12 types of vinyl siding: how to choose the right one for your home
Vinyl sidings are the industry’s bestseller all across America due to their amazing features and durability. When speaking to a house renovating agency, make sure to discuss important features about the siding such as its profile, texture, width, thickness, and price.
Generally, sidings are available in a variety of color options, and their width ranges between 4” to 7”. We have compiled a list of 12 types of vinyl sidings that can make your house look beautiful and elegant. Read about them below.
Clapboard
- This is one of the oldest styles of house siding in the US. It dates back to the colonial era and is considered as a traditional siding even today. Some of the most historic houses in the USA will have clapboard-style siding.
It consists of narrow and longboards, having a width of 4”. These are nailed horizontally or lengthwise to the exterior of the house. These are installed overlapping one another, which produces a shadow line.
Traditional Lap
- A traditional lap siding style is considered most similar to a clapboard style siding. It is made up of broader and longer planks, with 6-7” width. These planks have a broad base and are narrower at the top.
They are also installed overlapping with each other, and their shadow lines are more prominent. This overlapping installation enables it to shed water thus helping to protect the structure beneath. Traditional lap sidings are installed from the bottom of the house and go all the way up.
Dutch Lap
- A Dutch lap siding style is similar to a traditional lap siding style, with one exception. The angle of the planks is much sharper, which creates an even more prominent shadow line. The reason for such a sharp angle is to make the observer think these are handcrafted sidings. Usually, a dutch lap is about 4-5” wide.
These are manufactured in sheets so that when they are installed, an entire sheet can be installed at a time instead of individual planks. They appear smooth and better protect the structure of the house from water damage.
Smooth
- A smooth-style vinyl siding is one that has no texture on the surface. It appears as a plain siding, without any markings or patterns. These are also overlapped on one another.
Smooth sidings are available in several color options and offer great protection to the structure of the house from weathering effects. Most manufacturers offer a 30-year guarantee on smooth sidings. These are considered as the perfect sidings for many modern built homes.
Wood Grain
- This is a type of vinyl siding that mimics wood in appearance. Observers will feel that they are looking at a painted wooden siding.
Woodgrain sidings are manufactured for both horizontal and vertical installations. These are water-resistant and can withstand harsh climatic conditions. These need basic maintenance and can last for more than 30 years. Since these are not made of wood, they are not susceptible to damage from rot and moisture.
Beaded Seam
- A beaded seam style siding offers a luxurious look to houses. Generally, upscale and expensive houses have beaded seam sidings installed on them. The bottom edge of the siding plank has a rounded notch, which makes the shadow lines more prominent.
Beaded seam sidings look clean, modern, and are also available in a variety of color options.
If you are unsure about which vinyl siding style is best for your house, give us a call at 866-849-2599. We, at Simple Home Improvements, are a home repair and renovation company operating in New Jersey. Our specialists will visit your property and give you the best advice and deals on vinyl sidings.
