When considering exterior siding options for your home, vertical siding stands out as a sleek, modern choice. But before making a decision, you likely have questions about what exactly vertical siding is, what the benefits are, and whether it makes sense for your home. This article provides the answers. We discuss what defines vertical siding and how it differs from traditional horizontal installation. We explore the aesthetic and functional advantages of vertical siding, from its clean lines to its weather resistance. We offer guidance on factors to weigh when deciding if vertical siding is the right choice for your exterior design vision, climate, and budget. With the insights here, you’ll understand if the modern look of vertical siding is the ideal match for your home.
What Is Vertical Siding?
Vertical siding is a type of exterior cladding where siding panels or boards are installed in a vertical orientation, as opposed to the traditional horizontal siding. This style of siding has gained popularity for its unique aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Vertical siding can be made from various materials such as vinyl, aluminum, steel, composite, authentic wood, and more, each offering distinct advantages like durability, low maintenance requirements, insulation, resistance to weathering, and cost-effectiveness.
The installation of vertical siding involves vertical furring strips and corner posts to support the siding panel or board, creating an air gap between the siding and the wall for insulation and ventilation.One of the key advantages of vertical siding is its ability to create an illusion of upward movement, making buildings appear taller and more grandiose, while also providing a modern and contemporary feel, adding depth and texture to the exterior, and allowing for more design flexibility compared to traditional horizontal siding
The Benefits of Choosing Vertical Siding
If you’re considering new siding for your home, vertical siding offers many advantages over traditional horizontal lap siding.
Low Maintenance
Unlike wood siding that requires frequent painting and sealing, vertical siding made of materials like vinyl, aluminum, and fiber cement is low maintenance. These materials do not rot, warp, or dent and never need to be painted. You’ll save time and money on upkeep.
Modern Aesthetic
The vertical lines of this siding create a sleek, modern look. If you want to update the appearance of your home, vertical siding is an easy way to achieve a contemporary design. The variety of colors and styles available, like board and batten or lap siding, allow you to customize the look to your tastes.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Properly installed vertical siding provides an extra layer of insulation for your home. Materials like vinyl and fiber cement are poor conductors of heat and cold, helping to regulate the temperature inside your home. Any gaps or seams are also less likely to allow air leaks, which can improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Increased Curb Appeal
A new, modern siding can greatly enhance your home’s curb appeal and resale value. The clean, uniform look of vertical siding gives homes a sleek, stylish appearance that appeals to many homeowners and buyers. With so many color and style options, you can choose siding that complements your home’s architecture and highlights its best features.
Overall, vertical siding offers many benefits with little downside. For a low-maintenance, energy efficient home with modern appeal, vertical siding is an excellent choice. By considering the many options available, you can select siding that suits both your needs and sense of style.
The Drawbacks of Vertical Siding You Should Know
While vertical siding can provide an ultra-modern look to homes, it does come with some potential downsides that homeowners should be aware of before installation.
Higher Upfront Cost
Compared to traditional horizontal siding, vertical siding tends to cost 10-15% more due to the specialized materials and installation techniques required. The boards themselves are often more expensive, as are the flashing, trim pieces, and installation. The total cost will depend on the specific type of vertical siding you choose, but you can expect to pay between $8 to $12 per square foot installed.
More Seams
With vertical siding, there are more seams where the boards meet, which can potentially allow more opportunities for air and water infiltration. To prevent this, it’s critical that the siding is installed properly with weather-resistant barriers behind it and that all seams are caulked and sealed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When installed correctly, vertical siding should provide the same weatherproofing as other siding options.
May Require More Maintenance
Due to the increased number of seams, vertical siding may require slightly more maintenance to ensure caulk and seals remain intact. It’s a good idea to inspect the siding each year and re-caulk or re-seal any seams or trim pieces that show signs of damage or wear. Properly maintaining your vertical siding will help ensure it continues to protect your home for decades to come.
While vertical siding is an attractive option for many homeowners looking to achieve a modern architectural style, it’s important to go into the process with realistic expectations about the potential downsides. However, when professionally installed and properly maintained, vertical siding can be a durable and weather-resistant choice for your home.
What to Consider When Installing Vertical Siding
When opting for vertical siding, there are several factors you must consider to ensure proper installation and performance. Vertical siding provides an sleek, modern aesthetic, but requires precision to achieve an seamless finish.
Material
The most popular vertical siding materials are vinyl, fiber cement, and aluminum. Vinyl is an affordable, low-maintenance choice, while fiber cement has the appearance of wood without the maintenance. Aluminum siding is long-lasting but tends to dent. Consider your climate and budget when choosing a material.
Wall Condition
Vertical siding will not hide imperfections in your wall surface, so inspect your walls for any damage or uneven areas and repair them prior to installation. The siding must have a smooth, flat surface to adhere to in order to hang properly.
Seam Placement
With vertical siding, the seams where panels join together are highly visible. Take time to plan the seam placement so they fall in a symmetrical, orderly fashion on your walls. Map out each wall and determine where you want seams prior to installation for the best results.
Panel Height
For the most dramatic look, choose siding panels that extend up to the full height of your walls. Shorter panels, while easier to install, do not achieve the same custom finish and streamlined appearance of full-height panels. Consider both the appearance you want as well as your ability to safely install taller panels.
Trim
Quality trim pieces, like J-channel and corner posts, provide a professional finish for vertical siding. J-channel trim is used around windows, doors, and corners. Corner posts provide an attractive finish for outside corners. Trim helps to properly seal and secure the siding panels.
When installed correctly, vertical siding can transform the exterior of your home. However, precision and care are required to achieve an optimal result. Consider the factors above to ensure your vertical siding meets both your aesthetic and performance needs. With some forethought and patience, you can enjoy the modern style of vertical siding for years to come.
Vertical Siding Styles, Colors and Patterns
Vertical siding, also known as board and batten siding, provides a sleek, modern exterior for homes and buildings. The vertical orientation of the siding boards creates a dramatic look that directs the eye upwards, making spaces seem more open and airy. There are several styles, colors and patterns of vertical siding to choose from to achieve your desired architectural style.
Styles
The most common styles of vertical siding are:
- Wood: Cedar, redwood and pine boards are popular, durable options. Wood siding requires regular maintenance like staining or painting.
- Composite: Made from a mix of wood fibers and plastics, composite vertical siding offers the natural look of wood with lower maintenance. Brands like TruWood and Ply Gem offer composite vertical siding.
- Vinyl: Vinyl vertical siding is low-maintenance, durable and cost-effective. It can mimic the look of real wood while resisting rot, dents, and scratches.
- Fiber Cement: Made from wood fibers, cement, and sand, fiber cement vertical siding is fire-resistant and termite-proof. Brands such as James Hardie offer fiber cement vertical siding that can last up to 50 years.
Colors
You can choose from a variety of neutral and wood tone colors for vertical siding to complement your home’s overall color scheme. Popular options include:
- Natural wood stains and tints: Let the natural wood grain show through.
- Greys: Light grey, charcoal grey, blue-grey. Grey vertical siding is a popular, modern choice.
- Tans and browns: Warm beiges, light browns, and deeper chocolate browns.
- Reds and oranges: For a rustic look, consider brick red or terra cotta.
- Bright whites or off-whites: For a crisp, clean appearance.
Patterns
Simple, single-width vertical boards are a classic choice, but you can also achieve more intricate looks with different patterns:
- Board and batten: Wide vertical boards separated by narrow vertical battens.
- Shiplap: Boards with rabbeted edges installed to create a channel.
- Shadow box: Vertical boards of different widths and depths to create a recessed pattern.
- Cedar shake: Vertical boards cut and split to resemble wood shakes.
Conclusion
You now have a solid understanding of what vertical siding is, the benefits it provides, and how to determine if it’s the right exterior for your home. With its clean, modern aesthetic and durability, vertical siding can transform the look and feel of your property. Carefully weigh your siding options, do your research, and don’t be afraid to think outside the horizontal box. The sleek, contemporary style of vertical siding could be the perfect choice to update your home’s exterior to match your vision. Make the bold, confident statement you’re looking for by taking the vertical leap. If you’re ready to take the next step and install vertical siding on your home, the experts at Rhino Oakland Window Replacement & Siding are here to help.
Our team of experienced professionals can guide you through the process, from selecting the right materials to ensuring a flawless installation. We pride ourselves on delivering top-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service, so you can feel confident in your decision to choose vertical siding for your home. Don’t settle for a dull, outdated exterior any longer. Transform your home with the sleek, modern look of vertical siding, and let Rhino Oakland Window Replacement & Siding help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a beautiful, updated home that reflects your personal style.
FAQ
What are the benefits of vertical siding?
Vertical siding offers several benefits, including a unique and modern aesthetic that can enhance your home’s curb appeal. It is also effective at shedding rain and snow, reducing the risk of water infiltration and moisture damage. Additionally, vertical siding can make a home appear taller and more imposing, which can be particularly beneficial for single-story homes or buildings with low rooflines.
What materials are commonly used for vertical siding?
Vertical siding can be made from various materials, including vinyl, wood, fiber cement, and metal. Vinyl is popular due to its low maintenance and affordability. Wood offers a classic, natural look but requires more maintenance. Fiber cement is durable and resistant to pests and rot, while metal provides a sleek, modern appearance and is extremely durable and fire-resistant.
Is vertical siding more expensive than horizontal siding?
The cost of vertical siding can be slightly higher than horizontal siding due to the additional labor involved in the installation and the need for more complex flashing techniques to prevent water infiltration. However, the exact cost difference depends on the material chosen and the complexity of the installation. The long-term benefits, such as enhanced durability and unique appearance, can make vertical siding a worthwhile investment.
How do I maintain vertical siding?
Maintenance requirements for vertical siding depend on the material. Vinyl siding is low maintenance and usually requires only occasional cleaning with a hose or pressure washer. Wood siding needs regular painting or staining to protect it from the elements. Fiber cement siding requires minimal maintenance but should be inspected periodically for any signs of damage. Metal siding is also low maintenance but may need periodic cleaning to remove dirt and prevent rust.
Can vertical siding be installed on any type of home?
Yes, vertical siding can be installed on most types of homes. It is a versatile option that can complement various architectural styles, from modern to traditional. However, it’s essential to work with an experienced contractor who understands the specific installation techniques required for vertical siding to ensure it is properly installed and provides the desired aesthetic and functional benefits.
