It isn’t easy planning a complete siding installation. For the most part, it can be exciting since you get to choose a design that suits your preferences. But at the same time, you’ll want to get it right since it makes up most of your exterior. It’s also a big investment to undertake alone, so you’ll have to work with a trusted and experienced contractor who can get the job done professionally and efficiently.
Why the Right Siding Installer Matters
Finding the right contractor is usually one of the first things to do when planning a siding installation. Don’t just hire any other installer for the project unless they meet your qualifications. You also wouldn’t want to hire someone who can’t guarantee they’ll complete the project successfully. No prudent homeowner would hire a contractor without getting to know them thoroughly, so take your time to consider your options carefully.
If you’re considering a top-quality brand such as James Hardie® for your siding project, you should work with reputable contractors who are trained and certified to ensure a smooth installation. Make sure to choose your estimates carefully and don’t settle for the cheapest ones. This is because they may have hidden fees that can hurt your initial budget. The most expensive siding estimates won’t guarantee a successful installation either, so compare your estimates thoroughly before picking one that fits your needs and budget.
Learning Popular Siding Terms
Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. is a top choice for siding installation and replacement services in San Mateo and the Greater Bay Area region. When you work with us, we’ll listen to your goals for the project and make sure to meet your expectations. Our siding team may also get technical with the process and use terms you haven’t heard before, but thankfully, it’s easy to learn and understand what they mean. Below are the usual terms we use and the definitions of each.
Batten
This term was first used in traditional wooden siding. It refers to a strip of wood that seals the joints. In modern “board and batten” siding, it refers to the smaller part that goes between the siding boards. This ensures the gaps between the panels are filled.
Buttlock
This siding term typically refers to the bottom edge of a panel. It’s also the part that faces opposite the nailing slots and locks another preceding panel to prevent the whole panel from moving too loosely.
Channel
This describes a part in an accessory trim or corner post where the siding panels are inserted. They allow another panel or trim to be inserted. It can also refer to the trim itself since they’re named for the letter they resemble. Some examples include the F-channel and J-channel. F-channel moldings are used to trim panels installed at a 90-degree angle to create a “shelf” for soffits to rest on. J-channel moldings are usually used as frames around windows and doors.
Course
This refers to a single row of siding running the length of the exterior surface. Siding “courses” fill up on the side of the home’s exterior. This is also used in vertical siding but the course runs from top to bottom.
Drip Cap
This trim piece is also known as head flashing and is used in vertical siding to deflect water away from the top. This accessory is necessary as it diverts the water droplets away from the panels and prevents them from penetrating the surface.
Eaves
This term describes the underside between your roofing system and the topmost part of the exterior wall. It’s essentially the area that overhangs over the exterior walls.
Exposure
This describes the siding’s width. It’s also known as a “reveal”.
Face
This is the visible part of the siding panel after installation.
Face Nailing
This describes the act of putting nails through the face of a siding panel upon installation. This isn’t usually practiced by professional siding installers since the nails are easily exposed.
Flashing
This refers to the thin, flat metal strip positioned under or behind J-channels. It should meet the requirements of ICC AC148 to prevent water from coming into your home. It’s also used in doors, windows, corner posts, and roofing systems.
Furring Strip
This refers to a wooden strip attached to the exterior wall to help even a surface upon siding installation. They’re only used if some parts of the exterior surface aren’t perfectly flat. They’re also sometimes referred to as “strapping”.
Lap or Overlap
This is the act of overlapping the ends of two siding panels during installation. This allows proper expansion and contraction when exposed to different temperatures and elements. Depending on the material you choose, It’s also usually necessary for some siding materials to ensure the nails stay hidden when fastening the panels.
Plumb
This term refers to a perpendicular position or measurement of an object that’s exactly vertical from a horizontal surface. It’s essentially used to demonstrate how the surface is at a 90-degree angle from ground level. A “speed square” tool can be used to achieve a perfect 90-degree level between two objects.
Profile
This describes the siding material’s visual look, shape, and pattern.
Scoring
This describes the act of “light cutting” by running a scoring tool, sharpened awl, or utility knife across a siding panel face. This is done without cutting all the way through so that they’ll snap cleanly into two pieces when bent.
Siding Square
This describes a unit of measurement for siding equal to 100 square feet. This also refers to a 10-foot by 10-foot piece of siding.
Tongue and Groove
This refers to how two siding panels are joined together. It’s an interlocking method wherein a “tongue” slips into the adjacent “groove” on another panel.
Versetta Stone
This is a panelized stone and a common decorative feature in siding installations. It comes in several styles and colors.
Weep Hole
This describes the small hole found in the bottom of windows, doors, or siding. With this, any moisture getting behind the siding material can escape, thus preventing mold growth and other types of damage.
Consider our stylish and durable James Hardie siding products if you want a home exterior that lasts for many years. Call Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. today at (650) 287-4208 to learn more about our products and services. You can also fill out our convenient online contact form to get a free quote!