The world of architecture, exterior design, and construction can throw an awful lot of unfamiliar vocabulary your way. By getting to know your fascia from your friezes, you can begin to speak the same language as your contractor or builder, which may help your siding project go that much smoother.

Key Components of Siding

What are battens?

What are they: A critical aspect of the “farmhouse” architectural style are battens, which are vertical trim strips placed on panel siding at regular intervals to cover joints and create an architectural aesthetic.

What they do: Battens create a unique architectural aesthetic by covering exposed joints. They’re also an essential framework for attaching exterior siding and panels. Furthermore, battens can improve your home’s insulation.

What is fascia?

What it is: The fascia is a long horizontal board or band placed below the lower edge of the roof’s overhang. It’s fixed to the roof trusses’ lower ends and supports gutters.

What it does: The fascia serves two purposes: protection and decoration. As a protector, it guards your home’s roof and interior from rainwater damage. From a design point of view, it covers rafters and trusses. It can be painted or styled to complement your home’s siding.

What is a frieze?

What it is: A frieze is a horizontal, often ornamental, band or panel that can be found inside and outside your home.

What it does: Friezes add decorative touches to your dwelling. An exterior frieze between siding and soffit can improve curb appeal, while an interior frieze, generally placed near the ceiling, can transform your walls’ appearance.

Structural and Decorative Elements

What are gables?

What it is: A gable is a triangular wall section between the intersection of two sloped roof pitches. The item extends from the roof’s ridge to the home’s eaves.

What they do: Gables are structural; they support the roof and protect against weather. They can also be decorative, adding a unique design touch to your home.

What are soffits?

What it is: The soffit is found on the underside of a roof overhang, connecting the roof edge to the exterior wall of your home.

What it does: The soffit protects your home from water damage and moisture. It can also provide ventilation to the attic. From

Siding Styles and Types

What is Lap Siding?

What it is: Lap siding, or clapboard, is horizontal siding installed to your home’s exterior. Because the planks are installed from the bottom up, they “lap” or “overlap” one another. Lap siding is available in different textures and colors.

What it does: Lap siding protects your home from moisture and other potentially destructive elements. Thanks to its availability in different styles, colors and types, it also provides a unique design flair.

What is Panel Siding?

What it is: Unlike lap siding, panel siding consists of long vertical boards in different styles and textures. Like lap siding, panel siding (or vertical siding) panels overlap.

What it does: Panel siding protects your home from weather and other hazardous elements. It can also accent your entryways or dormers. This product can be used with batten strips or on its own.

What is shingle siding?

What it is: Sometimes known as shake siding, shingle siding is made up of overlapping shingle rows on a home’s exterior. Modern shingle siding comes in materials including low-maintenance fiber cement.

What it does: You can use shingle siding to cover your house or for decorative touches. It's also practical, providing a barrier against rain, wind and other climate and environmental events.

SIDING ON A HOUSE: INSTALLATION

What is House Wrap?

What it is: The house wrap is a thin protective material installed between your siding and exterior sheathing, which is the material installed over your home’s frame. House wraps are typically made from polyethylene or polypropylene.

What it does: A well-installed house wrap provides a barrier between your home’s interior and outside elements. It prevents moisture incursion. A house wrap also keeps cold air out in the winter while preventing heat infiltration during the summertime.

What is siding exposure?

What it is: Siding exposure is used in connection with lap siding. Also known as “reveal,” siding exposure refers to how much lap siding can be viewed following installation. This is determined by each row of siding and its overlap.

What it does: This is a design element that impacts your home’s aesthetic. It provides a different texture and look to the exterior. Exposure is also essential for ensuring the siding effectively sheds water when it rains.

What is blind and face nailing?

What it is: Selecting the right siding for your home is essential. Also important is securing the siding to that home’s exterior. In this case, your contractor would use one of these techniques:

• Blind nailing
• Face nailing

What it does: Both methods keep your siding in place. However, blind nailing tends to be the preferred technique, as it leads to a cleaner finish.

However, face nailing is useful in certain situations, such as installing siding in tight places. Furthermore, some municipal codes might dictate face nailing, especially in areas experiencing frequent high winds.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do fascia and soffits work together?

Fascia and soffits work hand-in-hand to help your home’s roofline look good. These boards and planks also protect your attic and roof from weather elements. The fascia is situated along the roof overhang’s vertical edge, while the soffit covers the underside. The result is a sealed area that prevents moisture encroachment.

Why is house wrap important?

Without a house wrap, your home lacks a barrier between siding and sheathing. The lack of a wrap allows water to penetrate wall spaces. Lack of evaporation could lead to mold, mildew growth and wood rot. This, in turn, could damage your home’s structure. A house wrap is also in place to help reduce air leaks, keeping your home at a constant temperature during seasonal shifts.

Can different siding styles be combined?

Yes, you can use different siding styles. Doing so could add interesting and unusual design touches and textures to your home. If you decide to go this route, consider the following:

• Select the right style combinations to achieve cohesion rather than chaos.
• Ensure that all siding materials are similar in areas like durability and maintenance.

What is the lifespan of different siding types?

While siding life expectancy depends on factors such as temperature, sun exposure, rain or severe weather, the following are general lifespans for popular siding types:

• Vinyl siding: Between 20 and 40 years
• Natural wood siding: Between 20 and 40 years
• Engineered wood siding: Between 20 and 30 years
• Stucco siding: Between 50 and 80 years
• Brick siding: 80 to 100 years
• Fiber cement siding: 50 years and above

Should I install new siding over existing siding?

It depends.

If the existing siding isn’t damaged, rotten or uneven, it could be used as a substrate for the new siding. Additionally, the new siding must be the same as the existing one (i.e., vinyl siding over vinyl siding).

However, it’s generally a good idea to remove the older siding because:

• Local regulations might require its removal.
• Moisture could be trapped between old and new siding, causing mold, mildew and damage.
• Maintaining the new siding could be difficult, especially if the older siding already has issues.

NEXT STEPS FOR YOUR SIDING PROJECT

Now that you know the contracting lingo, request a quote and we'll pair you with experienced contractors in your area who can help with your siding replacement project. You can also browse our tips for choosing a contractor, which outlines nine essential steps to follow. If you’re thinking about new construction, read this helpful guide on re-siding a house.

Also consider Hardie® fiber cement products for your siding, shingle, trim, soffit and other home improvement needs. Hardie® products are durable, helping to protect your home from damaged caused by weather extremes, pests, wildfire and other hazards. They also boost your home’s appeal while reducing maintenance. Our proprietary ColorPlus® Technology ensures that finishes last longer than regular paint while resisting chipping, fading, peeling or cracking.