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 a Concrete Wall

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

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
Deck Cleaning

Cleaning A Deck

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

Deck Finishing

Can You Paint or Stain Composite Decking?

Most composites don’t require painting or staining. However, if you are considering staining or painting your deck, you can learn how to do so and what you’ll need at Decks.com.

Deck Maintenance

Deck Maintenance Checklist

Wondering how to best care for your deck? Download our comprehensive deck maintenance checklist to ensure your deck is safe and lasts for years 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

Types of Deck Flashing

Compare stainless steel, copper and vinyl flashing materials for waterproofing your deck ledger board.

Deck Ledger Board

Vents, Pipes and Spigots

How do you install a deck ledger board around vents, pipes and spigots? We offer two solutions that can solve your problem.

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.

Deck Cleaning

How to Remove Paint from a Wood Deck

Aiming to refresh your deck with new paint or sealer? Learn the easiest and fastest methods of stripping paint from your wood deck with Decks.com.

Deck Cleaning

How to Ink Stamps from Pressure Treated Lumber

Ink stamps seen on pressure treated wood represents where the lumber came from and its grade. Learn a few tricks to remove this ink from your wood at Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic