Siding (construction)

Siding or wall cladding is the protective material attached to the exterior side of a wall of a house or other building. Along with the roof, it forms the first line of defense against the elements, most importantly sun, rain/snow, heat and cold, thus creating a stable, more comfortable environment on the interior side. The siding material and style also can enhance or detract from the building's beauty. There is a wide and expanding variety of materials to side with, both natural and artificial, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Masonry walls as such do not require siding, but any wall can be sided. Walls that are internally framed, whether with wood, or steel I-beams, however, must always be sided.

Most siding consists of pieces of weather-resistant material that are smaller than the wall they cover, to allow for expansion and contraction of the materials due to moisture and temperature changes. There are various styles of joining the pieces, from board and batton, where the butt joints between panels is covered with a thin strip (usually 25 to 50 mm wide) of wood, to a variety of clapboard, also called lap siding, in which planks are laid horizontally across the wall starting from the bottom, and building up, the board below overlapped by the board above it. These techniques of joinery are designed to prevent water from entering the walls. Siding that does not consist of pieces joined would include stucco, which is widely used in the Southwestern United States. It is a plaster-like siding and is applied over a lattice, just like plaster. However, because of the lack of joints, it eventually cracks and is susceptible to water damage. Rainscreen construction is used to improve siding's ability to keep walls dry.

Wood siding

Left: Wood shingles; Center: Clapboard; Right: Board and batten.

Wood siding is very versatile in style and can be used on a wide variety of building structures. It can be painted or stained in any color palette desired.

Though installation and repair is relatively simple, wood siding requires more maintenance than other popular solutions, requiring treatment every four to nine years depending on the severity of the elements to which it is exposed. Ants and termites are a threat to many types of wood siding, such that extra treatment and maintenance that can significantly increase the cost in some pest-infested areas.

Wood is a moderately renewable resource and is biodegradable. However, most paints and stains used to treat wood are not environmentally friendly and can be toxic. Wood siding can provide some minor insulation and structural properties as compared to thinner cladding materials.

Shingles

Wood shingles or irregular cedar "shake" siding was used in early New England construction, and was revived in Shingle Style and Queen Anne style architecture in the late 19th century.

Clapboards

Wood siding in overlapping horizontal rows or "courses" is called clapboard, weatherboard (British English), or bevel siding which is made with beveled boards, thin at the top edge and thick at the butt.

In colonial North America, Eastern white pine was the most common material. Wood siding can also be made of naturally rot-resistant woods such as redwood or cedar.

Drop siding

Jointed horizontal siding (also called "drop" siding or novelty siding) may be shiplapped or tongue and grooved (though less common). Drop siding comes in a wide variety of face finishes, including Dutch Lap (also called German or Cove Lap) and log siding (milled with curve).

Vertical boards

Vertical siding may have a cover over the joint: board and batten, popular in American wooden Carpenter Gothic houses; or less commonly behind the joint called batten and board or reversed board and batten.

Wooden sheet siding

Plywood sheet siding is sometimes used on inexpensive buildings, sometimes with grooves to imitate vertical shiplap siding. One example of such grooved plywood siding is the type called Texture 1–11, T1-11, or T111 ("tee-one-eleven"). There is also a product known as reverse board-and-batten RBB that looks similar but has deeper grooves. Some of these products may be thick enough and rated for structural applications if properly fastened to studs. Both T-11 and RBB sheets are quick and easy to install as long as they are installed with compatible flashing at butt joints.

Stone siding

Slate shingles may be simple in form but many buildings with slate siding are highly decorative.

Plastic siding

Wood clapboard is often imitated using vinyl siding or uPVC weatherboarding. It is usually produced in units twice as high as clapboard. Plastic imitations of wood shingle and wood shakes also exist.

Since plastic siding is a manufactured product, it may come in unlimited color choices and styles. Historically vinyl sidings would fade, crack and buckle over time, requiring the siding to be replaced. However, newer vinyl options have improved and resist damage and wear better. Vinyl siding is sensitive to direct heat from grills, barbecues or other sources. Unlike wood, vinyl siding does not provide additional insulation for the building, unless an insulation material (e.g., foam) has been added to the product. It has also been criticized by some fire safety experts for its heat sensitivity. This sensitivity makes it easier for a house fire to jump to neighboring houses in comparison to materials such as brick, metal or masonry.

Vinyl siding has a potential environmental cost. While vinyl siding can be recycled, it cannot be burned (due to toxic dioxin gases that would be released). If dumped in a landfill, plastic siding does not break down quickly.

Vinyl siding is also considered one of the more unattractive siding choices by many. Although newer options and proper installation can eliminate this complaint, vinyl siding often has visible seam lines between panels and generally do not have the quality appearance of wood, brick, or masonry. The fading and cracking of older types of plastic siding compound this issue. In many areas of newer housing development, particularly in North America, entire neighbourhoods are often built with all houses clad in vinyl siding, given an unappealing uniformity. Some cities now campaign for house developers to incorporate varied types of siding during construction.

Imitation brick or stone–asphalt siding

A predecessor to modern maintenance free sidings was asphalt brick siding. Asphalt impregnated panels (about 2 by 4 ft or 0.61 by 1.22 m) give the appearance of brick or even stone. Many buildings have this siding, especially old sheds and garages. If the panels are straight and level and not damaged, the only indication that they are not real brick may be seen at the corner caps. Trademarked names included Insulbrick, Insulstone, Insulwood. Commonly used names now are faux brick, lick-it-and-stick-it brick, and ghetto brick. Often such siding is now covered with newer metal or plastic siding. Today thin panels of real brick are manufactured for veneer or siding.

Insulated siding

Insulated siding has emerged as a new siding category in recent years. Considered an improvement over vinyl siding, insulated siding is custom fit with expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) that is fused to the back of the siding, which fills the gap between the home and the siding.

Products provide environmental advantages by reducing energy use by up to 20 percent. On average, insulated siding products have an R-value of 3.96, triple that of other exterior cladding materials. Insulated siding products are typically Energy Star qualified, engineered in compliance with environmental standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

In addition to reducing energy consumption, insulated siding is a durable exterior product, designed to last more than 50 years, according to manufacturers. The foam provides rigidity for a more ding- and wind-resistant siding, maintaining a quality look for the life of the products. The foam backing also creates straighter lines when hung, providing a look more like that of wood siding, while remaining low maintenance.

Manufacturers report that insulated siding is permeable or "breathable", allowing water vapor to escape, which can protect against rot, mold and mildew, and help maintain healthy indoor air quality.

Metal siding

Metal siding comes in a variety of metals, styles, and colors. It is most often associated with modern, industrial, and retro buildings. Utilitarian buildings often use corrugated galvanized steel sheet siding or cladding, which often has a coloured vinyl finish. Corrugated aluminum cladding is also common where a more durable finish is required, while also being lightweight for easy shaping and installing making it a popular metal siding choice.

Formerly, imitation wood clapboard was made of aluminum (aluminum siding). That role is typically played by vinyl siding today. Aluminum siding is ideal for homes in coastal areas with much moisture and salt, since aluminum reacts with air to form aluminum oxide, an extremely hard coating that seals the aluminum surface from further degradation. In contrast, steel forms rust, which can weaken the structure of the material, and corrosion-resistant coatings for steel, such as zinc, sometimes fail around the edges as years pass. However, an advantage of steel siding can be its dent-resistance, which is excellent for regions with severe storms—especially if the area is prone to hail.

The first architectural application of aluminum was the mounting of a small grounding cap on the Washington Monument in 1884. Sheet-iron or steel clapboard siding units had been patented in 1903, and Sears, Roebuck & Company had been offering embossed steel siding in stone and brick patterns in their catalogues for several years by the 1930s. Alcoa began promoting the use of aluminum in architecture by the 1920s when it produced ornamental spandrel panels for the Cathedral of Learning and the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings in New York. The exterior of the A.O. Smith Corporation Building in Milwaukee was clad entirely in aluminum by 1930, and 3-foot-square (0.91 m) siding panels of Duralumin sheet from Alcoa sheathed an experimental exhibit house for the Architectural League of New York in 1931. Most architectural applications of aluminum in the 1930s were on a monumental scale, and it was another six years before it was put to use on residential construction.

In the first few years after World War II, manufacturers began developing and widely distributing aluminum siding. Among them Indiana businessman Frank Hoess was credited with the invention of the configuration seen on modern aluminum siding. His experiments began in 1937 with steel siding in imitation of wooden clapboards. Other types of sheet metal and steel siding on the market at the time presented problems with warping, creating openings through which water could enter, introducing rust. Hoess remedied this problem through the use of a locking joint, which was formed by small flap at the top of each panel that joined with a U-shaped flange on the lower edge of the previous panel thus forming a watertight horizontal seam. After he had received a patent for his siding in 1939, Hoess produced a small housing development of about forty-four houses covered in his clapboard-style steel siding for blue-collar workers in Chicago. His operations were curtailed when war plants commandeered the industry. In 1946 Hoess allied with Metal Building Products of Detroit, a corporation that promoted and sold Hoess siding of Alcoa aluminum. Their product was used on large housing projects in the northeast and was purportedly the siding of choice for a 1947 Pennsylvania development, the first subdivision to solely use aluminum siding. Products such as 4,-6,-8-and-10-inch (100, 150, 200 and 250 mm) by 12-foot (3.7 m) unpainted aluminum panels, starter strips, corner pieces and specialized application clips were assembled in the Indiana shop of the Hoess brothers. Siding could be applied over conventional wooden clapboards, or it could be nailed to studs via special clips affixed to the top of each panel. Insulation was placed between studs. While the Hoess Brothers company continued to function for about twelve more years after the dissolution of the Metal Building Products Corporation in 1948, they were less successful than rising siding companies like Reynolds Metals.^[1]^[2]

Thatch siding

Thatch is an ancient and very widespread building material used on roofs and walls. Thatch siding is made with dry vegetation such as longstraw, water reeds, or combed wheat reed. The materials are overlapped and weaved in patterns designed to deflect and direct water.

Masonry siding

Stone and masonry veneer is sometimes considered siding, are varied and can accommodate a variety of styles—from formal to rustic. Though masonry can be painted or tinted to match many color palettes, it is most suited to neutral earth tones, and coatings such as roughcast and pebbeldash. Masonry has excellent durability (over 100 years), and minimal maintenance is required. The primary drawback to masonry siding is the initial cost.

Precipitation can threaten the structure of buildings, so it is important that the siding will be able to withstand the weather conditions in the local region. For rainy regions, exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS) have been known to suffer underlying wood rot problems with excessive moisture exposure.

The environmental impact of masonry depends on the type of material used. In general, concrete and concrete based materials are intensive energy materials to produce. However, the long durability and minimal maintenance of masonry sidings mean that less energy is required over the life of the siding.

Composite siding

Various composite materials are also used for siding: asphalt shingles, asbestos, fiber cement, aluminum (ACM), fiberboard, hardboard, etc. They may be in the form of shingles or boards, in which case they are sometimes called clapboard.

Composite sidings are available in many styles and can mimic the other siding options. Composite materials are ideal for achieving a certain style or 'look' that may not be suited to the local environment (e.g., corrugated aluminum siding in an area prone to severe storms; steel in coastal climates; wood siding in termite-infested regions).

Costs of composites tend to be lower than wood options, but vary widely as do installation, maintenance and repair requirements. Not surprisingly, the durability and environmental impact of composite sidings depends on the specific materials used in the manufacturing process.

Fiber cement siding is a class of composite siding that is usually made from a combination of cement, cellulose (wood), sand, and water. They are either coated or painted in the factory or installed and then painted after installation. Fiber cement is popular for its realistic look, durability, low-maintenance properties, fire resistance, and its lightweight properties compared to traditional wood siding. Composite siding products containing cellulose (wood fibers) have been shown to have problems with deterioration, delamination, or loss of coating adhesion in certain climates or under certain environmental conditions.

A younger class of non-wood synthetic siding has sprouted in the past 15 years. These products are usually made from a combination of non-wood materials such as polymeric resins, fiberglass, stone, sand, and fly ash and are chosen for their durability, curb appeal, and ease of maintenance. Given the newness of such technologies, product lifespan can only be estimated, varieties are limited, and distribution is sporadic.

[1]

[2]

Material	Advantages	Considerations
Vinyl	Low upkeep, cost-effective, range of colors	Can split in extreme cold, less eco-friendly
Fiber Cement	Fireproof, mimics wood, long lasting	Heavier, requires professional setup
Wood	Natural charm, customizable	Needs routine upkeep, vulnerable to pests
Metal	Highly durable, modern-day look	Can dent, often noisy in rain

Typical Issue	Expert Idea	Frequency
Cracks and Divides	Usage versatile caulk created for exterior usage to fill spaces	Every year
Fading or Peeling Paint	Sand and repaint with UV-resistant paint	Every 3-5 years
Mold and Mildew Development	Clean with vinegar option and make sure adequate ventilation	Seasonally

Element	Environmental Benefit	Professional Insight from CRG Roofing and Siding
Material Selection	Decreased resource extraction and emissions	Picking fiber cement or crafted wood over vinyl
Waste Management	Lower garbage dump volume	On-site sorting and recycling partnerships
Setup Quality	Longer lifespan, less replacement waste	Accuracy sealing and alignment to avoid damage

21201	21201 is a Baltimore MD post code encompassing the Inner Harbor and downtown business district. It features attractions such as the National Aquarium and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ZIP_codes_in_Maryland
21202	21202 is a downtown Baltimore MD zip code including the Inner Harbor and nearby business district. It's a vibrant area with sights, offices, and residential towers.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZIP_code
21203	21203 is a Baltimore MD postal code encompassing areas like Fells Point and Little Italy. It is famous for its historic waterfront, lively arts scene, and diverse food selections.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21205	21205 is a Baltimore MD postal code encompassing neighborhoods like Berea and Broadway East. It is located north-east of downtown, with a mix of residential areas and commercial corridors.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21206	21206 is a Baltimore MD zip code linked to the areas of Northeast Baltimore MD including Beverly Hills and Hillen. It is mainly a residential area with a combination of housing types and local businesses.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ZIP_codes_in_Maryland
21207	21207 is a Baltimore MD postal code encompassing areas such as Gwynn Oak and West Hills. It is a mostly residential area with a combination of home styles and local businesses.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21208	21208 is a Baltimore MD postal code primarily covering the neighborhoods of Roland Park and Hampden. It's known for its historical architecture, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to attractions such as the Avenue in Hampden.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ZIP_code_prefixes_(Baltimore)
21209	21209 is a postal code primarily in Baltimore MD, including neighborhoods such as Roland Park and Hampden. It is recognized for its historic buildings, parks, and lively shops.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21210	21210 in Baltimore MD is a varied area encompassing housing neighborhoods and commercial areas. It's known for Loyola University Maryland and nearby attractions like Lake Roland.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Bay,_Baltimore
21211	21211 is a Baltimore MD zip code covering the Roland Park, Hampden, and Remington neighborhoods. It's renowned for its historical architecture, vibrant arts scene, and near proximity to Johns Hopkins University.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ZIP_codes_in_Maryland
21212	21212 is a Baltimore MD postal code encompassing the Roland Park neighborhood and adjacent residential areas. It's recognized for its historical architecture, green areas, and proximity to local amenities.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ZIP_codes_in_Maryland
21213	21213 is a Baltimore MD postal code associated with the Pen Lucy neighborhood. Residents there experience a combination of metropolitan living and community engagement.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21214	21214 is a Baltimore MD postal code related to the Towson area. It covers domestic areas, commercial districts, and academic establishments like Towson University.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ZIP_codes_in_Maryland
21215	21215 is a Baltimore MD post code linked with the Roland Park area and nearby locations. It features domestic homes, schools, and local businesses.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ZIP_codes_in_Maryland
21216	21216 is a Baltimore MD postal code mainly covering the Mount Washington neighborhood. It's a largely residential section known for its historic architecture and proximity to parks.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Bay,_Baltimore
21217	21217 is a Baltimore MD zip code encompassing the Greenmount East and Pen Lucy neighborhoods. It's characterized by a blend of housing, community parks, and local businesses.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ZIP_codes_in_Maryland
21218	21218 is a Baltimore MD postal code covering neighborhoods such as Charles Village and Abell. It's renowned for its vibrant arts community, historic architecture, and closeness to Johns Hopkins University.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_County,_Maryland
21223	21223 is a Baltimore MD zip code covering the Curtis Bay and Hawkins Point locations. These areas are largely manufacturing and contain the site of the Quarantine Road Landfill.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21224	21224 is a Baltimore MD postal code mainly covering Canton and Brewers Hill areas. It is a vibrant area recognized for its waterfront entry and historic architecture.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_County,_Maryland
21225	21225 is a Baltimore MD zip code mainly covering the Frankford neighborhood. It's a residential area with a combination of house styles and local businesses.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21226	21226 is a Baltimore MD post code mainly covering the Curtis Bay community. It's a mostly industrial and residential area situated in the southern section of the city.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_County,_Maryland
21227	21227 is a Baltimore MD post code covering areas such as Violetville and Yale Heights. It issituated in the southwestern part of the city.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21228	21228 is a Baltimore MD postal code mostly covering the area of Catonsville. It is situated to the west of downtown Baltimore and is adjacent to Baltimore County.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21229	21229 is a Baltimore MD zip code including neighborhoods such as Forest Park and Howard Park. It's a primarily residential area with a combination of housing styles and local businesses.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21230	21230 is a Baltimore MD postal code encompassing the Inner Harbor and surrounding downtown area. It's a vibrant commercial, tourist, and residential hub with attractions like the National Aquarium and Harborplace.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medfield,_Baltimore
21231	That 21231 ZIP code in Baltimore MD, largely covers Canton, a waterfront neighborhood recognized for its historic rowhouses and dynamic bar scene. It also includes parts of Brewers Hill and Highlandtown, offering a blend of domestic and industrial spaces.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ZIP_codes_in_Maryland
21233	21233 is a Baltimore MD zip code primarily covering the East Baltimore Midway neighborhood. It is known for its residential streets and proximity to Johns Hopkins Hospital.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ZIP_codes_in_Maryland
21234	21234 is a Baltimore MD post code chiefly including the Locust Point and Fort McHenry neighborhoods. It is a lively waterfront community with historical significance and modern amenities.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21236	21236 in Baltimore MD, is a varied region with residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. It includes areas like Nottingham and Overlea, providing a combination of housing options and local amenities.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21237	21237 is a Baltimore MD postal code including the Hawkins Point and Wagner's Point areas. It is primarily an industrial area close to the Patapsco River and includes entry to the Francis Scott Key Bridge.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_ZIP_codes
21239	21239 in Baltimore MD, is located in the northern part of the city and has residential areas. It is near Cylburn Arboretum and Sinai Hospital.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21251	21251 encompasses the western portion of Baltimore County, such as areas like Pikesville. It presents a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and parks.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
21287	21287 is a Baltimore MD zip code primarily covering Towson and Riderwood. It includes residential areas, companies, and schools like Loyola University Maryland.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZIP_code

Siding

Siding: Experienced Outside Cladding Specialists Can Enhance The Durability And Look Of Your Home

Checking out the Spectrum: Types of Siding Materials

Typical Materials and Their Attributes

What Obstacles Usually Surface?

How CRG Roofing and Siding Elevates the Experience

Mastering Installation Strategies for Long Lasting Siding

Vital Best Practices for Siding Setup

Pro Tips Only Experienced Specialists Share

Upkeep and Repair Tips for Lasting Siding

Expert Insights: Beyond the Surface

Ecological Impact and Sustainability in Siding Installation

Smart Choices in Materials

Waste Decrease Techniques

Beyond Materials: The Setup Viewpoint

Professional Siding Solutions in Baltimore, MD

CRG Roofing and Siding

Photos & videos

Don't see what you need here?

Review summary

Reviews

People also search for

Web results

CRG Roofing and Siding ✔️

Current address

Website

Phone

Business status

Latitude/Longitude

Categories

Place ID

Knowledge Panel ID (KG ID)

CID Number

Business Profile ID

Other GMB details

Review list display link

Review request link

Knowledge Panel page link

GMB Post URL

Ask question request URL

Questions and answers URL

Products

Services

Other GMB's at same address

GMB's with same website domain

GMB link with Place ID

GMB link with CID

External audit links

SEO audit links

Website cache with Google

Website content indexed by Google

Website content indexed by Google last week

Website content indexed by Google last month

Website content indexed by Google in the last 6 months

Analyze website traffic

Analyze mobile friendliness

Website audit links

Google Page Speed score

Domain name lookup

Technology used on website

Website schema(Structured data) analyzer

Website audit

Website history

CRG Roofing and Siding Baltimore

Your Source for Exceptional Roofing and Siding Services in Baltimore and the Surrounding Counties.

24 YearsExperience

Find Us On Social Media

Quick Links

Main Services

Contact Us