Replacing your home’s siding is one of the best ways to improve your curb appeal and increase your home’s value. When it’s time to replace the siding on your home, you have many decisions to make. The type of siding, color, and contractor you hire are just some decisions homeowners face. You’ll also need to consider the pros and cons of vertical vs. horizontal siding installation.
The key differences between vertical and horizontal siding installation are in the way the siding is installed and the visual effect it creates. This article will address the pros and cons of vertical vs. horizontal siding installation.
What Is Vertical Siding?
If you’ve heard of board and batten siding, you’re familiar with vertical siding. Vertical board and batten siding have long been popular for cottages and farmhouse-style homes.
What Is Horizontal Siding?
Sometimes called clapboard or lap siding, horizontal siding is America’s most popular type. The earliest homes in America were built using natural wood siding hung horizontally.
Deciding What’s Right For Your Home
Both vertical and horizontal siding have pros and cons to consider. Here are a few key factors to consider for each style.
Pros of Vertical Siding
Vertical, or board and batten siding, is most commonly used on farmhouse and country designs. It’s also become a popular trend for both modern and traditional homes. Homeowners often choose a mixture of vertical and horizontal siding for a unique design. The clean lines and layered textures will give your home’s exterior a custom look that horizontal siding alone can’t provide. Vertical siding is also easier to clean since nothing prevents the water from flowing to the ground, washing away dust and debris. Vertical siding is easier to maintain if you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen.
Cons of Vertical Siding
As with any design element, it’s essential to weigh the disadvantages. Vertical siding is often more costly because of additional labor and material costs. When vertical siding is installed, you need a furring strip between each panel, which isn’t needed for horizontal panels. This increases both material costs and installation time. Not all contractors are experienced with vertical siding installation, so it is essential to ensure you hire a contractor who understands proper installation techniques.
Pros of Horizontal Siding
It has a great appearance that works on virtually any style of home. Since it is familiar to more contractors, installing horizontal siding on your home is faster and easier. It is generally more cost-effective since less labor is required over vertical siding installation.
Cons of Horizontal Siding
Water is more likely to impact horizontal siding. Water can collect on the tops of the planks and penetrate the walls, causing interior and exterior problems. When siding is installed correctly and homeowners are vigilant, most of these problems can be avoided. If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snowfall, taking extra precautions to ensure water flows off your siding and away from your home is essential.
The Best Siding For Your Home
Your design vision for your home is crucial. Do you want a traditional or unique look? If you want a traditional look, horizontal siding is the best choice. Vertical siding usually looks better on farmhouse-style or contemporary homes. If you want your house to stand out in your neighborhood, installing vertical siding is an attention-getter.
If you can’t choose between horizontal or vertical siding, consider installing a unique combination of both! Typically, homeowners who install horizontal and vertical siding cover most of their house in horizontal siding, and the gables, dormers, and other accent features with vertical siding. This combination gives you the best of both worlds.
4 Important Factors to Consider
Curb Appeal
Vertical siding is less common due to its unique appearance. However, vertical siding is an excellent choice for some architectural styles. Vertical siding is popular for modern homes, creating a sleek, contemporary look. However, it may not be the right choice for those who live in traditional neighborhoods with primarily Colonial-style homes. Resale value is another important consideration. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, you don’t want your home to stick out from the rest of the neighborhood. If most houses in your area have horizontal siding, stick with the same on your home.
Cost
For any home improvement project, the cost is a top concern. Vertical siding may come at a higher price due to the complexity of the installation. Many factors can impact the cost of your project, whether you choose vertical or horizontal siding. The materials, the size of your home, labor, and any unique installation requirements all factor into the final cost of your siding project.
Strength and Durability
Whether you choose vertical or horizontal siding, choosing the right product is essential. James Hardie is the only siding company that manufactures siding and trim products for specific climates, ensuring you get the best performance for your region. Their HardieZone® System protects against extreme weather conditions and seasonal transitions, ensuring that their fiber cement products are both long-lasting and beautiful.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for all siding materials and styles. Proper upkeep ensures your siding lasts a long time and your home’s exterior looks its best. James Hardie is a low-maintenance option for your home’s exterior. It’s resistant to insects, rot, peeling, chipping, and cracking. The ColorPlus® finish comes with a 15-year guarantee. Most homeowners rinse their James Hardie siding gently with a garden hose each year to remove dust and dirt.
Contact A Local James Hardie Siding Expert
Choosing James Hardie siding is the first step. Hiring the right contractor to install it is equally important. Banner Construction is proud to be a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor. This distinction is awarded to contractors with specialized training and a proven track record of high-quality workmanship. Hiring us to install your fiber cement siding will ensure that it will last many years, and the warranty will be in effect if you ever need to use it.
We’ve been in business since 1993, beautifying homes throughout St. Louis and St. Charles Counties. We provide exterior restoration and replacement services, including James Hardie fiber cement siding, premium window replacements, and low-maintenance PVC decks. Banner Construction is proud of our outstanding reputation for customer service and excellent workmanship. We have received the Guidemaster Award for Excellence several years in a row. This award is for reliable service and on-time and on-budget performance. Contact us online or call 314-356-9861 to schedule a free consultation.