Here in the Twin Cities, just deciding on the type of siding material that you’re going to use for your home can be a challenge. Minnesota weather can be hard on the exteriors of our homes, so the siding you choose is important. But once you’ve finally made the decision on the type of siding, you still have to think about the orientation of the siding. That’s right – you can have either vertical or horizontal siding, and the direction that it runs makes a whole world of difference in the end.
Or you can mix it up and have a variety of siding looks, like the home shown below. This home has LP® SmartSide® engineered wood siding in traditional lap siding, and vertical siding on the gable ends. (photo courtesy of www.lpsmartside.com)
Consider the way that both siding varieties are going to look on your home. Horizontal siding is the more common option that people rely on, which means that you could end up getting a lower resale value from your home later on if your house is the only one in the neighborhood with different siding.
On the other hand, if you really want your home to stand out from the rest, and you think that you can pull off a house that’s a higher quality than the rest of the neighborhood, vertical siding could be one way that you differentiate your home from the rest. And if you live in an area where the homes have mixed media exteriors or lots of different siding profiles (scallop, shake, board and batten, etc.) vertical siding could fit right in.
Logically it’s easy to assume that horizontal siding is more durable and protective than vertical siding, that’s not the case though. In reality, vertical siding is snapped into place and creates a more effective waterproof seal than horizontal siding does. That means that it will help preserve your home more effectively. Also, it can be cleaned with water more easily without worrying about moisture penetration.
Vertical siding will hold up to rain more effectively over time and handle storms better as well. When you want the highest level of protection for your house, it makes a lot of sense to at least consider a vertical layout for your home’s siding.
Generally vertical siding is more time-intensive to install. That means that you’ll pay the installer more to put it on, even if you can find both vertical and horizontal siding for the same price. That means you have to decide if the added money is worth it when you make this major investment. Some people decide that it absolutely is, but others just want affordable siding for their home.
Because buying one type of siding is such a big deal, it’s a good idea to try out the different looks before you make your final decision. Some major siding suppliers have online programs or software for dealers that can allow you to look at how the siding will appear on your home. It makes coming up with a final decision a bit easier overall, and it really allows you to figure out the best option for your needs quickly.
Choosing siding is never an easy thing to do, but in the end you do have to make a decision. Why not consider both options fully and then come up with an idea that you can fully support before making the final decision?
It’s important to consider all these factors before making your final decision. It’s the only way to know if vertical or horizontal siding is the right option for your needs. We can install the siding on your home – vertical or horizontal; just contact us today for an estimate.
Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota home remodeling company located in the Minneapolis metro area. We install a variety of siding products in the Twin Cities metro area, including Dakota County communities of Savage, Prior Lake, and Apple Valley. Our siding options include LP® SmartSide® engineered wood siding, James Hardie fiber cement siding, and vinyl siding from Exterior Portfolio.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
