There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the exterior siding for your home. Some people prefer vertical siding, while others like horizontal. However, there is one thing that most homeowners don’t know: which type works better? In this blog post, we will look at some of the pros and cons of each option to figure out which is best for you!
WHAT IS HORIZONTAL SIDING?
Horizontal siding is a type of exterior cladding that hangs the boards from left to right. This design goes by many names, including “lap” or “clapboard.” It has been around for centuries and was traditionally used in homes made with natural wood materials. Nowadays, it can be found in a variety of colors and styles. If you’ve ever driven through a neighborhood with traditional homes, then the chances are that you’ve seen this type of siding.
ADVANTAGES OF CHOOSING HORIZONTAL SIDING
Horizontal siding offers several advantages over its vertical counterpart. Perhaps the most obvious reason is its affordability. When it comes to wood siding, horizontal boards are typically less expensive than vertical ones because they’re easier to manufacture and install. Traditional homes that use this type of exterior cladding also tend to have a more conventional appearance which many homeowners like or prefer. Besides aesthetics, horizontal siding has plenty of practical benefits. For example, it’s easy to paint and maintain, which makes it perfect for DIYers. It also has a tighter fit on the wall, which means fewer gaps where moisture can get through.
POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS OF HORIZONTAL SIDING
There are a few potential downsides to horizontal siding, although none of them should be deal-breakers. The first is the risk for water leakage underneath the cladding, leading to mildew and mold growth and expensive damage. There are ways around this problem, though; you just have to ensure that your panels aren’t sitting on a water source and have proper drainage or gutters.
Another potential drawback is the increased difficulty in cleaning them when compared to the vertical siding. Since horizontal boards are hung from left to right, you’re more likely to get dirt caught between two panels which means it can be harder for your power washer or hose to reach it. This means that you’ll have to get more creative when it comes time for a cleaning regimen and do some research on the best way to clean your horizontal siding.
WHAT IS VERTICAL SIDING?
Vertical siding is achieved by installing a plank of siding in a top-to-bottom vertical fashion. It’s often considered more modern than horizontal lap siding because it recently became popular for residential homes. Still, its commercial uses and historical popularity on barns show that this style is nothing new. Vertical wood cladding is a more modern take on the traditional siding.
ADVANTAGES OF CHOOSING VERTICAL SIDING
Vertical siding is aesthetically pleasing. Different colors and stains can be combined to create a beautiful outer face for your home, while the recently horizontal siding is more limited in its design options due to the top-to-bottom pattern that it comes in. Vertical siding has cleaner lines because no beams or slats of wood run through the house horizontally, which draws the eye to your roof.
At the moment, vertical siding is popular, so it’s always a smart idea to follow the trend if/when you want to sell your house down the road; having modern styles will give you an advantage over other properties with horizontal siding.
Vertical siding is more versatile than horizontal lap siding because the vertical face of each plank can be stained or painted a different color, which allows you to create some fabulous designs with contrasting colors that will stand out against your home’s exterior. Vertical wood cladding also has cleaner lines, so it looks modern and trendy right now.
Horizontal siding is more difficult to clean because the dirt and grime can get stuck in the cracks. Vertical siding is more accessible because all the dust and dirt fall between the wood planks before they become lodged in a crack.
POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS OF VERTICAL SIDING
Vertical siding installation is more expensive than horizontal siding installation. The contractor has to work harder and for longer hours, especially if you decide to do a contrasting color design on your vertical wood cladding.
Vertical siding is more difficult to install and work with than horizontal lap siding because the planks are larger, heavier, and harder to carry from one location on your home’s exterior to another. Vertical wood cladding also requires a higher degree of accuracy during installation, or you risk warping the plank if it isn’t installed perfectly straight, which can be a costly mistake.
If you want to sell your house in the future, vertical siding can be a disadvantage. It will always look modern and trendy because it’s more recent than horizontal lap siding, but that means it won’t appeal to buyers who love traditional aesthetics or are looking for something with historical significance.