When planning on giving your home an exterior makeover, all decisions you make impact not just your home’s appearance but also its functionality. It’s like picking the perfect ingredients for a recipe—you want to pick something that looks good and stands the test of time. Which raises the question, vertical siding vs horizontal siding, which is better for your home?
The siding you choose is the fashion statement that your home makes to the neighborhood, expressing its personality and character. Whether you lean towards the classic charm of horizontal siding or the modern allure of vertical siding, each option has its own perks and quirks.
At Will County Windows and Siding, we’re here to guide you through this exciting journey. Think of us as your personal stylist, helping you choose between the sophistication of horizontal siding or the contemporary flair of vertical siding.
Exploring Horizontal Siding
Definition and Traditional Use
Horizontal siding, also known as lap siding, is a design where exterior boards run from left to right. Traditionally associated with natural wood, this classic style has adorned homes for decades, bringing a sense of timeless charm to various architectural designs.
Horizontal siding seamlessly blends with these traditional beauties, adding warmth, history, and a touch of that familiar Joliet comfort.
Benefits of Horizontal Siding
Choosing horizontal siding for your Joliet home comes with several advantages:
- Affordability: Often more budget-friendly than its vertical counterpart, horizontal siding is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their home’s appearance without breaking the bank.
- Classic appeal: Lap siding boasts a traditional and well-known aesthetic, making it a safe bet for homes that aim for a classic, timeless look.
- Easy application: Quick and straightforward installation process saves you valuable time. Our siding installers will be in and out of your property in no time.
Challenges with Horizontal Siding
While horizontal siding offers numerous benefits, it comes with potential drawbacks:
- Durability concerns: The horizontal ridges where boards overlap can allow water to trickle in, potentially leading to issues like wood rot and mold.
- Cleaning issues: Due to its vulnerability to water damage, lap siding may require more regular careful cleaning to prevent moisture from building up behind the boards, leading to high maintenance needs.
Understanding Vertical Siding
Characteristics and Modern Usage
Vertical siding, characterized by installing planks in a top-to-bottom fashion, offers a contemporary twist to your Joliet home’s exterior. While historically common in commercial structures and barns, vertical siding trends have gained popularity in modern residential architecture.
Advantages of Vertical Siding
Vertical siding brings a set of distinct benefits to the table:
- Modern appeal: Vertical designs create eye-catching curb appeal, contributing to a modern and stylish aesthetic.
- Trendy aesthetics: With vertical siding, you can achieve the popular board-and-batten look, a trend embraced by homeowners nationwide for its distinctive appearance.
- Easy maintenance: Vertical planks allow water to stream down effortlessly. This reduces the likelihood of water-related issues like wood rot, minimizing the need for constant maintenance.
Considerations When Choosing Vertical Siding
While vertical siding brings undeniable style, it’s essential to consider these factors:
- Longer installation time: Vertical siding installation involves additional steps, including furring strips, to create a smooth surface. This process requires more time compared to horizontal siding installation.
- Higher cost: The complexity of installation increases labor costs, making vertical siding a more substantial investment.
- Potential resale challenges: While eye-catching, not all home buyers appreciate vertical siding. So, if you plan to sell soon, consider consulting with a realtor to provide insights into siding joliet il preferences.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Selecting siding for your Joliet home is all about finding the perfect match that complements your architectural style and personal taste. Read on as we explore the suitability of both horizontal and vertical siding options to help you make the right choice.
Suitability of Horizontal Siding for Traditional Homes
If your Joliet residence leans towards a traditional architectural style, horizontal siding might be your go-to choice. With its timeless appeal, lap siding complements the historical aesthetics often seen in Colonials, Ranches, and Victorians.
This type of siding effortlessly blends in, offering widespread appeal for those aiming for a traditional and elegant look. The affordability and easy application of horizontal siding also make it a practical and visually appealing option.
Vertical Siding for Rustic and Modern Homes
Conversely, suppose you’re aiming for a more rustic or modern vibe reminiscent of barns. In that case, vertical siding steps might be the better pick. The vertical board-and-batten design and contemporary architecture suit homes with Farmhouse and Craftsman styles.
Vertical siding adds height and visual interest. This makes this style an excellent choice if you’re looking to visually elevate a smaller home.
Combining Styles for Unique Looks
For the adventurous homeowner seeking a truly unique aesthetic, who says you have to stick to just one style? Consider using horizontal siding for the main body of your home, paired with vertical accents on specific areas like the gables. This mix-and-match approach is particularly effective for complex architectural styles like Queen Anne and Victorian houses.
The Role of Quality Siding Material
The decision between vertical siding vs horizontal siding relies on more than just aesthetics. It’s also about choosing the right materials to ensure your Joliet home lasts for years.
Importance of Durable Siding Options
Regardless of whether you opt for the classic allure of horizontal siding or the modern flair of vertical siding, the longevity of your home’s exterior depends on the quality of the siding material. This is where the significance of durable options, such as James Hardie fiber cement siding, comes into play.
James Hardie siding is renowned for its ability to endure the cold, wet weather of the Midwest, offering resistance to issues like rot and deterioration. The unique, baked-on colors are visually appealing and provide lasting vibrancy without the need for frequent repainting.
Why You Can Trust Will County Siding and Windows
When installing top-notch siding in Joliet, trust the Will County Siding and Windows experts. We specialize in installing vertical, horizontal, and mix-and-match siding, guaranteeing satisfaction with all of our products and services.
Our experts listen to your needs, offering tailored solutions for a home you can be confident in for years to come. Trust us to bring your home lifestyle dreams to reality.