Choosing siding involves more than choosing a material, such as wood or vinyl. You also have to make a decision between horizontal and vertical siding. Contrary to popular belief, the choice between the two is about more than aesthetics. There are quite a few differences between these two options that you should familiarize yourself with before making your decision.
Moisture Concerns
Pay special attention to the local climate around your home. If you live in an area that experiences a measurable amount of rainfall each year, you should consider the idea of installing vertical siding. Even with precise installation, the design of horizontal siding opens the door to the risk of water intrusion.
With horizontal siding, as it rains, small amounts of water can leak on the underside of the siding panels, especially as the siding ages. On the other hand, with vertical siding, the water rolls straight down the panel, which makes the risk of water intrusion less likely.
Durability
Fortunately, in terms of durability, there isn't a significant difference between horizontal and vertical siding. For the most part, provided you commit to regular maintenance and make any repairs as soon as possible, the siding will last for a considerable amount of time.
However, it is important to mention that vertical siding sometimes has a tendency to last longer than horizontal siding. As mentioned before, due to the risk of water intrusion, water seepage behind a horizontal siding panel can shorten the lifespan of the siding, so keep this idea in mind.
Cost
New siding is one of the larger investments that homeowners make, so the cost of this installation is always something to consider. Traditionally, there is a significant difference between the cost of installation for vertical siding versus horizontal siding.
One reason for this difference is the cost of the panels, in that vertical siding panels often cost more than horizontal panels due to their different design, especially siding made from heavy materials, such as steel. Another reason for the cost increase has to do with the difficulty of installation. A vertical siding install requires more preparation than the horizontal siding, which increases the time involved and the cost of the installation.
A contractor can help. Siding contractors do more than just install siding; they also help homeowners like yourself choose the best siding option for their needs. Talk with a siding contractor for help with making your decision.
