For your safety, be careful not to saw through nails. Always be careful when you are using a circular saw, especially if you are standing on a ladder.


Popular Ledger Articles
Deck Ledger Board

Attaching the Ledger Board to the House Rim

Learn how to properly install a waterproof ledger board using flashing and fasteners. Check out our step-by-step video and detail drawings.

Deck Ledger Board

Attaching the ledger board to hollow block

Our inspector discusses how to attach a deck to a hollow concrete block foundation wall.

Deck Ledger Board

Attaching the Ledger Board to a Concrete Wall

Step-by-step instructions on how to install a ledger board to a concrete house foundation wall using expansion anchors.

Next Step: Care Articles
Deck Cleaning

Cleaning A Deck

Follow our step by step instructions for how to clean a deck.

Deck Finishing

Average Cost to Stain a Deck

Find the national average costs for staining and sealing a deck per square foot, including sanding and power washing prices. Learn more at Decks.com

Repairs

How to Avoid, Prevent & Repair Deck Joist Rot

Rotted deck joists can cause homeowners headaches. Learn more about how to avoid, prevent and repair deck joist rot at Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Popular Ledger Articles
Deck Ledger Board

Attaching the ledger board to hollow block

Our inspector discusses how to attach a deck to a hollow concrete block foundation wall.

Deck Ledger Board

Removing Stucco Siding

Learn how to cut through stucco siding to prepare a house wall to install a deck ledger board.

Deck Ledger Board

Attaching the Ledger Board to Brick Siding

Do you have brick siding? You should never attach to just the brick. This is very dangerous.

Next Step: Care Articles
Repairs

How to Remove Scuffs and Scratches from Composite Decking

Removing scuffs and scratches can help make your composite deck look like new. Learn how to fix and prevent your composite deck from future scratches.

Repairs

How to Sand a Wood Deck

Sanding a deck is important to prevent any wood slivers and imperfections. Use these instructions to properly sand and refinish your deck.

Deck Cleaning

Preventing & Treating a Slippery Deck

Inclement weather can cause both wood and composite decks to become slippery and potentially unsafe. Learn how to prevent and treat a slippery outdoor deck at Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic