Important Siding Terms: What You Need to Know

As with most home improvement projects, a siding replacement involves getting all bases covered. In addition to finding the right contractor for the job, you should also familiarize yourself with a few siding terminologies that you might come across while the project is underway. Knowing the meaning behind them helps in understanding the work that goes into this important endeavor.

 Patriot Roofing LLC, a top roofing and siding company in the area, compiles a list of important siding terms every homeowner should know.

  • Batten  is a strip of wood that seals in the joints of wooden siding. This is the smaller part that goes between the boards. 
  • Channel  is the area of the accessory trim or corner post where you insert the siding or soffit panels. This may also refer to the trim itself, which is named for the letters of the alphabet that it resembles such as J-channel, and F-channel, among others. 
  • Course  is one row of siding that runs the length of an exterior wall. To fill up an exterior wall, multiple courses of siding are used. 
  • Drip cap , also called a  head flashing , is installed with vertical siding. This prevents water from infiltrating your siding panels. 
  • Face  is the visible part of the siding or soffit panel after it has been installed. 
  • Fascia , also called a  fascia board , is a board that runs horizontally and covers the intersection of the top part of an exterior wall as well as the overhanging lower edge of the roof. 
  • Flashing  is a thin, flat material that is positioned under or behind J-channels, corner posts or windows to stop water from penetrating the property. 
  • Lap  is short for “overlap.” Overlapping the ends of two siding panels or accessory pieces allows the vinyl to expand and contract.
  • Lock  is a part of siding that locks in with a locking leg to join the siding panels together. A  locking leg , meanwhile, slips into the lock and creates a tight fit between two siding panels. 
  • Miter joint  is the intersection of two panels at a 90-degree angle. In general, each panel is cut at a 45-degree angle. Miter cuts are usually made into overlapping siding or soffit panel surfaces for a better appearance. 
  • Plumb  is an exact perpendicular measurement of an object that is exactly 90 degrees from a level, horizontal surface.  Square  is a tool used to achieve a perfect 90-degree level between two objects. 
  • Scoring  is a “light cutting” of a piece of siding. When bent, the siding will break into two equal pieces with a clean edge. 
  • Soffit  is a material used to enclose the horizontal underside of an eave, cornice or overhang. It is designed to be installed lengthwise from the wall to the fascia. 
  • Underlayment  is a water-resistant material placed under the vinyl siding panels to prevent moisture damage. 
  • Weep holes  are tiny holes in the bottom edge of the siding. These allow built-up condensation out of your siding. 

If you’re planning to replace your siding, Patriot Roofing LLC is here to help! Our experienced and trustworthy professionals can be counted on to help you find the best siding that fits your home’s needs. Call us today at (405) 217-0473 or fill out our online  contact form  to set an appointment. We serve homeowners in and around Midwest City, OK.

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