Speak Like A Home Improvement Pro: Siding Terminology

From the outside, your home’s siding seems simple. It’s just slabs of vinyl, fiber cement, or wood, right? Well, the panels are a part of the siding, but they are part of a system that includes components like the fascia board, soffit, and underlayment.

When you understand siding terms, and how each piece works together, you will know the best option for your home when it’s time for siding repair and replacement. And it helps create a smoother experience with your contractor or remodeler, opening up communication, so you get the final product that you want.

Backerboard The plywood or cement backer board that is nailed to the exterior wall with studs and lays underneath the external siding panels, which are fastened to it.	Batten  On wood siding, the strip of wood that secures joints, the spots where the siding panels connect. The modern board and batten style siding comes from this term for wood boards with battens that filled the gaps between the boards.	Buttlock The bottom edge of the vinyl panel that locks into the panel below.

Channel The part of the trim or corner post where the siding is inserted. Channel can also mean the trim itself.	Course A row of siding, running from one end of the exterior wall to the other end.	Drip Cap / Head Flashing An L-shaped flashing that goes over windows and doors before the siding is installed to stop moisture from seeping in where the siding and doors or windows join.

Face What you see on the exterior of the house, the visible part of the siding once it is installed.	Fascia Board Fascia is usually wooden boards that are located directly below your shingles, along the perimeter of a building, that covers the ends of the rafters at the eaves.	Flashing The thin material used to direct water away from where siding elements and roof elements intersect. Flashing is usually made of metal, such as galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper.

Lap The area at the ends of two vinyl siding panels where they overlap, allowing for expansion and contraction. Modern vinyl comes in patterns such as dutch lap, which refers to the pattern of overlapping panels.	Underlayment Sheathing that goes under the siding, between the wall of the house and the siding, that helps to insulate the home.	Weep Hole Holes drilled in the bottom of the lowest buttlock that allow moisture behind the panels to drain out. Painting over these holes can cause your siding to warp.

Now that you are familiar with the terms for your siding walk around your house and see if it is in good condition. Make sure to clean your siding regularly to keep it looking and performing great. If you see signs that your siding is worn like warping, cracking, or excessive mold, then it is time for a siding replacement.

When it’s time to replace your siding, schedule a no-pressure consultation with one of our siding replacement experts. They will consider your unique home and budget requirements to come up with the best siding option for your home.