Metal Siding - Bottom Closure Strips?

[airman89]

I’m getting ready to side our Barndominium build that has 1/2” OSB and has been wrapped with synthetic and I was wondering what you guys usually do at the bottom of 3 rib siding panels. I will have the metal base trim but should I be installing inside closure strips at the base too? What about at the top of the siding panels? I’m assuming I install the closure strips at the bottom atleast but I wondered if vented would be better too. Just looking for some input! Thank you.

 

[PopcornSutton]

Drip edge.

 

[Racer_X]

I forget what this is called (someone here will know), but my builders put this on the bottom edge of all my barns.
I feel like they called it a "mouse barrier" or something like that...

 

[jack stand]

Just set the panels right on the bottom (sometimes called rat guard) trim.
The top is usually "closed" by a J.
@RacerX beat me to exactly what I was describing.

 

[airman89]

Thats what I’ll do, thanks for the replies!

 

[jack stand]

Notice that it designed to close the typical corners also. So snap a line around the whole building that allows the lower edge of this trim to be at least a 1/2" BELOW your sill plate so that rainwater washing the wall with be directed below that seam and on the masonry.
This will be the "clean line" around the building that all of your siding, corners and any J channels at doorways.
This is the first step completing your exterior. Don't just "level around the building with each stick of trim, put the level away and mark your height on each side of every corner and snap lines completely around the building.
Unless this is a 100 year old saggy slab/foundation it's the best way and should allow you to order 1 length of panel.
It's not advanced carpentry and once you get the trim on, you'll fly. Have fun!

 

[LopezBart]

Closure strips are omitted in some designs if one uses bagged insulation; this allows venting. I've left them out on our shop; the spray foam will do a better job.

 

[dcg9381]

I forget what this is called (someone here will know), but my builders put this on the bottom edge of all my barns.
I feel like they called it a "mouse barrier" or something like that...

I prefer a 1x1" cut out in the concrete. We call it a "rat lip" around here. Slope it 2 degrees. You can do a drip edge too, but I prefer his.

Drop the concrete at the garage doors also... Don't skip this.

Water doesn't travel up-hill.