A Quick Guide to Popular Vinyl Siding Styles

Vinyl remains today’s most popular siding material, thanks to its low maintenance requirements, wide selections of colors and styles, and relatively low cost. In this blog, siding replacement specialist Maris Home Improvements takes an in-depth look at the top vinyl styles that you can get for your home.

Clapboard

Clapboard siding is the most recognizable style. It features long horizontal boards or strips that span exterior walls, punctuated by windows and trim. Most brands of vinyl siding are available in three styles:

1. Traditional — Traditional clapboard siding is made of thin wooden boards, which has been in use long before vinyl, as a material, became available to consumers. A small portion of each board overlaps the one below it, which creates an angled profile that aids rainwater shedding. It also provides some allowance for thermal expansion and contraction. Its vinyl counterpart faithfully replicates the traditional look.
2. Dutch Lap — Dutch lap is the type of clapboard siding that you’d see on American Colonial homes. Instead of just flat boards, Dutch lap siding has a beveled upper edge, which helps make the overlapping areas look flatter, while adding prominent shadowed edges and a hand-carved look. Installation is usually a bit more complicated than traditional clapboard siding, and should be installed by a trained exterior remodeling contractor.
3. Beaded — Beaded siding is typically seen on Southern Colonial homes. It’s easily recognizable for the “beading” between the boards. It looks best with a low gloss finish that highlights the wood grain.

Board and Batten

Board and batten is installed vertically using wide wooden boards. Narrow battens are used to reinforce the seams, and to protect them against water infiltration. Its vertical orientation creates an illusion of height, and is especially recognizable when used on gables. Vinyl board and batten siding is far less complicated to install than their traditional counterparts.

Replica Shakes

Modern manufacturing technologies let manufacturers mimic natural textures such as wood. Vinyl replica shakes exemplify the versatility of vinyl as a material. Quality vinyl replica shakes look like real wood, and can stand up to close scrutiny. Some manufacturers even go so far as to create their molds using real wood shakes.

Looking for a siding or fencing contractor? Call Maris Home Improvements at (636) 778-4343 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.