Vertical vs. Horizontal Siding: Which Is Better?

Vertical and horizontal siding are two of the most popular exterior profiles. Which is better? It depends on several factors, including your home’s architectural style and your exterior’s maintenance needs.

Burr Roofing, Siding, & Windows, your trusted exterior remodeling and gutter installation contractor, elaborates further on the pros of each siding profile below:

Vertical Siding and Giving the Illusion of a Taller House 

Vertical siding (also known as board and batten siding) is often found in Country and Cottage style homes and gives the illusion of a taller exterior. 

Compared to horizontal siding, it has fewer maintenance needs. That’s because dirt, water, and other debris can’t accumulate on vertical slats, making vertical siding a smart choice if you just don’t have the time for chores like siding maintenance.

Important note: keep in mind that low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. 

Siding and roof maintenance should be conducted at least once a year. In particular, you need to pay attention to damp, shady areas on your siding that are conducive to mold formation.

Horizontal Siding and Traditional Exterior Designs

Horizontal or lap siding is often used in traditional architectural styles, but thanks to its wide variety of colors, it’s also a great choice for modern homes.

Having trouble choosing a siding profile? Here’s a tip: to quickly narrow down your options, find out which siding profiles have been traditionally used in your home’s architectural style.

There’s a reason why certain combinations have been used for decades: it’s because they work so well together. 

For instance, Dutch lap siding (which are known for its distinct shadow lines) is often used in Craftsman and French Colonial home while Clapboard siding (which mimic natural wood) is often installed in Cape Cod, Queen Anne, and Folk Victorian-style homes. If you’re having trouble choosing a siding profile, don’t hesitate to consult an exterior remodeler.

Burr Roofing, Siding, & Windows has been providing professional exterior services and quality replacement windows to local residents since 1969. To request an estimate, call us at (203) 660-2009 or fill out this form.