Siding Terms That Everyone Should Know

Siding is an essential component that protects your home against elements. Being aware of its basics can be advantageous, especially when purchasing one for your home. Knowing different siding terms also ensures you’re properly informed of what you’re getting. 

In this post, trusted stucco repair and siding specialist Precision #1 Contractors Inc. shares a glossary of siding terms that every homeowner should know.

• Batten is a strip of wood sealing the joints in your siding. Modern board-and-batten siding refers to an old wood siding with boards and battens to fill the gaps in between.

• Backerboard is the flat material applied between the studs and siding to give an even surface for vinyl siding installation.

• Buttlock is the bottom edge of your soffit panel or siding, opposite the nailing slots available, which locks into the preceding panel.

• Channel is the area of the accessory trim where the siding or soffit panels are inserted.

• Course is a row of panels running the length of your property from one side to the other.

• Drip cap is a piece of trim deflecting water away from the top of vertical siding. Your siding contractor may also refer to it as head flashing.

• Eaves are the part of your roofing system that hangs a little over the exterior of your walls.

• Fascia is the trim that covers the ends of roof rafters.

• Fascia boards are boards attached to the ends of your rafters between the roofing material and the soffit overhang.

• Lap is utilized to overlap the ends of siding panels or accessory pieces to expand and contract vinyl products.

• Miter creates a diagonal cut to overlap siding or soffit panel surface, providing it with a neater appearance.

• Plumb is a measurement that is exactly vertical, 90 degrees from a level surface.

• Soffit is an item used to enclose the horizontal underside of an eave, cornice or overhang. It should be installed lengthwise from the wall to the fascia.

• Underlayments are water-resistant materials installed underneath your vinyl siding panels.

Are you looking for siding professionals to carry out an installation? Precision #1 Contractors Inc. can assist with any exterior remodeling project. We use James Hardie siding products to ensure a durable exterior for your home. Call us at (215) 364-5115 or fill out our contact form to schedule your consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!