Key Siding Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

Whether you’re planning a wood window installation or a siding replacement, you might encounter some terms that are new to you. While contractors know what they’re talking about, such terms are not just for them. It’s easier for a homeowner to determine exactly what type of product they want if they understand the terms.

If you’re planning to replace your old siding, read these terms to better understand and identify what type of siding you really want:

Batten

Battens are the smaller parts that are installed between the siding boards. A batten is a strip of wood and its job is to seal the joints between the wooden siding boards.

Course

The row of siding that runs the length of an exterior wall is called a course. It takes several courses to cover an exterior wall.

Flashing

Flashing is a piece of material installed around roof penetrations and around replacement windows to protect those areas from water penetration. The material is often metal, but it can also be vinyl or plastic.

Channel

Siding or trim has an area where the next piece of siding or trim is inserted. This area is known as the channel.

Eaves

This is not a part of your siding but a portion of your roof. This is the part of the roof overhanging the exterior walls.

Buttlock

Siding panels should lock onto each other for better stability and protection. A siding panel locks onto a previously installed siding’s bottom. That bottom portion is called a buttlock.

Frieze

Some siding panels are installed with a frieze, which connects the top siding to the soffit of your roof. A frieze is often decorative.

Flange

Siding panels have mounting holes which are usually located at the top of the panels. The area where these mounting holes are present is called a flange.

Lap

You’ve probably heard the term lap siding or lap joint. Lap is actually the shorter term for overlap, as lap siding overlaps another. Laps serve as a cover for the nails.

To find out more about siding terminologies, get in touch with Homecraft Inc. We also install vinyl windows. Call us at (302) 798-0302 or leave a message here. We’re available in Wilmington and Bear, DE.