Horizontal Vs. Vertical Siding: How to Choose the Right Fit

When it’s time for new siding on your home, you have so many choices to make on what color you want or what material will fit your home best. But did you know that you can choose the design of the siding as well? Choosing between horizontal or vertical siding can make a huge difference in the overall look of the exterior of your home, so it is an important decision to make. When considering whether to have horizontal or vertical siding installed on your home, you must consider the pros and cons of each.

Advantages of Horizontal Siding

Horizontal siding is also called lap siding and hangs from left to right (rather than up and down). Horizontal siding brings with it the options to use just about any siding materials, but they are manufactured a little differently than those for vertical siding. Some material options for horizontal siding are:

• Vinyl
• Wood
• Cedar
• Fiber Cement

Horizontal siding has many benefits over vertical siding. Some of the benefits of horizontal siding include:

• Cost - Horizontal siding is easier to install, so it is typically less expensive than vertical siding. This makes the installation process faster as well.
• Traditional aesthetics - Horizontal siding is a more traditional look than vertical siding, so if you are looking for a more classic look for your home, horizontal siding is the right choice.
• Easier application - As previously mentioned, installing siding horizontally is faster and easier, so if you choose a DIY project (although we recommend hiring a professional for the job for many reasons)

Disadvantages of Horizontal Siding

Even though horizontal siding is a great choice for many homes, it does include disadvantages as well.

• Harder to clean - Horizontal siding is more vulnerable to water damage and needs to be cleaned more often to ensure moisture doesn’t get behind the siding.
• Less durable - Rain can trickle into the horizontal ridges where the boards overlap, causing water damage. As previously mentioned, this can be remedied with frequent cleaning, but even with cleaning, it can promote wood rot, mold, warping, mildew, and other water damage issues. Some materials of siding won’t rot, so make sure you discuss options with your exterior contractor to choose the best material for your home.

Advantages of Vertical Siding

Like horizontal siding, vertical has its own set of benefits. Most of the homes you have probably seen have horizontal siding (since, as previously mentioned, it has been considered the more traditional look), so it’s possible you’ve never seen a home with siding that is hung up and down. Almost any siding material that can be hung horizontally can also be hung vertically. The advantages of vertical siding include:

• Uniqueness - Vertical siding tends to be more eye-catching than horizontal because it isn’t used as often—except on commercial buildings and barns, historically—so it can provide curb appeal. If you’re looking for a home exterior that is different from the houses around yours, vertical siding might be the right choice for you.
• Easy cleaning - Unlike horizontal siding that traps moisture, water flows along the boards to the ground without having anything to get trapped within, so it drains safely. This helps avoid water damage, rot, mold, and other moisture issues, and it won’t require cleaning as often.

Disadvantages of Vertical Siding

Although the same material is used, the process of vertical siding is entirely different and therefore brings some disadvantages that need to be considered when determining what priorities you have for your siding. The disadvantages of vertical siding are:

• Complex installation - Unlike horizontal siding, which is quick and easy for professionals to install, vertical siding has more of a process. If the pros installing your siding don’t have a lot of experience with it, it could spell trouble. 
• Cost - Since it’s much more complex of a process to install, the labor cost of vertical siding will be higher than traditional horizontal siding. Unlike horizontal siding, vertical siding also requires a furring strip to be added between boards, which adds to the material cost on top of the higher labor cost.
• Home selling issues - Even though vertical siding is eye-catching and unique, not everyone wants that unique look. If you plan on selling your home within the life of your new siding, you might want to consult a realtor first to determine how vertical siding in your neighborhood will be received and if it will make selling your home more difficult.

ProCon Exteriors Handles All Your Siding Needs

ProCon Exteriors is a local exterior contractor in Kidron, Ohio, who can handle the installation of siding in the material of your choice in Columbus, Mansfield, Canton, Akron, Cleveland, or surrounding areas. 

We are committed to giving you the pros and the cons of the roofing and exterior services and products that are available for your home. We won’t try to sell you what you don’t need.  We will make sure that you understand the variety of roofing, siding, window, and door products on the market. Our goal is helping you choose the right roofing system and exterior for your home.

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