Vinyl siding is the most popular and cost-effective choice of siding compared to other types of siding. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also comes in a wide range of styles, textures, colors, and widths allowing you to customize it to your preferences. This plastic exterior is made primarily from PVC resins and has been around since the 1950s; though the manufacturing methods have been perfected since the 1970s.
Different Texture Styles Of Vinyl Siding
Clapboard Vinyl Siding
Clapboard siding is a common siding used in home developments around the Portland Oregon and Vancouver Washington area. It is a traditional siding that has a subtle look when overlapped lengthwise on a home.
Traditional Lap Vinyl Siding
This siding is similar to clapboard siding but the planks are wider by a few inches. Clapboard siding is usually around 4” inches whereas traditional lap siding is around 6-7”. Traditional lap siding also creates stronger shadow lines compared to clapboard siding.
Dutch Lap Vinyl Siding
Imagine traditional lap siding and then take it up a notch. What you’re left with is dutch lap siding. The angle of the bevel is shaper creating greater contrast between plans and the shadow lines from the overlapped areas are even deeper than those of traditional lap siding. The idea is that dutch lap siding creates a hand-carved look in comparison. Dutch lap siding planks are typically around 4-5” inches wide.
Smooth Vinyl Siding
Most homeowners believe all vinyl siding has a smooth texture when they think of vinyl siding but that is not the case. If a smooth texture is preferred a homeowner will want to ask for smooth vinyl siding specifically. Modern-style homes often prefer this style for its clean lines.
Wood Grain Vinyl Siding
Wood grain vinyl siding is manufactured intentionally to give it a stained wood appearance. It can be done horizontally or vertically and is more durable than natural wood which is prone to moisture and rot.
Beaded Seam Vinyl Siding
This vinyl siding provides a unique shadow line as each vinyl plank has a rounded notch cut into its bottom edge. Before manufacturing became more proficient, this style of siding was expensive and often only seen in very upscale homes.
Board And Batten Vinyl Siding
Some know of this siding as barn siding for its wide 12” inch planks. It can be installed both vertically or horizontally with narrow strips of wood nailed over the gaps that are between each plank.
Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding
This style of vinyl siding is great if you want a natural look without high maintenance. Real cedar shake drys out and loses its rich color. It also requires stain every couple of years to keep its look fresh. Manufactured cedar shake vinyl siding omits all of this while still giving you its desired natural elements.
Straight Edge Vinyl Siding
This style of siding is exactly what you would expect. Even though the planks can be textured it provides very straight and even edges.
Staggered Edge Vinyl Siding
Staggered edge vinyl siding is similar to hand-split shingles. It portrays complex shadow lines much like those of cedar shakes.
Scalloped Vinyl Siding
This vinyl siding is made of half-round shingles that are often seen in gables. They are a great way to add detail to any home.
Log Vinyl Siding
Just as you would imagine this vinyl siding looks just like a log cabin but without being made from real wood, saving you on maintenance and cost. Vinyl log siding is available in different wood grain styles and you will not have to worry about fading, splintering, or rotting like that of natural wood.
Why Is Vinyl Siding A Good Choice
Whether a home is new or decades old almost all of them experience some sort of water damage. Living in an area like Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington increases the odds of water damage to a home because of how much rainfall these areas get which is one reason why choosing vinyl siding is a good choice.
Vinyl siding resists moisture and allows rainfall to easily pour off of the exterior of the home. Not only that, but even during the sunnier months of the year, vinyl siding is resistant to color fading. No matter what color you choose for your vinyl siding, it is fade-resistant and will withstand any heat that beats against it.
Lastly, on top of being low in cost compared to other materials, vinyl siding is extremely easy to maintain because you don’t have to do anything besides possibly pressure washing it after a number of years.
Don’t Forget About The Trim
If you are having new vinyl siding installed it’s important that you think about the trim details. The overall impression that your new vinyl siding creates is as much about the trim as the siding itself. Corner trim, soffit panels, gutters, downspouts, and J-channels are all configured with your siding. Making sure that compatible colored caulks and sealants are being used during the installation process as well will ensure a professional look when your installment is completed.
Whether you are remodeling a home for aesthetics or your siding is in need of a make-over, Assured Exteriors has you covered. Someone from our team will be glad to go over any questions or concerns you may have. Give us a call today!
