SIDING TERMS
Whether you’re a homeowner, a contractor, or simply someone interested in understanding the various components and techniques involved in exterior siding, this dictionary is designed to provide you with a wealth of knowledge. From basic terminologies to advanced concepts, we have compiled an extensive collection of terms and definitions to help you navigate the world of siding with confidence.
Backer Board – A flat material used on the face of the house, between the studs and the siding, to provide a nailable surface for the siding.
Blind-nailing – A method of installing siding where nails are driven through the upper part of the siding, hiding them from view.
Board and Batten – A siding style characterized by wide vertical boards (boards) with narrower strips (battens) covering the seams. Board and batten siding is installed vertically.
Butt Joint – The point where two siding panels meet without overlapping.
Butt Lock – Located on the bottom edge of a vinyl panel which locks onto the previously installed panel.
Caulking – Waterproof material used to seal joints.
Channel – The area of the accessory trim or corner post where siding or soffit panels are inserted. Channels also refer to the trim itself, and are named for the letters of the alphabet they resemble, for example J-channel and F-channel are available
Clapboard – Overlapping, horizontal wood plank siding made from either rectangular planks or taped planks. Also known as bevel siding, it is a type of horizontal siding with overlapping, wedge-shaped boards.
Cornice – The decorative molding or projection that extends horizontally along the top edge of a wall.
Course – A row of panels, one panel wide, running the length of the house from one side to the other or, in the case of vertical siding, from top to bottom.
Cupping – A warp across the board in wood plank siding.
D4 Profile – Two four-inch wide horizontal traditional planks per single panel of siding.
D5 Profile – Two five-inch wide horizontal traditional planks per single panel of siding.
D6 Profile – Two six-inch wide horizontal traditional planks per single panel of siding.
Drip Cap – An accessory installed with vertical siding to ensure that water drips away from panels and does not infiltrate them; it is also used as a vertical base.
Drip Edge – A metal flashing installed at the edge of the roof to prevent water from seeping behind the siding.
Dutchlap – A more decorative variation on the clapboard style where the face (or width) of the board is beveled for added dimension.
Expansion Joint – A gap left between sections of siding to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
Fascia – The material that covers the end of the roof rafters and provides the finished appearance to the edge of the roof.
Fiber Cement Siding – A composite material made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, known for its resistance to fire, rot, and insects.
Flashing – A type of sheet metal used at intersections of building components to prevent water penetration, flashings are commonly used above doors and windows in exterior walls and are used under the siding to prohibit water penetration.
J-channel – A manufacturing component of vinyl siding systems that have a curved channel that the planks fit into, used around windows and doors to make a weathertight seal.
Lap Siding – A siding style where each board overlaps the one below it, creating a layered effect.
Miter – A miter joint is the meeting of two panels, usually at a 90-degree angle where each panel is cut at a 45-degree angle. Soffit material may be installed in this manner to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Nailing Hem (or Flange) – The section of siding or accessories where the nailing slots are located.
R-value – A measure of thermal resistance indicating how well siding or insulation can resist heat transfer.
Shake Siding – Siding made from wooden shingles or shakes that are usually arranged in a staggered pattern. Sometimes known as shingle siding, shake siding comes in widths from about four inches to 12 inches. It is installed like lap siding, starting at the lowest row, and moving up the wall. The random widths of the shakes provide a distinctive look to the wall.
Shiplap – A type of siding where the boards have a groove on one edge and a tongue on the other, allowing them to fit together tightly.
Siding Gauge – A tool used to measure and mark the desired overlap between adjacent siding panels.
Siding Nailer – A specialized pneumatic tool designed for fastening siding to the wall with nails or staples.
Siding Profile – The shape and design of the siding, such as smooth, textured, or decorative patterns.
Siding Vent – A ventilation system integrated into the siding to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
Soffit – Material used to enclose the horizontal underside of an eave, cornice, or overhang. Some soffit panels may also be used as vertical siding.
Starter Strip – A narrow strip of material, often metal or plastic, used as a base for the first row of siding to secure it to the wall. It is used to connect the first course of siding to the structure.
T3 Profile – Three three-inch wide horizontal traditional planks per single panel of siding.
Trim – The decorative elements, such as corner posts, window surrounds, and door frames, used to enhance the appearance of siding.
Underlayment – A layer of material, such as felt or house wrap, installed between the sheathing and siding for added protection.
Vapor Barrier – A material installed beneath the siding to prevent moisture from penetrating the walls.
Veneer – Veneer is one ply or one thickness of something; in siding, there are brick and stone veneers. There are also veneers of one wood bonded to another.
Vinyl Siding – A type of plastic siding made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that is popular for its durability and low maintenance.
Weather-resistant Barrier – A material installed between the siding and sheathing to protect against water and air infiltration.
Weep Hole – A small hole in the bottom butt edge of the vinyl siding panel, allowing condensation to escape.
Wood Shakes -Thick, rough, uneven shingles that hand split, split and sawn on one side, or sawn on both sides, used as siding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Insulated vinyl siding is a kind of exterior cladding for houses, apartment buildings, and commercial construction. Designed to mimic the look of traditional wood siding, it’s made from polyvinyl chloride resin. It serves not only decorative purposes but also provides other benefits, including weatherproofing and positively impacting energy efficiency.
Vinyl siding is popular due to its durability, low maintenance requirements, and wide range of available colors and styles. It is resistant to rot, insects, and weathering, making it a long-lasting and cost-effective option for protecting and beautifying the exterior of buildings.
The total cost of installing vinyl siding depends on the size of your home and how much of the old, existing siding you want to replace. At the top of this page, you can read about our comprehensive selection of vinyl siding to learn more information.
An essential argument for siding installation is that you can recoup most of its cost in the house’s increased value.
Give the siding experts at Volpe Enterprises a call for a free detailed estimate of your vinyl siding costs. Having been in business for over 50 years, we are a dependable siding contractor that can give your home a total overhaul or install a replacement piece or two.
Volpe Enterprises offers a large variety of insulated vinyl siding color palettes. Select siding trim in neutral and fresh white, timeless and classy gray, or if you wish to stand out in your neighborhood, opt for shades of blue.Our company offers over 40 different siding colors that will meet your expectations, regardless of your tastes. Check details and availability on our website, or contact us for online guidance or to arrange a meeting for a free quote with our experts near you!
New vinyl siding colors will last more than 10 years if appropriately maintained. We select only the highest quality building materials, so there is no need to worry that the installed siding colors will fade within a few months.Nonetheless, you may want to consider painting your vinyl siding about ten years after installation. But, again, do not hesitate to seek the help of experts near you.
Some homeowners who seek to reduce vinyl siding costs ponder if it is feasible to install vinyl siding following ‘DIY’ guides and, at first glance, it might be tempting. Regular vinyl siding installation doesn’t require as much effort as, for example, plumbing or electrical work. Furthermore, some experts claim that siding panels are easy to trim, and installing siding materials on exterior walls is plain and simple.However, as trained professionals with over 50 years of hands-on experience, we advise most homeowners not to fall into this trap.
First and foremost, consider labor costs. You may reduce them, but remember you recoup a large portion of siding installation with increased home value. Therefore, you must ensure a quality installment of your new vinyl siding. Many homeowners may encounter issues with a typical range of siding projects, not to mention dealing with complex architectural features. Sometimes, you must protect your vinyl siding from extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Make sure you are ready to face the challenges insulated siding projects may produce.
Now, put vinyl siding costs aside and consider safety. Exterior siding installation is challenging, and you’ll need specialized equipment to ensure a secure installation. Do not let prices mislead you; it’s a matter of well-being.Even if cost factors are critical to you, thanks to our expertise, you can save on material costs and avoid unplanned expenses in the future. It’s worth working with the experts! Learn more about how we install your siding.
Insulated Vinyl Siding may be more expensive than its non-insulated counterpart, but insulated vinyl siding is far more energy efficient, allowing you to recoup the investment in energy savings. Learn more about the benefits of insulated vinyl siding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Siding is a crucial component of a home’s exterior and can be quite costly. However, you can recoup a significant portion of your installation costs in the increased value of your home. According to Remodeling Magazine, new siding adds an average of 76.7 percent of the siding’s cost to the value of your home.
However, this is just an average and the actual value added depends on the type of siding you use, the quality of the material, how it’s installed, and the square foot area of the new siding. For a more detailed estimate and a free quote for your siding project, give Volpe Enterprises a call. As one of the premier siding companies in Bucks County, Chester County, and Montgomery County, PA, our siding installers have the expert knowledge to do the job the right way.
As a homeowner, you may be tempted to replace the siding yourself. Although this may seem achievable in some cases, we highly recommend thorough consideration before you start your siding replacement project yourself.
Siding installation requires some expertise, and you may need to contact a professional contractor if you don’t have any experience in the field. Different types of siding require other know-how, materials, and equipment. Be aware that there are some technical nuances you can spoil as a novice.
It would help if you had varied skills and materials (including safety equipment). If you want to ensure your home gets the best benefits and that you will be secure, seek the support of professional siding companies.
Learn more about what to expect when your siding is installed.
Asbestos siding was a popular material for exterior home construction in North America, particularly in the 1950s through 1970s. It was primarily used because it was inexpensive and long-lasting, but many people are now aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure.How to Identify Asbestos
Asbestos siding can be difficult to distinguish from safer alternatives because it was made to look the same.
However, most homes constructed after 1980 will not have asbestos siding. But if you live in an older home, and suspect that it contains asbestos, take the following steps:Test Your Siding
The best way to identify asbestos is by sending samples for testing. Because it’s difficult to tell if it’s present with an eye test, this is the only way that you can be 100% certain. In order to get your siding tested for asbestos, you need to send a sample to a qualified laboratory. To remove a piece of siding from your home, you can use a zip tool.However you can also,Look for fibers that are “ropey” or “curled” in appearance: This is one of the most common methods of asbestos detection. If you notice this texture, you’re probably dealing with a product containing asbestos.Check for a company label: It’s not always easy to tell what type of material is being used on your house from the outside, but if you do see a company label, it might say “asbestos” somewhere on it.Hire a Professional Siding Contractor
If you’re not familiar with this process, you should have a siding contractor inspect your home. They will be able to detect asbestos more easily and collect appropriate samples for testing. And if you need a siding company that you can trust, Volpe Enterprises has your back. Established in 1970, we’ve been the go to siding experts in your area for over 50 years. For a free quote and inspection of your property give us a call!
New vinyl siding colors will last more than 10 years if appropriately maintained. We select only the highest quality building materials, so there is no need to worry that the installed siding colors will fade within a few months.Nonetheless, you may want to consider painting your vinyl siding about ten years after installation. But, again, do not hesitate to seek the help of experts near you.
Some homeowners who seek to reduce vinyl siding costs ponder if it is feasible to install vinyl siding following ‘DIY’ guides and, at first glance, it might be tempting. Regular vinyl siding installation doesn’t require as much effort as, for example, plumbing or electrical work. Furthermore, some experts claim that siding panels are easy to trim, and installing siding materials on exterior walls is plain and simple.However, as trained professionals with over 50 years of hands-on experience, we advise most homeowners not to fall into this trap.
First and foremost, consider labor costs. You may reduce them, but remember you recoup a large portion of siding installation with increased home value. Therefore, you must ensure a quality installment of your new vinyl siding. Many homeowners may encounter issues with a typical range of siding projects, not to mention dealing with complex architectural features. Sometimes, you must protect your vinyl siding from extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Make sure you are ready to face the challenges insulated siding projects may produce.
Now, put vinyl siding costs aside and consider safety. Exterior siding installation is challenging, and you’ll need specialized equipment to ensure a secure installation. Do not let prices mislead you; it’s a matter of well-being.Even if cost factors are critical to you, thanks to our expertise, you can save on material costs and avoid unplanned expenses in the future. It’s worth working with the experts! Learn more about how we install your siding.
Insulated Vinyl Siding may be more expensive than its non-insulated counterpart, but insulated vinyl siding is far more energy efficient, allowing you to recoup the investment in energy savings. Learn more about the benefits of insulated vinyl siding.