While horizontal siding remains the most popular siding type, vertical panels offer a modern spin that has gained momentum with today’s homeowners. Since siding replacement gives you the opportunity to transform your exterior, now is the perfect time to create an updated design.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed with the decisions before you, begin with simple choices: Do you want your house to stand out or blend in with the neighborhood? Are you aiming for a trendy look or a traditional one?
Following are tips that can help you make the optimal choice for your siding design.
Vertical Siding’s Strengths
Aesthetics
Choosing vertical siding to enhance the look of your home’s rustic, historic, or modern architecture can be a fabulous way to set your property apart. While vertical panels look clean and crisp on their own, you may also want to consider creating a popular board-and-batten siding look, which begins with vertical planks (boards) and continues as your contractor installs thin strips of trim (battens) between each vertical plank. This rustic yet chic look delivers a welcoming, modern vibe you are sure to love.
Durability
Water is your siding’s enemy, so ensuring that your siding material will resist and divert it away from your home without penetrating your house is essential. (Fiber cement does this seamlessly.) Vertical siding gives you an advantage in fortifying your exterior from water intrusion. When it rains or snows in the Twin Cities, your vertical design will naturally guide water straight down your house—ensuring your siding lasts like it was designed to.
Maintenance
Vertical siding offers a low maintenance solution, particularly when it is made of a reliable material such as James Hardie fiber cement, LP SmartSide, or EDCO steel siding. Siding should be washed twice a year with a garden hose to remove dust and grime. Resist the temptation to use a power washer, which could damage your siding.
Cost
Vertical siding is applied in two steps: an underlayer (called furring strips) and a top layer which you see from the front of your home. The added step may increase the cost of installation.
Horizontal Siding Highlights
Aesthetics
Horizontal siding—also called lap siding—is so versatile, it works well on almost any house type, boosts curb appeal, and increases the value of your home. It delivers an attractive look to your traditional exterior, creating time-tested aesthetics that never go out of style.
Durability
Horizontal siding has a track record of durability, particularly if homeowners choose a product that resists moisture intrusion. We cannot underestimate the importance of hiring an expert team of professionals to install your horizontal siding in order to get the top performance and longevity it was designed to deliver.
Maintenance
Horizontal siding offers low maintenance when it is made of durable material such as Hardie Board, LP SmartSide, vinyl, or EDCO steel. As a homeowner, stay vigilant to ensure that caulking between joints is replaced when needed so water does not sneak in between siding panels.
Cost
Because it is the most common siding type, contractors are experienced with installing horizontal siding. This typically means you will spend less on the installation of horizontal siding than you would on vertical panels. Ask your contractor for a comparison of installation costs so you have the details you need to make an informed decision.
Can Vertical and Horizontal Siding Be Combined for a Personalized Look? Yes!
Perhaps you are a huge fan of horizontal siding, and you want your property to blend in with your neighborhood, but you just are not ready to give up the idea of something a little more unique for your exterior. Consider indulging in the best of both! Adorn the bulk of your house with horizontal planks, and choose vertical panels to accent unique architectural features such as gables.
Still on the Fence About Your Siding Design?
Your home is uniquely yours and should be an expression of your style. Allow our experienced team to help you sift through your design ideas so the top choice emerges, ensuring your complete satisfaction. For over seventy years, our dedicated staff at Beissel Window & Siding has served tens of thousands of Minnesotans, and we would be honored to serve you.
As you contemplate the ultimate solution for your home’s siding, learn more about how our siding services can bring out the beauty in your house’s architecture.
