If you’re building a new home or doing large-scale renovations on your existing property, you’ll be concerned about the type of siding to use. There are a few different options, but the bottom line is that you’ll need a durable coating that can stand the test of time. The last thing you want is to spend time and money on a siding that starts to sag after a few years. The siding should last a minimum of a decade, if not longer. But, what are the best options among the coatings for your home?
lap liner
Lap siding will typically have a very smooth or saw-textured face and often have a very rustic appearance. Also called channel siding, it’s perfect for homes where you’re going for an older or more rustic look. Lap/channel siding can be installed in three ways: horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. How you install siding will depend entirely on how you want your home to look from the outside. For durability, the method of installation doesn’t matter too much.
One of the advantages of channel lining is that each board has the profile to slightly overlap the next board. These small overlaps ensure that you get a shadow line effect, which is perfect for extra weather protection for the sides of your home.
There are many grades of lap/channel siding, and the best grades are more expensive. The grade you choose for your project will depend primarily on your budget and the type of look you hope to achieve. The highest classification is light heart, while A light and select knotty are the next two grades.
Board and batten cladding
Another siding profile you may enjoy is board and batten siding. The main feature of this type of siding is a vertical design that is created by using wide, light or knotty cedar planks. These boards are separated using narrower boards to cover the joining area. The combination creates a very beautiful and rustic look, but also ensures that the sides of your home are fully protected for many years.
Most of these boards that you get for board and batten siding are rough sawn and undried. The top two grades are transparent core and transparent A, similar to lap cladding. The great thing about board and batten siding is that even if you go for the lower grades, like proprietary and “standard and best,” you’ll still get an interesting and unique look. For those who are on a lower budget, but still want a siding that can create a unique and beautiful look, we think you will love what board and batten siding has to offer.
Ultimately, you have so many options when it comes to siding. The main goal is to choose the best materials and designs for your home and then get a great company to complete the installation. With siding, installation matters a lot, so make sure you hire the best professionals for the job.