An upgrade of exterior house siding can be a great project that brings instant rewards. If you’re like most homeowners, house flippers, and real estate gurus, you’re probably looking for a unique edge that can help make a home’s exterior stand out from the rest. Vertical house siding is a great way to give a home a new face-lift without tackling a major demolition and renovation project.
Are you thinking about installing vertical house siding? Then take a look at this in-depth guide that will provide plenty of points to consider, such as material variations, installation tips, popular vertical siding styles, and costs.
What is Vertical Siding? And Why Is It So Popular?
Most siding materials have distinct lines that bring depth and architectural definition to the finished design. Whether the siding is made up of individual planks or panels marked with parallel lines or an assortment of shingle-style pieces, visible shapes and lines are a common feature of exterior house siding.
Horizontal siding — or siding that has a repetition of horizontal lines that fall parallel with the foundation — is quite common in residential areas. Vertical siding, on the other hand, features a repetition of vertical lines that fall parallel with the edge of the home. Vertical siding is not a new exterior technique, but it has certainly become much more popular in residential areas in recent years.
One of the reasons vertical house siding is so popular is the fact that it accentuates height, making buildings appear somewhat taller and more spacious. Vertical siding also adds a unique flair to buildings, making them aesthetically appealing and unique. In addition, recent innovations have created a wider selection of reliable, durable, easy-to-install vertical siding options. This increase in design and material has attracted more interest to vertical home siding and allowed builders and homeowners to become more creative with design applications.
Common Materials Used for Vertical Siding
The traditional material used for vertical house siding is wood. Often seen in colonial-style homes, coastal regions, and prairie structures, vertical wood siding is fairly easy to work with and quite affordable. Vertical wood siding also made a resurgence in the 60s and 70s in suburban areas, most notably with a board and batten exterior style. One of the best benefits of using wood is that it’s very easy to change the color of the exterior with a simple coat of paint. However, wood siding is incredibly susceptible to moisture and insect damage, so homeowners should calculate a significant amount of time and money for necessary maintenance, upkeep, and repairs.
Composite board is another consideration for homeowners that are looking for dependable, aesthetically-pleasing vertical siding options. Composite board often looks similar to real wood, but it is made with a blend of plastic polymers or fiber cement components that help to enhance its strength and durability. When it comes to vertical composite board, the variation in quality is extreme, and builders can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 per box of vertical siding panels, depending on the style and quality of the product.
Another material that is quickly gaining popularity for vertical house siding is steel. While most people consider steel to be a heavy-duty material reserved only for commercial endeavours, steel siding is actually a very common feature in modern homes. Most homeowners going for a vertical siding style tend to opt for wood-look steel, as it comes in a variety of warm, authentic colors that match the look of natural wood. As a modern design option, steel can be a great choice for homeowners who want a maintenance-free option for the vertical siding on their house.
Popular Vertical Siding Styles
The good thing is that there are many types of vertical siding options to choose from, so — even with the incredible popularity of this exterior aesthetic — homeowners don’t have to worry about their vertical exterior siding looking like every other house on the block.
Shiplap is one of the most basic applications of vertical exterior siding. Shiplap consists of regularly measured panels lining up with each other for a simple, clean-cut appearance of vertical siding.
Board and batten is another favorite layout for homeowners. Similar to shiplap, board and batten carries a simple, subtle aesthetic. However, it creates a slightly more distinct design by accentuating vertical boards with a thinner, vertical panel at each seam. This layout creates stronger depth and dimension that can be very attractive.
Some homeowners like to create a mixed media composition by segmenting the exterior walls and introducing a contrasting texture. For example, vertical exterior siding can be contrasted with stone foundation for a striking visual impact that is refreshing and energizing.
Finally, one of the bolder styles of vertical siding consists of a sleek, solid-color approach, such as a solid white palette. When vertical house siding carries a strong and unexpected color, such as solid white, it achieves a very modern take on vertical house siding. Homeowners who appreciate this contemporary look tend to complement the white palette with a dark accent color, such as black or navy blue shutters, trim, and roofing.
Installation Tips for Vertical Siding
Whether you’re working with basic panels or tongue and groove strips, there are a few essential steps to take when installing vertical siding on a house. These important measures can make the entire experience much smoother and more successful. For example, always start by establishing a baseline with chalk. Some builders may even prefer to install a base trim to work as a guideline during the installation. Another tip is to start applying panels vertically from the corners. Finally, always fix the top of the vertical siding strip first, then adjust the panel before fixing the bottom. This can help create consistency and precision.
Vertical Siding: Final Takeaways
When it comes to vertical house siding, the sky is the limit in terms of material, color, and design choices. If you’re looking for a product that outperforms in all categories — durability, color choice, lower maintenance, precision installation — then there’s one product that is a clear winner: TruLog vertical siding. As a steel product, TruLog siding delivers exceptional strength and durability, so homeowners can expect little to no maintenance over the years. TruLog products are designed to recreate the look of real wood, so there is an excellent selection of colors and textures of vertical house siding to choose from.
Contact a siding expert at Trulog today for a free vertical siding estimate.
