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]

Product	Benefits	Considerations
Vinyl	Low maintenance, economical, variety of colors	Can crack in extreme cold, less environmentally friendly
Fiber Cement	Fireproof, mimics wood, durable	Much heavier, needs expert setup
Wood	Natural charm, personalized	Requirements routine maintenance, prone to insects
Metal	Highly resilient, modern appearance	Can dent, in some cases loud in rain

Typical Problem	Expert Pointer	Frequency
Cracks and Splits	Usage versatile caulk designed for exterior usage to fill spaces	Yearly
Fading or Peeling Paint	Sand and repaint with UV-resistant paint	Every 3-5 years
Mold and Mildew Development	Tidy with vinegar option and ensure adequate ventilation	Seasonally

Aspect	Environmental Benefit	Specialist Insight from CRG Roofing and Siding
Product Selection	Reduced resource extraction and emissions	Picking fiber cement or engineered wood over vinyl
Waste Management	Lower garbage dump volume	On-site sorting and recycling collaborations
Installation Quality	Longer lifespan, less replacement waste	Precision sealing and positioning to prevent damage

National Aquarium	The National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD, displays a varied array of marine life in immersive exhibits, including a breathtaking tropical rainforest and a captivating shark tank. It offers educational programs and interactive experiences that emphasize aquatic conservation and environmental awareness.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Aquarium
Inner Harbor	The Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD, is a vibrant waterfront area known for its picturesque views, historic ships, and lively entertainment options. It features attractions like the National Aquarium, galleries, stores, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inner_Harbor
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine	Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore MD is a historic coastal fort renowned for its part in the War of 1812, influencing the U.S. national anthem. Visitors can tour the well-maintained fortifications and discover its importance in American history.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_McHenry
Oriole Park at Camden Yards	Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a historic baseball stadium in Baltimore MD, known for its timeless design and up-to-date amenities. It serves as the home of the Baltimore Orioles and is noted for revitalizing the ballpark experience in Major League Baseball.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriole_Park_at_Camden_Yards
American Visionary Art Museum	The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD, showcases one-of-a-kind, self-taught art created by inspired artists. It features eclectic exhibitions that highlight creativity, imagination, and outsider art.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Visionary_Art_Museum
Walters Art Museum	The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, MD, houses an comprehensive collection of art spanning from ancient times to the 19th century, featuring works from around the world. It delivers visitors a immersive cultural experience through its wide-ranging exhibitions and educational programs.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walters_Art_Museum
Baltimore Museum of Art	The Baltimore Museum of Art boasts an vast collection of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art, including the largest holding of works by Henri Matisse. It is a cultural landmark in Baltimore MD, offering diverse exhibitions, educational programs, and community events.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_Museum_of_Art
Maryland Science Center	The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore MD offers engaging displays and hands-on activities that investigate multiple scientific principles. It features an astronomical observatory, a sky theater, and engaging educational programs for visitors of all ages.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland_Science_Center
Historic Ships in Baltimore	Historic Ships in Baltimore showcases a display of restored naval vessels offering a look into maritime history. Visitors can discover notable ships such as the USS Constellation and the Lightship Chesapeake, experiencing Baltimore's rich naval heritage up close.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Ships_in_Baltimore
Fell's Point	Fell's Point is a historic waterfront area in Baltimore MD, celebrated for its cobblestone streets, energetic nightlife, and beautifully preserved 18th-century architecture. It offers a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and scenic views of the Inner Harbor.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fell%27s_Point,_Baltimore
Little Italy	Little Italy in Baltimore, MD is a lovely neighborhood known for its deep Italian heritage and traditional dining experiences. It features cobblestone streets, vibrant festivals, and family-owned restaurants offering traditional Italian cuisine.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Italy,_Baltimore
Federal Hill Park	Federal Hill Park in Baltimore, MD, offers stunning panoramic views of the Inner Harbor and cityscape. This notable site features a spacious green space with paths, picnic places, and a monument commemorating its Civil War significance.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Hill,_Baltimore
Cylburn Arboretum	Cylburn Arboretum is a heritage public garden and natural reserve in Baltimore, Maryland, featuring wide-ranging plant collections and picturesque walking trails. It offers visitors a peaceful environment for outdoor recreation, horticultural education, and seasonal events.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cylburn_Arboretum
Druid Hill Park	Druid Hill Park is a historic municipal park in Baltimore MD, MD, featuring green landscapes, a spacious lake, and leisure facilities. It offers visitors hiking paths, a conservatory, and the Maryland Zoo, making it a well-liked destination for outdoor pursuits and family outings.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Druid_Hill_Park
Patterson Park	Patterson Park is a historic park in Baltimore, Maryland, known for its lovely walking trails, playgrounds, and the iconic Pagoda offering panoramic city views. It serves as a popular community gathering space for outdoor activities and cultural events.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patterson_Park_(Baltimore)
Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum	The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, MD, is the preserved historic home of the famous American writer known for his macabre and gothic tales. Visitors can visit expositions about Poe's life, works, and his lasting influence on literature.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Allan_Poe_House_and_Museum
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum	The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore, MD, honors the legacy and contributions of baseball legend Babe Ruth. It includes exhibits displaying his career, memorabilia, and the famous home where he was born.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_Ruth_Birthplace_and_Museum
Reginald F Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture	The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture in Baltimore MD showcases the rich history and legacies of African Americans in Maryland. It includes exhibits on art, culture, and history, emphasizing influential figures and events.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reginald_F._Lewis_Museum_of_Maryland_African_American_History_and_Culture
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore	The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is a popular attraction featuring a varied collection of animals and engaging exhibits. It offers learning programs and conservation efforts, making it a family-friendly destination in Baltimore, MD.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland_Zoo
Lexington Market	Lexington Market is a historic marketplace in Baltimore MD, Maryland, known for its wide-ranging food vendors and vibrant atmosphere. It offers a wide variety of freshly sourced seafood, local produce, and traditional Baltimore dishes, attracting both locals and tourists.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexington_Market
Mount Vernon Place	Mount Vernon Place in Baltimore MD, is a noteworthy urban square known for its spectacular architecture and the emblematic Washington Monument at its core. The region displays impressively preserved 19th-century buildings, museums, and dynamic cultural appeals.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Vernon_Place
Washington Monument	The Washington Monument in Baltimore, MD, is a historic obelisk dedicated to George Washington, standing majestically in Mount Vernon Place. It is a notable landmark and popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Monument_(Baltimore)
Baltimore Basilica	The Baltimore Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the initial Roman Catholic cathedral established in the United States. Located in Baltimore, MD, it is renowned for its stunning neoclassical architecture and historical significance.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_the_National_Shrine_of_the_Assumption_of_the_Blessed_Virgin_Mary
Holocaust Memorial	The Holocaust Memorial in Baltimore, MD, is a respectful tribute commemorating the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. It serves as a place for thought, instruction, and commemoration of the crimes committed during World War II.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_Holocaust_Memorial
B&O Railroad Museum	The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, MD, exhibits the heritage of American railroading with an comprehensive collection of locomotives and railroad artifacts. It provides interactive exhibits and historic train rides, making it a popular destination for history and train enthusiasts.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%26O_Railroad_Museum
Visionary Village	Visionary Village in Baltimore, MD, is a imaginative community hub showcasing groundbreaking art, design, and technology. It serves as a dynamic space for collaboration, displays, and cultural events.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Visionary_Art_Museum
The Maryland Center for History and Culture	The Maryland Center for History and Culture in Baltimore showcases the rich history and diverse culture of Maryland through captivating exhibits and programs. It acts as a focal point for research, education, and preservation of the region's heritage.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland_Historical_Society
Port Discovery Children's Museum	Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore, MD, provides interactive displays and participatory activities meant to encourage creativity and learning for children of all ages. It offers a entertaining and educational environment where kids can engage with science, art, and imaginative play.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Discovery
Pier Six Pavilion	Pier Six Pavilion is a popular outdoor amphitheater located on the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD, known for hosting concerts and live entertainment. It offers beautiful waterfront views and a lively atmosphere, attracting both locals and visitors.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier_Six_Pavilion
Power Plant Live	Power Plant Live is a vibrant entertainment center in Baltimore MD, featuring a variety of restaurants, bars, and live music venues. It is a favorite destination for nightlife and social gatherings in the city's Inner Harbor area.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Plant_(Baltimore)

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Beyond Products: The Installation Viewpoint

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