Ever driven by a house and done a double take? There’s something about its appearance that grabs your attention. You know it’s siding, but why does it look so amazing? Here is a brief guide to siding types and styles that can add curb appeal.
Horizontal Lap Siding
One of the most common and therefore popular types of exterior cladding is horizontal lap siding. It gets its name from the direction the panels are positioned (side to side) and how they are attached (overlapping). Horizontal lap siding suits traditional, colonial and other heritage architectural styles. Because of its overall uncomplicated, geometric appearance, this type of exterior cladding also works well with asymmetrical or contemporary houses.
Board and Batten
Board and batten is a kind of vertical (up and down) siding. Planks typically range from six to 12 inches wide and strips of wood, called battens, are fastened between the boards to cover the joints. The general effect is one of siding panels with raised edges. Because of its orientation, board and batten siding can make a home appear taller. Historically applied to farm buildings, particularly barns, because it was a cost-effective way to side a building, today board and batten siding is used to evoke a simpler way of life.
Shingles
The simple lines of shingle siding is particularly fitting for a historic, traditional or heritage style home. But wood shingles or fiber cement shingles are appearing more frequently on modern and contemporary homes as well. Even when siding shingles are made from an engineered material like wood composite or fiber cement, they give the home exterior a charming warmth.
Wood Strip Siding
The horizontal application of wood strip siding will make your home appear more extensive than it is. Depending on the species of wood chosen, it is one of the more expensive siding choices, but some homeowners think it’s worth the stunning effect. It does require a high quality waterproof membrane to prevent water from seeping in behind. Wood strip siding is a great alternative for contemporary homes.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement panels are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to create a unique look. Commonly used on modern and contemporary exteriors, cement fiber panels with an imitation finish (wood grain or cedar shingle) can also be applied to more traditional style houses.
Brick
Brick siding is often associated with two polar opposites, strength and warmth. It is versatile siding material because it can be arranged in a variety of patterns for maximum effect. It is also very durable, require little maintenance.
Stone
Traditional, quarried stone was heavy and difficult to install. However, due to evolving technologies, stone can be cut into thin pieces known as veneers. Like brick, stone siding is long lasting and relatively easy to maintain.
