When purchasing a new siding for your home, you may come across terms that are unfamiliar to you. Although not required, it would be worth understanding them to help you make the right choice.
Austin Pro Siding, Windows & Roofing, one of the leading siding companies in the area, defines these commonly used siding terms to help you learn more about your home’s siding.
- Buttlock. It refers to the bottom portion of a siding panel. It locks into a previously installed panel and keeps the siding from moving around.
- Channel. It is the area of the accessory trim or corner post where the siding or soffit panels are inserted. It may also refer to the trim itself, which is named after the letters of the alphabet they resemble, such as J-channel or F-channel.
- Course. It is a row of siding that runs the length of an exterior wall, either from one side to the other or from top to bottom.
- Drip Cap. Also known as head flashing, it is an accessory installed with the vertical siding. It keeps water from infiltrating the panels.
- Face. It is the visible part of the siding or soffit panel once it is installed.
- Face Nailing. It refers to the process of installing siding by putting nails through the face of the siding. Most siding installers do not recommend this as it exposes the nails rather than hiding them.
- Fascia. It is a trim that covers the ends of roof rafters. It is a board that runs horizontally and covers the joint or intersection of the top exterior wall and the overhanging lower edge of the roof.
- Flashing. It is a piece of metal used above doors and windows to prevent water from penetrating your property.
- Furring Strip. It is used to keep the surface even in preparation for siding installation. When your siding contractor uses the phrase “to fur a surface,” they mean applying these strips.
- Lap. This term is short for “overlap.” A lap joint is when one panel of siding overlaps another. Laps are important to ensure the nails that fasten the siding to the exterior of your home are not visible.
- Miter Joint. It is the intersection of two panels at a 90-degree angle. For better appearance, miter cuts are made into an overlapping siding or soffit panel surface.
- Plumb. It is otherwise known as a square. It is a perfectly perpendicular measurement of an object. It is exactly 90 degrees from a level, horizontal surface.
- Scoring. It refers to a “light cutting” of a piece of siding. When bent, the siding will snap into two pieces with a clean edge for each piece.
- Soffit. It is the material used to enclose the horizontal underside of an eave, cornice or overhang. It is usually vented to allow air to come in and out while keeping water out.
- Starter Strips. They are accessories directly applied to the surface of the building. They are used to secure the first panel or course of siding to a wall.
- Weep Holes. These are openings found in the bottom edge of the siding. They allow water to run off and out of your siding to prevent water buildup.
Planning a siding installation project? Get in touch with our experts at Austin Pro Siding, Windows & Roofing. As one of the leading siding replacement companies, we are glad to assist you with your needs. Call our main office at (512) 550-0000. If you’re a resident of Austin, call us at (210) 906-0046. You may also fill out our contact form to book an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in San Antonio.
