New siding can increase your home’s curb appeal and protect it from harsh weather conditions. For the safety of your property, you want to invest in fire-retardant siding. However, when planning your project, you might encounter some unfamiliar words. Knowing what these terms mean will make discussions with your contractor easier. The more familiar you are with them, the more informed decisions you can also make for your project.
Here are some terms you need to know when planning a siding replacement.
Backerboard
It is a flat material installed on the house’s face and between the studs and siding. It gives installers an even surface for attaching the panels.
Buttlock
The lower part of the siding panel that joins into a panel that is previously installed is called the buttlock. It also prevents the panels from moving.
Channel
Channel allows a piece of siding to be inserted into another piece of siding.
Course
It pertains to the row of siding that extends to the length of an exterior wall. Your siding contractor needs several courses of siding to cover your home.
Drip Cap
Also called head flashing, a drip cap is a piece of trim that keeps water away from the top of vertical siding.
Exposure
You might hear some people also call exposure “reveal.” It is the width of a siding board.
Face
The side of the siding you see after installation is called the face.
Fascia
You’ll find the fascia covering the ends of roof rafters.
Flashing
Professionals use a piece of metal or flashing above doors and windows to prevent water from entering interior spaces.
Profile
The shape of the face of the siding is referred to as the profile.
Shadow Line
When exposed to sunlight, your siding will cast a shadow or shadow line.
Siding Square
A 10 × 10-foot piece of siding is called a siding square.
Starter Strip
The piece that keeps the first course of siding to a wall is the starter strip.
Strapping
Furring strips or strapping is a piece of wood or metal installed on exterior walls. It is where installers attach the siding.
Weep Holes
They are small holes in the bottom edge of the siding that prevents condensation from infiltrating your siding. It prevents water from accumulating between the backer board and siding.
For attractive, durable and long-lasting siding options, turn to Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. We work with leading brands like James Hardie® to boost your home’s weather protection and curb appeal. Call us at (650) 287-4208 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.