My first job in the trades was for a guy who did roofing and vinyl siding. I moved on to doing carpentry and eventually became a contractor specializing in remodeling and small additions. It has been many years since I installed any vinyl siding. But I haven't forgotten the things I learned doing it, like how to use a metal brake. It's a useful skill for anyone who does exterior finish work. Disadvantages of Stock Flashings Most carpenters use the standard aluminum flashings found at lumberyards. The average yard carries an assortment of drip-edge, step, and head flashing. But standard flashings won't always fit, and architectural details like oversized head casings and cornice returns require custom-bent metal anyway. Unless these
