When it comes to siding, one of the most important exterior home renovation decisions, you have several styles to consider. The best siding style depends on your home’s architecture, curb appeal goals, maintenance preferences, and budget.
At The Third Estimate, we provide top-quality siding from premier brands like Norandex and James Hardie. We also offer some of the most popular styles, including horizontal siding, shake siding, and board and batten siding. Each siding style has its own unique look, care needs, and long-term benefits.
What Are the Most Popular Siding Styles?
The most popular siding styles include horizontal siding, board and batten siding, and shake siding. Horizontal siding gives homes a clean, traditional look. Board and batten adds vertical detail and farmhouse-inspired curb appeal. Shake siding creates a textured, dimensional finish.
Each option can work well for Northeast Ohio homes when it is installed correctly and maintained over time.
Horizontal Siding
You will commonly see horizontal siding, also known as clapboard or lap siding, on most residential homes. This style offers both easy installation and durability. Manufacturers provide a variety of styles and materials for this siding option. Installers place the boards from the bottom to the top, creating an overlapping pattern that helps with water runoff and moisture protection.
Horizontal siding is also one of the easier styles to maintain because its overlapping layout helps shed water away from the wall system. Homeowners should still check for loose panels, cracks, stains, or gaps after storms and seasonal temperature changes.
Board and Batten
Installers create board and batten siding using wide vertical boards, called boards, and cover the seams with narrow strips, known as battens. Gaining popularity with the rise of the Modern Farmhouse style, Board and Batten siding is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to add character and charm to their home’s exterior. Its versatility, durability, and energy efficiency make it a popular choice for many homeowners looking for a distinctive siding style.
Because board and batten siding has vertical seams, proper installation and sealing are important. Homeowners should keep an eye on trim edges, panel joints, and lower sections where moisture can collect.
Shake Siding
Shake is a siding style recognized for its natural and rustic appearance. Although traditionally crafted from wood, such as cedar, they can also be produced from vinyl or fiber cement. Different materials can replicate the texture of wooden shingles for easier maintenance. This siding style can be installed in a variety of shapes and patterns. The textured shingles add a more decorative, dimensional look to your home.
Shake siding adds texture, but that texture can also collect dirt, pollen, or mildew over time. Gentle cleaning and regular inspections help keep shake siding looking its best, especially on shaded areas of the home.
How Do You Maintain Different Siding Styles?
Different siding styles can change your home’s curb appeal, but they also need the right care to last. Regular siding maintenance helps protect your home from moisture, mold, mildew, fading, and hidden damage.
Start with a quick inspection once or twice a year. Look for:
- Loose panels
- Cracks or gaps
- Stains or discoloration
- Mold or mildew
- Soft or damaged areas
- Missing caulk around trim
- Plants or trees touching the siding
Cleaning depends on the siding material. Vinyl siding can usually be cleaned with mild detergent, water, and a soft brush. Fiber cement siding should be cleaned gently with mild soap and water, without aggressive scrubbing. Wood siding needs more careful maintenance and should be checked for peeling, moisture, pests, and rot.
To help siding last longer, keep shrubs and tree branches trimmed away from the home. This improves airflow and helps reduce moisture buildup. Gaps or cracks should also be sealed quickly to help prevent water from getting behind the siding.
If your siding is damaged, loose, cracked, or past the point of routine cleaning, The Third Estimate can help you compare home siding replacement options for your home.
Frequently asked questions About Siding Styles
What siding style is most popular?
Horizontal siding is one of the most popular siding styles because it works with many home designs, sheds water well, and offers a clean, classic look.
Is board and batten siding only for farmhouse-style homes?
No. Board and batten is common on modern farmhouse homes, but it can also work as an accent on traditional, craftsman, and contemporary exteriors.
Is shake siding hard to maintain?
Shake siding can need more attention than smooth siding because its texture may collect dirt, pollen, or mildew. Vinyl and fiber cement shake options can offer the look of wood with easier maintenance.
How often should siding be cleaned?
Most siding should be cleaned once or twice a year, depending on tree coverage, shade, weather exposure, and the material. A soft brush, mild soap, and water are often enough for routine cleaning.
When should siding be replaced instead of cleaned?
Siding may need replacement if it is cracked, warped, loose, rotting, letting in moisture, or no longer protecting the home. A professional inspection can help confirm whether cleaning, repair, or replacement makes sense.
Explore Siding Style Options with The Third Estimate
Choosing a siding style is easier when you can see how it will look on your home. The Third Estimate offers design mockup software so you can compare colors, profiles, and exterior combinations before making a final decision.
Homeowners can also visit our Fairview Park design showroom for hands-on inspiration, American-made products, and a personalized design consultation with our team.
Ready to explore siding styles for your home? Visit one of The Third Estimate’s locations or contact The Third Estimate to schedule your free estimate.
Contact The Third Estimate today for a free consultation and see why we’re the trusted choice for homeowners across Northeast Ohio. Remember, we’re “Small Enough to Listen, Big Enough to Deliver!”
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