There are a lot to choose from as you consider the balance between protection and aesthetics.
The facade of a home is more than just its aesthetic signature; it’s a protective shield against the elements, a statement of style, and a reflection of the home’s history and locale. One of the most timeless and versatile materials used for this purpose is wood.
Table of Contents
- Types of Siding
- Siding Offers Protection
- Wood Siding – #Winning
Types of Siding
Over the centuries, craftsmen have developed various types of wood siding, each with its unique look and function. Let’s journey through the diverse world of wood siding and discover what makes each type distinctive.
Clapboard (or Bevel) Siding
Perhaps the most traditional style, clapboard siding consists of long, thin boards installed horizontally, with the top board overlapping the one below it. The result is a classic look that sheds water effectively and is commonly found in colonial-style homes.
Board and Batten
Standing tall and proud, board and batten siding features wide boards placed vertically with narrower battens covering the gaps between them. This style is associated with farmhouses and rustic settings, creating a sense of height and grandeur.
Shingles (or Shakes)
Not just for roofs, wood shingles or shakes offer a textured, layered appearance. Each piece, often crafted from cedar, is a thin wedge, with the thicker butt end overlapping the next piece. Over time, cedar develops a silver-gray patina, adding character to the home.
Tongue and Groove
Craftsmanship shines in this style, where boards are designed to fit snugly together, edge to edge. Installed either vertically or horizontally, tongue and groove siding offers a clean, flat surface with subtle lines where boards meet.
Engineered Wood Siding
Merging technology with nature, engineered wood siding is made from wood fibers combined with bonding agents. While it mimics the look of natural wood, it boasts enhanced resistance to decay and pests. Because it is made of wood byproducts, it is eco-friendly.
Drop Channel Siding
Creating a shadowed, textured effect, drop channel siding features a curved “drop” at the bottom of each board, allowing for overlap and efficient water runoff. Its distinctive profile is both functional and visually captivating.
Lap Siding
Also known as Dutch lap or Cove lap, this siding features boards with a recess cut at the bottom, creating a shadowed, overlapping pattern. It’s a variation of the traditional clapboard style but with an added depth and contour.
Siding Offers Protection
The choice of wood siding isn’t merely aesthetic. Different types offer varying levels of protection against the elements, insulation properties, and maintenance needs. Cedar, for instance, is naturally resistant to decay and insects, while pine or spruce might require more upkeep.
Beyond the type of wood and the style of siding, finishes play a pivotal role. Stains, paints, and sealers can enhance durability, UV resistance, and aesthetic appeal, with choices ranging from natural, transparent finishes that celebrate the wood’s grain to bold paints that make a statement.
Wood Siding – #Winning
Wood siding is a testament to nature’s versatility and humanity’s ingenuity. From the rustic charm of split logs to the refined elegance of tongue and groove, there’s a wood siding to echo every story, protect every home, and elevate every facade.
Our artisans at Rogall + Co. are skilled in installing each type of siding we just discussed. We understand the art, but pay close attention to the science as well – for example, installing the siding to withstand the elements. Understanding the dance between art and science is critical to creating a safe and beautiful installation.
Whether you’re building new or renovating with reverence to history, the world of wood siding offers a symphony of choices.
