The Edco 10’ Steel Starter Strip solves the foundation problem that plagues Montana siding installations — keeping that critical first course straight and secure through decades of freeze-thaw cycles. This 28-gauge hot-dip galvanized steel strip delivers what vinyl alternatives can’t: rigidity that prevents warping when temperatures swing from -30°F to 90°F.
Skip it if you’re hanging vinyl siding in a sheltered location. The steel construction costs more than plastic starter strips, and some contractors find the 10-foot lengths awkward to transport in shorter truck beds.
Wind and Impact Resistance That Matters
The strip carries a Class 4 Impact Resistance rating (UL 2218) — the same rating insurance companies look for in hail country. That certification means it survived the steel ball drop test that simulates Montana’s golf-ball-sized hail events. Wind resistance hits 160-200+ mph, which handles anything the Chinook winds throw at Great Falls or the downslope blasts off the Mission Mountains.
The Class A Fire Resistance (UL 790) adds another layer of protection in Montana’s extreme wildfire zones. While the starter strip itself won’t save a structure from wildfire, every fire-resistant component in the assembly improves the overall system performance.
Installation Details That Count
Getting the starter strip right sets the tone for the entire siding job. Install it 1/4 inch above the bottom of the corner substrate — that quarter-inch gap prevents moisture wicking and allows for thermal movement. Fasten every 12 inches using galvanized fasteners. EDCO specifically mentions MAZE 2-inch nails, but any quality galvanized fastener works.
| Installation Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 feet |
| Height above corner | 1/4 inch |
| Fastener spacing | 12 inches |
| Gap between pieces | 1/8 inch |
| Cutting method | Tin snips or metal shears |
Leave approximately 1/8 inch gap between adjacent pieces. That gap handles the expansion and contraction from Montana’s temperature extremes without buckling. The warning about avoiding over-nailing to prevent flattening the locking lip speaks from experience — ham-fisted installation defeats the mechanical lock that keeps panels secure.
The 10-foot lengths reduce joints compared to 8-foot vinyl strips. Fewer joints mean fewer potential failure points and faster installation. Cut with tin snips or metal shears — no need for power tools that throw sparks near housewrap.
Applications Beyond Basic Siding
The starter strip works with all EDCO steel siding profiles — Traditional Lap, Dutchlap, Vertical Board & Batten. That compatibility matters when you’re matching additions or repairs to existing EDCO installations.
Here’s what catches contractors off guard: this same strip functions as a valley starter for ArrowLine steel shingles. EDCO markets two model numbers for what appears to be the same product — 1063-000 for siding applications and 1728-000 for roofing valleys. Whether that’s actual product differentiation or just catalog organization, the dual-purpose capability adds value for contractors who work both sides of the exterior envelope.
The Montana Verdict
Class 4 impact rating, 160-200 mph wind resistance, and hot-dip galvanized protection address Montana’s three biggest siding challenges: hail, wind, and corrosion from freeze-thaw cycles. The 10-foot lengths speed installation while reducing potential leak points.
The 42-pound carton weight (20 pieces) tells you this isn’t lightweight material. That heft translates to rigidity on the wall — no waviness in the first course that telegraphs through the entire installation.
For Montana contractors dealing with extreme temperature swings, persistent winds, and regular hail events, the EDCO steel starter strip delivers measurable performance advantages over vinyl alternatives. The premium pays off in callbacks you don’t get and warranties you don’t have to honor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use standard starter strip with EDCO steel siding?
A: EDCO’s starter strip is specifically designed for compatibility with all their steel siding profiles including Traditional Lap, Dutchlap, and Board & Batten. While generic strips might physically fit, using the engineered EDCO strip ensures proper panel engagement and maintains the system warranty.
Q: How does 28-gauge steel compare to vinyl starter strips in Montana weather?
A: The 28-gauge steel (approximately 0.015 inch thick) provides superior rigidity that prevents warping, unlike vinyl that can distort in extreme temperature swings. The 160-200+ mph wind rating far exceeds what vinyl strips achieve.
Q: Do I need special tools to cut the steel starter strip?
A: Standard tin snips or metal shears work fine. No power tools required, which reduces spark risk near combustible housewrap materials.
Q: What’s the actual width of this starter strip?
A: The specification notes that standard width for siding starter strips is typically 2-1/2 inches, though the exact dimension for this specific product isn’t confirmed in the available data.
Q: Can this starter strip work with other manufacturers’ steel siding?
A: EDCO specifically states compatibility with all EDCO steel siding profiles. Using it with other brands’ products would require verifying the locking mechanism dimensions match your specific siding profile.
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