A Glossary of Siding Terms You Should Know

Siding is the cladding material used to cover the exterior surface of a home or building. Its fundamental functions are to prevent the transfer of heat, protect the interior against exposure to damaging elements and visually unify the facade. When selecting siding for your property, it is a real possibility that you will come across a few siding terms that you have never heard before. Knowing the definition of these terms will surely help you better understand your siding replacement project.

Premier siding and roof replacement company Shine Construction Inc. shares a useful glossary of commonly used siding terms here.

A Glossary of Siding Terms

• Backerboard: A flat material used on the face of the home. It is applied between the wall cladding and the studs to provide an even surface for the installation of the siding.
• Batten: A strip of wood used to seal a joint in wooden siding. It also refers to the small part that goes between the boards in board-and-batten siding.
• Buttlock: The bottom edge of a soffit or siding panel that locks into the preceding panel that was installed. It prevents the siding from moving around.
• Channel: A part of a corner post or accessory trim where a siding or soffit panel is inserted. Sometimes channel refers to the trim itself.
• Course: It refers to a row of panels that runs the length of an exterior wall from one side to the other. Multiple courses of siding are used to fill up an exterior wall.
• Drip Cap: Sometimes called the head flashing, the drip cap is a piece of trim used to deflect water away from the top portion of vertical siding.
• Double Channel Lineal: An accessory that attaches two soffit panels.
• Exposure: It refers to the width of a board of siding. It is also called reveal.
• Face: It refers to the surface of a soffit or siding panel that is visible once the panel has been installed.
• Face-Nailing: It refers to the method of fastening directly onto the face of a panel. It is generally avoided in siding installation.
• Fascia Board: A board that runs horizontally and covers the ends of roof rafters.
• Flange: The part of a siding panel where the mounting holes are located.
• Flashing: A thin strip of material that is used around doors and windows to keep water from leaking into the home.
• Lap: It is short for overlap. Overlapping the ends of two accessory pieces or panels of siding allows for the expansion and contraction of the material.
• Miter: To make a diagonal cut at a 45-degree angle. It provides an overall better and neater appearance to the siding.
• Nailing Strip: An additional framing member that helps facilitate soffit installation.
• Plumb: It refers to the measurement of an object that is exactly 90 degrees from a level surface.
• Profile: It refers to the shape of the face of the siding.
• Scoring: It is the method of running a scoring tool, such as a utility knife, across the face of a soffit or siding panel without cutting all the way through. It allows the panel to be bent and broken off easily.
• Sealant: A variety of compounds used to seal joints.
• Soffit: The part where the roofline meets the exterior walls.
• Starter Strip: A piece of accessory that secures the first course of siding to the wall.
• Water-Resistant Barrier: A material applied between the siding and sheathing that resists water.
• Weep Hole: It refers to an opening cut into the siding to allow for water runoff.

Common Types of Siding Materials

Over the years, various types of exterior cladding have come and gone, but a small number of staple materials have remained strong. A siding and roofing contractor takes a closer look at some of the most popular materials for residential siding:

Wood Siding

For centuries, wood siding was the primary option when brick or stone were not a practical choice. Common types of wood siding include shakes, shingles and planks. Wood siding accepts many different stains and finishes and provides an authentic and expensive look. The main drawbacks of this type of siding are its high cost and high maintenance needs.

Metal Siding

Metal siding in the form of aluminum or steel siding is known for its extreme durability and minimal maintenance. Metal is able to resist heat and fire, making it ideal for homes in hot climates or areas that are prone to wildfires. However, it does come with its own drawbacks. Metal can be dented, and finishes on older products can fade.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is the most affordable option on the market. It never needs repainting and is very durable, with some products warrantied for as long as 50 years. Its professional installation is also quicker than the installation of most of its alternatives. Bear in mind, though, that vinyl is a material that can be susceptible to heat damage as well as cracking in cold weather. When damaged, replacement of panels is typically the only option.

Fiber Cement Siding

An increasingly popular option is fiber cement. It is a largely maintenance-free product made from Portland cement and natural cellulose wood fibers. It is impervious to heat and flame and resists damage from moisture and insects. It tends to last very long; like vinyl, 50-year warranties on fiber cement products are very common. That said, fiber cement is a moderately expensive siding option. Its materials also tend to be heavy, which makes it more difficult to install than others. Finally, it may require repainting over time.

Call a Professional Contractor You Can Trust

No job is too small or big at Shine Construction Inc. Whether your home requires new siding installation or roof repair, you can count on us to take the time to explain all the key details about the job and answer any questions you may have. Our team is ready to boost the comfort and efficiency of your home. Just give us a call at (508) 278-3300 or fill out our convenient online form to get started.