Your siding helps keep your living space warm in winter and cool in summer. It protects your home against high winds, heavy rains, snow, hail and other harsh elements. Siding can also elevate the look of your property. When planning a siding installation or replacement project, among the most crucial choices you have to make is choosing the profile. This decision could make or break your curb appeal.
Read on to discover popular siding profile options and get tips to help you decide which one is ideal for your home.
Most homes in the U.S. have horizontal siding patterns. These siding profiles are known for their excellent ability to shed rain and snow. They keep moisture from reaching beneath your home’s exterior, preventing several issues, including mold growth and rot.
Traditional Lap
In this siding installation option, boards slightly overlap each other. Traditional lap siding is ideal for places prone to heavy rains because they offer superior weather protection. It’s also popular for its cost-effectiveness.
Dutch Lap
Dutch lap siding looks similar to traditional lap, except it features a groove at the top of every board. These grooves create a shadow that can give home exteriors more texture. This siding profile will protect your house just as well as traditional lap.
Beaded
Homeowners who wish to add more depth and texture to their humble abode should consider beaded siding. Beaded boards come with a bead at the bottom, which can make your home even more eye-catching.
Most siding materials can be installed vertically. Vertical siding is more common in commercial structures than in residential properties. However, it can bring the best out of modern homes. It’s also easier to maintain, but it involves a more complex installation process, meaning its labor fees might cost more. A reliable siding contractor can help you decide if a vertical siding profile is the best option for your home.
Panel
You can think of panel siding as the vertical version of traditional lap siding. Panels are also placed on top of each other but vertically instead of horizontally.
Board and Batten
In the past, board and batten siding were only made from wood. Boards featured battens to conceal gaps where water can potentially enter. The raised battens of this siding profile create attractive shadows that will give your home a unique look.
You can make your exterior more stylish with a shake siding profile. It comes in different patterns and designs, including round, square, staggered, fish scale, half cove, mitered corner, octagonal and hexagonal. These resemble wood shake shingles used in residential roofing systems.
Consider Your Home’s Architectural Design
The architectural style of your home influences your siding profile options. For example, one-story houses like Ranch look great with vertical siding. Consider horizontal siding profiles if you have a traditional home style like Craftsman or Cape Cod.
Take the Size of Your Preferred Siding Profile Into Consideration
What’s the size of your preferred siding profile? Your home’s architectural style can also affect the size of the siding ideal for your exterior. Experts say that wide panels can accentuate the beauty of Colonial homes. On other hand, narrower profiles cast shadows that can create the illusion of height, making them ideal for one-story homes.
Mix and Match Different Styles
You can mix and match different colors and patterns when replacing your siding. Using a combination of profiles will give more dimension and texture to your home. It can even set your property apart from others. If you are considering selling your house in the future, well-designed siding can help you attract more buyers. Make sure to work with a contractor who can help you meet your goals and make the best decisions for your project. At Northeast Gutters and Remodeling, you can count on our experienced team for your siding and gutter installation needs.
Use an Online Visualizer
Sometimes, it’s hard to picture what a siding profile or color looks like in your home. Fortunately, visualizer tools online can help you see how your preferred siding style will look on your property. You just have to upload a picture of your house on the website or app on your smart device and select the siding profile you like to see if it goes well with your home.
Remove Obstructions
Once you have decided on the style of your new siding and scheduled its installation, you must start preparing your home. Before your contractor arrives, bring all outdoor furniture and gardening tools inside your shed or garage. These items can get in the way of your contractor during the siding replacement. You want your outdoor area to be as accessible as possible to ensure a smooth installation process.
Trim Shrubs and Trees Around Your Home
Are there trees or shrubs surrounding your home? If so, it’s a good idea to trim them before your siding replacement project. You should also cut the grass short, so the workers can easily find nails or staples that might have fallen during the installation. Cover your garden with a tarp or drop cloth to protect it from debris.
Prepare Your Interior
Your interior walls can shake while your contractor is tearing off the old siding and installing the new one. Take down items on your wall that could fall due to these vibrations. It’s the same for fragile objects on your tables and shelves. Put them somewhere safe until your project is complete.
Make Arrangements for Pets and Children
Siding replacement can create loud noises, which could stress out your pets. Strangers in your home can also upset your fur babies. Moreover, you want kids as far from the site as possible. Consider making arrangements for children or pets for the duration of your project.
Ready to give your home’s exterior a makeover? Start planning your siding replacement project with Northeast Gutters and Remodeling today! Our team also specializes in roof and gutter installation. Call us at (860) 899-7878, or fill out our contact form to get an estimate.
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