Siding Selection Simplified

Discover the world of siding—a protective covering for homes and similar structures that defends against weather, impacts, and bothersome insects, ensuring your home stays safe and protected.

Think of siding as the first line of defense, standing tall against the forces of nature that try to harm your dwelling. For instance, it valiantly repels troublesome insects like termites.

With a wide variety of materials, patterns, and colors, siding not only adds curb appeal but also allows homeowners to showcase their personal style.

This introductory guide will help you understand the benefits of siding and what are the diffeent types available in the market.

Let’s explore the types of siding together!

Eco-Friendly Siding

Homeowners prioritize eco-friendly siding due to energy savings, environmental conservation, and enhanced property value. When ordering siding, it’s essential to consider its environmental impact, determined by factors like recyclability, energy efficiency, material type, local sourcing, and more.

Wood, among the oldest siding materials, endures generations due to its durability and effectiveness. Its natural properties eliminate the need for additional, potentially harmful materials.

However, cutting down trees for wood raises environmental concerns. Opting for reclaimed wood emerges as the more eco-friendly choice.

Cedar’s affordability extends to transportation as it’s lighter compared to other siding options.

On the other hand, engineered wood siding emits no chemicals or debris.

Unlike traditional wood sidings, the production of engineered wood doesn’t contribute to deforestation, with lower wood content than other wood sidings.

Furthermore, engineered wood siding releases no chemicals or debris during the process of installation or demolition.

Fiber-cement siding is a great sustainable option. It’s made from natural materials like cement, cellulose, and sand—no deforestation involved.

With a limited warranty, it offers 50 years of quality performance without repainting or repairs.

EcoBuild + is an experienced with Hardie board siding and how to install it well.

If you’re considering Hardie board siding for your home, we ensure you get great value through our efficient and effective work

We are committed to sustainability, employing green construction techniques and materials to ensure our work is environmentally responsible.

Composite Siding

Traditionally, composite siding manufacturers used fibrous wood pieces as a base, bonding them with elements that can help it withstand weather, resist termite damage and more.

Engineered wood sidingoffers the look of natural wood, a subset of composite siding, it consists of wood strands or fibers bonded with resin under heat and pressure.

Masonite Siding is an engineered wood variant, formed by steam-cooked and pressure-molded wood fibers, a method patented by William H. Mason

While it offers some improvements over traditional wood siding, it remains vulnerable to many of the problems associated with wood building materials, including damage caused by moisture, weather, pests, and fire.

However, composite siding alternatives incorporate materials beyond wood, like cement.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding finds application in residential houses and select commercial projects due to its durability, longevity, and minimal upkeep requirements.

This semi-rigid material offers substantial protection while retaining a degree of flexibility.

Fiber cement comprises basic ingredients: cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers.

However, the specific composition varies among manufacturers.

Some brands also incorporate proprietary additives to enhance the product’s performance.

Insulated Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding, primarily made from polyvinyl chloride, is a cost-effective choice for siding.

However regular vinyl siding has its weaknesses.

Harsh weather conditions can cause it to break or get damaged.

Insulated vinyl siding is like regular vinyl siding but with an added layer of EPS (expanded polystyrene) attached to it. This makes it more durable and resistant to fading and warping.

The foam insulation is permanently attached during manufacturing, making the siding more stable.

With insulated siding, your home will stay at a comfortable temperature all year round, saving you money on energy bills in winter.

It also reduces noise levels by up to 40%, providing a quieter living space.

Additionally, it sheds water and prevents mold growth, keeping you warm during cold winter nights.

Metal Cladding

Metal cladding, also called wall cladding, comprises metal panels that cover the exterior side of residential or commercial building walls.

While steel is the most common material used for metal siding, you can also find panels made from copper, zinc, and aluminum.

Metal cladding consistently earns its reputation as one of the best siding options due to its durability, low maintenance, fire resistance, and curb appeal.

These qualities make it a preferred choice over other materials.

Aluminum siding may be cost-effective, however it is prone to dents and lacks desired energy efficiency.

It can get very hot during hot weather, stressing HVAC systems.

Wood Clapboard Siding

For thousands of years, wood siding has been an integral part of home construction. Fom rustic log cabins of earlier settlers to grand Georgian style mansions, adapting to various shapes and forms.

Cedar, Cypress, and Redwood stand out as highly weather-resistant woods compared to others.

Typically, redwood or cedar siding is chosen for traditional wood siding because of their superior resistance to decay.

Furthermore, are commonly used for exterior home siding due to their availability and durability.

Wood siding is available in different styles.

Moreover, wood siding comes in horizontal and vertical profiles, as well as traditional shakes and shingles.

Horizontal wood clapboard or beveled lap siding features overlapping joints that help repel water.

It offers the flexibility of being painted, stained, or treated with oil.

Siding Patterns

Horizontal and vertical siding offer distinct aesthetic qualities.

Horizontal siding, the more conventional type, complements shingles, making it a common choice for traditional-style homes.

Additionally, vertical siding is ideal for contemporary-style homes and barn-style exteriors, although it’s less commonly used.

In terms of performance, vertical siding is generally more impact-resistant and provides better insulation compared to horizontal siding.

However, some homeowners prioritize low maintenance and are willing to trade a bit of durability and a small increase in R-value for it.

Horizontal Siding

Horizontal siding is the most common and straightforward pattern. It’s easy to install and effectively protects your home from outdoor elements.

In the past, horizontal siding was mostly made of wood, but now you can find more durable options like insulated vinyl siding or fiber cement siding with a wood grain finish.

This gives you the traditional wooden look without the high maintenance.

Clapboard siding, also known as lap, beveled, or horizontal siding, is the most popular type.

It comes in three styles: traditional lap, Dutch lap, and beaded seam.

Overall, these horizontal patterns offer a timeless and visually appealing appearance while protecting your home from the elements.

Each style has different materials and finishes to choose from.

Choose the one that best complements your home’s style and your personal preferences.

Lap Siding

This style of siding has horizontal boards that are partially layered, so rainwater rolls off each board’s surface. It’s the standard and most common type of horizontal siding.

The boards are usually 4-6 inches wide, and they are nailed by putting the top of one board underneath the bottom of the board above it.

Dutch Lap Siding

Similar to traditional lap siding, Dutch lap siding has a groove at the top of each horizontal board, adding texture. It’s typically made of vinyl and comes in larger pieces, resembling two panels connected.

The ridges in the siding give the illusion of multiple panels stacked on top of each other.

Dutch lap siding lays flatter on the side of the home, but it’s a versatile look that suits various home styles.

Beaded Seam

This style has a ‘bead’ at the bottom of each board, creating texture.

Beaded seam siding is a personalized version of traditional clapboard siding, with a V-shaped lip at the panel’s bottom that curls underneath it, casting a shadow on the panel below for a striking contrast.

It’s perfect for giving your home a Victorian or Colonial style.

Shiplap Siding

Shiplap Siding is a variation of drop lap siding that creates a secure and snug connection between the boards.

It resembles tongue and groove siding, but with a single overlap of around 1/2″ in depth, which can vary based on the board width or the shiplap profile chosen (6″, 8″, 10″).

Shiplap siding is great for creating a snug seal while allowing the siding to “breathe” with changes in season and humidity.

You can install ship-lap siding either horizontally or vertically.

When installed vertically, ensure the ends are bevel cut, and the siding directs water to the outside to prevent water infiltration during rainfall.

Vertical Siding

Vertical siding patterns provide a distinctive and visually appealing alternative to the more common horizontal options.

Moreover, vertical siding adds charm to small spaces and brings a contemporary feel or a dramatic sense of height when used on the entire exterior of your home.

It can also serve as an accent to highlight your home’s architectural features.

Furthermore, it offers a particular advantage in its resistance to water-related damage.

Thanks to its orientation, water effortlessly runs off its surface, reducing the risk of damage

Board And Batten Siding

Board and batten vinyl siding is a traditional pattern with vertical boards and raised strips in between.

These strips protect from water and create cool shadows when the sun shines.

It’s durable, affordable, and perfect for those who want a unique look.

The siding is laid vertically using two sizes of boards: mainboards (about one foot wide) and skinny strips called battens to cover the seams.

You can choose from different materials like wood, aluminum, vinyl, or composite.

It gives your home a cool Victorian Gothic or farmhouse style.

Another option is reverse board and batten, where wider strips go over the seams.

Vertical siding might not be as popular as horizontal or shake, but it adds a special touch and fits your aesthetic needs.

Panel Siding

Panel siding is a type of siding that’s similar to traditional lap siding but installed vertically.

It uses flush, layered panels to create a smooth and modern look for your home’s exterior.

It also offers a consistent and flat appeal, giving your home a unique and stylish character that stands out.

Tongue And Groove Siding

Tongue & Groove siding comes with a wide range of profiles – the outline or shape of the board.

The clarity or shading of the line between the boards after installation depends on the edge shape o pattern profile that you choose.

Moving on to the traditional patterns, these have edges that are “beveled,” forming a V shape.

The depth and angle of the bevel determine how distinct the edges will appear when installed on your wall.

After you’ve put them up, shiplap and tongue and groove siding appear quite alike.

However, tongue and groove planks are a bit different.

One side’s edge has a small projection sticking out, and the other side has a matching small indentation.

When installing, the tongue of one plank fits into the groove of the next one.

However, before installation, examine the cut edges of planks for each type of paneling, and you’ll immediately notice the major distinction between them.

Shake Siding

Shake patterns present a distinctive and visually captivating choice for wooden siding.

These are made up of smaller siding pieces layered to add personality to a home’s exterior.

There are several shapes available with shake patterns, such as:

Square
Round
Staggered Shakes
Mitered Corner
Octagonal
Hexagonal
Fish Scale
Half Cove

Shake siding bring abundant texture and curb appeal to your home. While installing them takes more time and costs more than horizontal or vertical siding, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re after that specific appearance.

For those with a bold or creative inclination, think about using shake siding patterns to accentuate your home’s exterior.

Cedar wood is the traditional material for this style, there are engineered siding options that offer the same rustic look at a lower price and with reduced maintenance demands.

Many variations play with alternating sizes of the same shape, delivering a distinctive charm to your home.

Hardie Board Siding

Hardie Board siding, made by James Hardie, is a highly durable option that not only looks great but also comes with a strong warranty. Comprising cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it protects and enhances homes effectively.

This siding withstands various weather conditions, remaining resilient against rain, hail, wind, storms, snow, and temperature changes. Furthermore it isn’t combustible.

It also resists moisture penetration, preventing issues like rotting, swelling, or warping that might require repairs.

Moreover, it’s important to note that James Hardie’s ColorPlus Technology comes with a 15-year warranty against peeling, chipping, and cracking.

This technology also offers a wide range of stunning James Hardie siding colors.

Siding Contractor Chicago

Trust EcoBuild + siding contractor Chicago for a professional siding installation – call us now!

Your satisfaction is paramount. From superior customer service to clear communication at every step, we’re here for you. Rest assured in our transparent pricing and ongoing post-project support.

Opt for us to replace your old siding with top-quality materials and unparalleled expertise.

Which siding is best for homes?

Fiber cement siding is known for its ability to withstand weather conditions and is even fire-resistant. On the other hand, wood siding remains popular for its versatility, it offers flexibility in terms of color, as it can be painted or stained in various shades, and it comes in diverse styles.

What is the cheapest siding for a house?

Vinyl siding is an affordable option for siding, with low material and installation costs. It’s quick to install and can be placed over existing material. On average, the cost of vinyl siding ranges from $2 to $7 per square foot, including installation.

Insulated vinyl siding: 20-40 years
Wood siding: 20-40 years
Metal Cladding: 20-40 years
Fiber cement siding: 50+ years

Siding

Siding Selection Simplified