Northeast Gutters and Remodeling

As a homeowner, you’re probably aware that there are a lot of siding profiles and patterns available to you. You can even choose one or two matching patterns that can compliment your roof or gutters, but finding the right one may prove to be difficult if you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. However, that doesn’t mean you should settle for any siding profile.

So, whether you’re looking for a good replacement, or you’re finishing up on your remodeling of your home’s exterior, you can take this as an opportunity to get creative with your siding. It’s also good to keep in mind that some profiles are more popular than others in your area, so you can take it as a good reference point when replacing your home’s exterior. Here’s an overview of the different types of siding profiles.

Horizontal Profiles

Typically found on most homes, the horizontal type of siding is timeless and appealing. It also offers sufficient protection against moderate weather. You’ll usually find these profiles on Craftsman, Cape Cod and Georgian homes. Here are some of the common types of horizontal siding.

• Clapboard siding – Clapboard profiles are very similar to traditional wood siding, featuring straight faces and crisp edges. The clapboard profile supposedly originated when Native Americans shaped timber from the land where they built their dwellings.

• Traditional lap siding – This is one of the least expensive horizontal siding profiles. It’s a popular choice because it’s simple, effective and easy to install. The pattern features siding boards partially layered on top of one another. This makes it very effective as it creates a barrier where the water just rolls down the surface. And, since it’s relatively affordable, a lot of siding and home exterior contractors would often recommend this to homeowners who are on a budget.

• Beaded siding – This is a more updated version of the lap and is similar to the clapboard profile, but features an additional rounded bead at the bottom of each horizontal board. This also gives it a more textured look on its surface.

• Dutch lap siding – If you want a traditional look for your home, but also want a bit more character, then this is a great profile to pick. This pattern is similar to the more traditional lap, but instead features a groove cut out of the top of each board. This provides more textual contrast across the home’s exterior because each groove seemingly casts a shadow on the grooved panel below it.

• Log siding – You can also find certain siding profiles that emulate several natural materials, including wood logs. It’s not exactly as popular as Dutch lap or clapboard, but log-shaped siding has been used in many applications where true log cabin construction isn’t feasible, but the appearance is desired.

Vertical Profiles

Aside from horizontal siding, vertical siding patterns have been popular among homeowners for many years. These patterns more commonly known as board and batten, and these types of siding profiles have been one of the fastest growing options in the country in recent years. Vertical siding designs date back to Medieval times and were deeply rooted in the design traditions of the Midwest, mountain regions and west coast of the country.

Vertical siding profiles are generally used as an accent on certain home styles like Queen Anne, but they can also be used for whole home applications. And, as a reputable siding company, Northeast Gutters and Remodeling has a good selection of vertical siding options, so you just might just find the right profile for your home’s exteriors.

• Board and batten – This is a type of vertical siding that alternates wide and narrow panels, with the wide portion being the “board” and the narrow portion being the “batten”. This also covers its cracks so it creates a surface that’s also pretty effective at keeping the water out of your home. With the raised batten, it casts a shadow over the boards and creates a nice visual texture.

• Panel siding – This is almost as simple as the traditional lap pattern, except that it’s vertically oriented. With this pattern, the panels are still placed slightly on top of one another with a flushed surface.

Shake Profiles

This type of siding profile actually originated in the Northwest and East coasts of the country, where hand-split cedar shakes were used to protect early homes from the harsh environment of the seaboard. Today, siding and home improvement contractors would often install shake profiles as popular accents for the home’s exterior design to achieve a natural look, particularly for gables and other sections of the home. You’ll usually find shakes being used as accents in Folk Victorian and similar home styles.

Other modern siding materials are also used to mimic the same rugged wood texture similar to cedar shakes without the constant maintenance needed. Below are some of the most common types you’ll find:

• Square shakes – These are just small shakes cut into squares and layered by rows. This profile may look traditional, but it adds more character when paired with horizontal or vertical patterns.

• Round shakes – This is a more rounded profile with the lower edges of the shakes cut in a semicircle. We suggest trying this profile on the eaves of your home if you want to have that cozy and inviting feel!

• Staggered shakes – This is an interesting profile that features shakes that seem to stagger. The pattern breaks up the rows in a way that makes an interesting composition to use for siding.

• Mitered corner – These are essentially square shakes with their corners mitered off. This makes a more textured surface that can be appealing as accents around your home’s façade.

• Octagonal and hexagonal shakes – These shakes have their bottom edges cut two or three times, which creates half of an octagonal or hexagonal shape. They’re similar to the mitered corner design, but with more geometric edges.

When you’re looking for a reliable siding and gutter repair company, don’t hesitate to hire our professionals at Northeast Gutters and Remodeling to get the job done. We’re here to assist you with all your commercial and residential roofing needs, so talk to us today at (860) 899-7878, or just fill out our convenient online form.