As a homeowner, there are many decisions that you will need to make before any renovation project begins. If you’re planning on overhauling the exterior of your Carolina home, for example, you will need to consider what type of siding is the best choice for your residence. This can be challenging in and of itself, as there are numerous siding options on the market today!
Furthermore, once you select a siding option — be it vinyl, wood, or fiber cement — you’ll have to make a decision about how the siding boards should be installed. “What?”, you may be thinking, “Won’t my contractor hang the boards for me?” Yes, your installation team will physically put your new siding on your house, but it’s up to you whether you want them hung vertically or horizontally.
Here, we take a look at which option might be the best fit for you.
Pros of Vertical Siding
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose vertical siding is to set themselves apart from the crowd. Most often, vertical siding is seen as an accent on public buildings like libraries, museums, and even art galleries — it is less common in the residential realm, but is becoming an increasingly popular option.
A major benefit of vertical siding is that it gives your home an instant boost in height, which is ideal for those who live in one-story residences that don’t necessarily have a lot of impact on first sight.
Finally, vertically hung siding can be easier to clean than horizontal boards.
Cons of Vertical Siding
The primary downside to choosing vertical siding installation is that it is more expensive, in most cases. Vertical siding requires a slightly different installation process and additional materials, such as furring strips between each board, which can add to your overall cost as a homeowner.
Furthermore, because vertical siding is less common than horizontal siding, it could be tougher to sell your home should you ever decide to move.
Pros of Horizontal Siding
Perhaps the best thing about horizontal siding is its affordability. Because horizontal siding is the easiest option to install, most contractors quote their clients relatively inexpensive labor costs. In addition, horizontal siding can typically be hung faster than vertical boards, meaning it is often the best choice for those who want their exterior remodeling jobs completed quickly.
And, as you might imagine, homes with horizontal siding do tend to sell even faster than those with more unique vertical siding because they are more universally appealing on the whole.
Cons of Horizontal Siding
While nearly all types of horizontal siding are durable, it can be susceptible to damage by rainwater. This doesn’t tend to be an issue with vertical siding. Wood siding, in particular, can warp and crack when it gets wet — this can also lead to mold and mildew infestations that can cause health problems for you and your family members.
All in all, which way your siding is hung comes down to personal preference. When you are ready to discuss your North Carolina or South Carolina remodeling project, contact the experts at Hatch Home at your earliest convenience.