A Quick Guide to Combining Siding Materials and Profiles

Your siding plays a significant role in your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency and comfort. Siding offers protection from harsh weather conditions and outdoor elements. Regular maintenance can keep it in good shape and even prolong its life. Over time, the need for a siding replacement will arise. 

A major home improvement project like this involves making many decisions. You want to invest in products that will last long and provide superior weather protection for your home. Besides durability and longevity, aesthetics also matter when choosing and designing your new siding. Here are helpful tips for combining siding materials and profiles. 

What Are Today’s Most Popular Siding Materials?

Vinyl

For several reasons, vinyl is one of today’s most popular siding options. It comes in a wide range of colors and styles. With vinyl siding, you don’t need to worry about constant maintenance. All it takes is regular cleaning to maintain its appeal and longevity. It withstands extreme weather and harsh elements like hail and high winds. Another reason homeowners love this material is that it’s cost-effective. 

Aluminum

Cost-effectiveness and sustainability are among the first things homeowners consider when choosing materials for their siding replacement project. Aluminum siding is often made from recycled materials and can be reclaimed after use. It helps reduce the amount of construction waste that ends up in landfills. Manufacturers apply protective coatings over the material to improve its durability and for erosion prevention. 

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement possesses the attractiveness of natural wood, but it doesn’t require as much maintenance. It comes in various styles, colors and textures that can increase your home’s curb appeal. This siding material can last for about 50 years with proper installation and maintenance. It offers superior resistance to high winds, hail and fire. Fiber cement also withstands warping and fading, meaning it can keep your exterior attractive for longer. 

Cedar Siding

Cedar carries a rustic appearance that can add warmth to your home. You can either go for a natural wood look or have it painted to a color that complements your home’s architectural style. This material naturally resists moisture, meaning it’s less likely to rot, warp or crack. 

It’s also highly sustainable because it’s biodegradable and has minimal impact on the environment. Energy efficiency is one more thing you can count on from cedar siding. After installation, you’ll immediately notice a significant improvement in your comfort and a reduction in your utility costs. To enjoy all these benefits, make sure to work with a reliable siding contractor like Shine Construction Inc. 

Composite

Another well-liked siding option is composite. It’s comprised of scrap wood pressed and bonded with resins. Manufacturers treat them with chemicals to prevent fungal growth and insect infestation. You can get this material in various styles that resemble the look of natural wood. Moreover, composite siding is a cost-effective and durable option that can make your home look more inviting and aesthetically pleasing. 

What Are Your Siding Profile Options?

Traditional Lap

Horizontal is the most popular siding pattern as it effectively sheds snow and rain and helps prevent water protrusion. Traditional lap siding involves partially placing boards on top of each other. Your siding contractor might suggest this option if it rains a lot where you live. 

Dutch Lap

From afar, it’s easy to mistake Dutch lap siding for traditional lap profile. This siding profile has a groove at the upper part of the boards. The shadow that the boards cast adds depth, texture and appeal to your siding. 

Beaded

Another horizontal siding pattern you should consider is beaded. These boards feature a bead at the bottom for added texture. 

Board and Batten

In some cases, houses look more appealing with vertical siding patterns. An option you may consider is the board and batten profile. It features boards that lie vertically with battens to conceal gaps. The shadow from the elevated battens makes this siding profile striking.  

Panel

Similar to traditional lap siding, panel siding has boards installed on top of each other. However, the boards are in a vertical position instead of horizontal. 

Shake 

Homeowners typically use wood shakes as accents to their siding. You can get them in several styles and shapes such as staggered, square, round, half cove, fish scale, octagonal, hexagonal and mitered corner.

Tips for Combining Siding Materials and Profiles

Play With Colors

A well-designed home exterior has three colors or more for the roof, walls and accents. If you are using two materials for your siding, consider hues that don’t look too similar. This way, it’s easy to distinguish one from the other. By using different colors, you will be able to accentuate the beauty of each material.

When combining colors, consider one in a darker hue and another in a lighter one for contrast. Another option is to use two shades of the same color to create cohesion and harmony. No matter what color you choose, it’s essential that it goes well with the rest of your home’s exterior. At Shine Construction Inc., we can help you select the best color combinations for your home’s exterior. We’re also here to assist with your roof and window replacement projects. 

Consider Different Textures

The use of varying textures will elevate the look of your home’s exterior. Again, it will be easier to set materials apart if they differ in texture. Experts recommend choosing one material with a smooth finish and another one with more character in it. 

Experiment With Profiles

Besides playing with textures, you can also try experimenting with different profiles. Many homeowners love the look of horizontal planks on the lower level and scallops or shakes on the upper floors. 

Let Shine Construction Inc. help you create an eye-catching home exterior. We install vinyl and cedar siding in a wide range of styles and hues. You can also rely on us for high-quality roof, gutter and window replacement services. Call us at (508) 278-3300 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.