The qualitative and quantitative influence of initial (residual) stresses on the law of distribution of contact characteristics at interaction of elastic finished overlays (stringers), at their placement, with two prestressed strips which are clamped by one edge. In general, the research was carried out for the theory of great initial (ultimate) and two variants of the theory of small initial deformations within the framework of linearized theory of elasticity with the elastic potential having arbitrary structure for compressible and incompressible bodies. Fourier integral methods, methods for solving harmonic differential equations, singular integral-differential equations and numerical methods were used too. It is assumed that in the contact area the initial stress state, with a certain degree of accuracy, is considered homogeneous. We make the assumption that the elastic band with initial (residual) stresses is in the conditions of plane deformation. Also, for an elastic lining loaded with both vertical and horizontal forces, the generally accepted model of beam bending in combination with the model of uniaxial stress-strain state of the elastic lining is valid. A singular integral-differential equation with the Gilbert kernel was derived, which allows us to solve this problem. We find the analytical solution of the equation in the form of series from the Jacobi function. Numerical studies were performed for materials with elastic potentials of harmonic type (compressible bodies) and elastic potentials of Bartenev-Khazanovich and Treloar (incompressible bodies). Numerical studies have been performed for materials with elastic potentials of harmonic type (compressible bodies) and elastic potentials of Bartenev-Khazanovich and Treloir (incompressible bodies). We have considered the case when all periodically placed pads that support elastic bands with the initial stresses were loaded with tangential force. Analysis of numerical results shows a significant effect of initial (residual) stresses on the distribution of contact characteristics of periodically reinforced strips with thin reinforcing elements. The results obtained can be used for engineering calculations for the strength and durability of structures, taking into account the initial stresses for a wide range of structural materials.