
What kind of siding should I put on my house?
- Engineered Wood Siding (pre-finished) Engineered wood is a great alternative to real wood siding.
- Steel Siding. Steel is a highly durable siding that can withstand more damage than other materials.
- Fiber Cement (pre-finished) Fiber cement is another affordable siding choice.
- Vinyl Siding.
How to install siding on a house?
- 1×3 pressure-treated furring strips: Furring strips will provide a smooth backing surface for the vinyl siding to attach to. ...
- Chalk/marker pen: Use any of these to mark the brick wall where you want the furring strips to be attached.
- Plumb bob: A plumb bob will help you put marks on the wall in a straight line. ...
What is the best type of siding for my house?
What is the most durable siding for a house?
- Engineered Wood. As the most durable siding on the market, engineered wood combines the aesthetics of real wood with engineered wood strand technology for superior durability.
- Vinyl Siding.
- Fiber Cement.
- Traditional Wood.
- Cedar Shake.
- Aluminum.
How do you calculate house siding?
Calculate the amount of siding needed for your wall; Multiply the square footage of the wall of 72 square feet by 1.743. The result is the number of boards in lineal feet; 194 * 1.743 = 338.142 rounded to 339. You will need 339 lineal feet of siding.

What is normally behind vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding can be installed over common wood sheathings such as plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or other materials (e.g., foam plastic insulating sheathing).
What board goes behind siding?
The wood that goes under residential siding – exterior sheathing – performs several functions. It adds insulation, waterproofing and structural support for the framing. It also provides a surface on which to nail the siding. The most common sheathing materials include oriented strand board and plywood.
Do I need sheathing under siding?
Most new walls need sheathing to strengthen them, to act as a nailing base for siding, and/or to boost insulation. Existing walls usually do not require sheathing unless you are stripping off the old siding and applying a different type that calls for sheathing.
What kind of wood goes behind vinyl siding?
For structural sheathing, you'll find either plywood or OSB. However, vinyl siding is combustible. It will not ignite, but it can melt upon exposure to heat. For this reason, gypsum sheathing, a fire-resistant material, is more suitable for vinyl siding.
What goes at the bottom of siding?
Most manufacturers produce a starter strip that secures the bottom course of siding to the sheathing and holds it at the proper angle. As shown in the diagram, a wooden spacer can be used to provide the proper angle for the first strip.
Can you put siding directly on studs?
NOTE: Vinyl siding must be applied over a rigid sheathing that provides a smooth, flat surface or an underlayment (such as wood, wood composition, rigid foam or fiber sheathing) that is no more than 1" thick. Vinyl siding cannot be applied directly to studs.
Do you need Tyvek under siding?
There are no specific laws or building codes requiring homeowners to install house wrap behind siding. So, in a way, you can get away with not wrapping your house in a protective waterproof barrier.
How thick is sheathing on a house?
For residential construction, the building code requirement typically is for a rated sheathing panel of either OSB or plywood of 0.95 cm (3/8 in) thickness when sheathing is required, as for shear wall sections; however, the common practice is to use sheathing thicknesses greater than code, which is referred to as “ ...
What is the importance of siding on a house?
While your home’s siding is a key player in terms of dictating aesthetic appeal , it does have practical uses too.
What is the appeal of vinyl siding?
One of the appeals of vinyl siding is that it often comes already colored. With a variety of different color choices to choose from, you are sure to find one that will match your style and make your house look amazing.
What is the difference between a shake and a shingle?
Shingles and shakes are similar in style and creation. Shakes are machine- or hand-sawn from blocks of wood to create thicker and less uniform, but more durable, covering for a house. Shingles are thinner and more uniform and are able to be cut into various shapes for more interest.
What is split log siding?
Split log siding is impressive on a house and offers instant rustic and cabin-like qualities. Typically made of cypress, cedar, redwood, or pine logs, split log siding is expensive and high-maintenance. It can be painted or stained but is most often used in its natural state with a clear-coat sealant over it.
What is brick veneer?
The other is a brick veneer that uses thin layers of brick. Not only does brick masonry act as the exterior wall, but it also holds the entire house up. Brick veneer, on the other hand, is applied more like traditional siding, just on the outside of the home (it doesn’t bear any of the home’s weight).
Why is my wood rotting?
The wood may rot or become infested by pests if they are low grade and not well treated.
What is the most popular type of siding?
Wood. Wood is perhaps the most traditional type of exterior siding for homes. It’s extremely versatile and available in many different styles. Every style is beautiful and adds a sense of traditional charm to any home. People love wood siding for its beautiful and natural look.
What is exterior sheathing?
It adds insulation, waterproofing and structural support for the framing. It also provides a surface on which to nail the siding. The most common sheathing materials include oriented strand board and plywood. OSB Vs. Plywood Sheathing.
Why do builders use ring nails?
Builders use ring-shank nails to secure the sheathing to the framing because they resist popping when the wood expands and contracts.
Is OSB stronger than plywood?
Both of these materials cost more than 7/16-inch OSB does, which also works as a suitable exterior sheathing material. In fact, many builders prefer OSB over plywood, not just because it costs less, but because it is stronger and repels water better than plywood.
What's Under My Siding?
I have a 1925 Craftsman Bungalow, and cannot wait to re side it. Is it possible the original wood siding is under there somewhere? Is it common practice to strip the house vefore vinyl siding is put up? I can see the original knee brace barackets that are boxed in. What do you guys think?
Comments (4)
I think there's only one way to find out what's underneath for sure and that's to remove the siding. I'd look for a place that isn't visible to the street, maybe behind some shrubs or near the back of the house and carefully remove a section.
What is composite siding?
Composite siding is an effective alternative to standard vinyl siding and is also more eco-friendly.
What is clapboard siding?
Wood clapboard siding, also known as lap siding, is a rare but beautiful type of siding that includes horizontal installation of long wooden boards overlapped together. Clapboard is different from shiplap in that it is installed horizontally and has one edge thicker than the other so that they can seamlessly overlap each other.
How long does board and batten siding last?
However, depending on the type of wood used and if it is treated, your siding could last 25+ years which pays off in the long run.
What is seamless steel siding?
Seamless steel siding is designed and cut to fit the exact length you need. There won’t ever be a break where two pieces meet, except for the corners of your home. Seamless steel siding is designed to have a wood grain look but with the added benefits of steel.
What color goes well with dark blue siding?
It can even be paired with black or dark blue trims and soffit to give a bold look but maintaining a less risky color on your exterior siding. If you want a color that isn’t white or beige but still has a pop of color, pale blue is an ideal choice.
What is fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement siding is quite common and is actually manufactured using many of the same materials as stone veneer: Portland cement, sand, and cellulose. It comes in many different colors and can even be manufactured to imitate real wood.
Is vinyl siding good for mold?
It’s also weather-resistant, fade-resistant, and impervious to insects and other pests. However, in the event of water leaks or other damage to the siding, it is highly susceptible to mold and mildew growth behind it. If your vinyl siding is ever compromised, it is relatively cheap and simple to remedy the fix if the water damage has not penetrated a much larger area. Plus, the options for colors and textures for vinyl siding are seemingly endless. It’s a great option for anyone just looking to increase their curb appeal and get a new fresh look for their home.
What is sheathing in a house?
Sheathing is a panel or board built from different materials. It doesn’t matter how old your house is, it’s never too late for sheathing. You can put sheathing in two categories; structural and non-structural sheathing. Structural sheathing helps you achieve a strong and sturdy structural capability.
What is structural sheathing?
Structural sheathing helps you achieve a strong and sturdy structural capability. In other words, it works as structural support for your house. On the other hand, non-structural sheathing keeps your house insulated. Both structural and non-structural come with amazing features.
What is the most common material for sheathing?
Wood is the most common material for structural sheathing. Based on the state of material and concentration, there are several types of wood sheathing. Plywood Sheathing. Cross-laminated wood is the main element of plywood sheathing. This makes the plywood board tough and stiff.
What is an orientated board?
Oriented Strand Boards had quite the name as a durable sheathing. OSBs are made out of thin hot pressed wood strands. Surprising, right? Thinking how can strands turn out so sturdy?
Is plywood sheathing water resistant?
Plywood sheathing is not completely water-resistant. There are numerous reports in the past of rotten plywood under siding in the past. So, keep them as far away as possible from water. Oriented Strand Boards had quite the name as a durable sheathing.
Can you put sheathing under siding?
It is completely okay if you were not aware that there’s no sheathing under siding until you removed it. Sheathing works as a case or cover, structural support, insulator, and more. Missing sheathing is not any structural defect. It’s possible that it was not added to the construction plan. However, you can always add sheathings if you wish.
Can foam insulation be used on siding?
In fact, there are several complaints stating the wavy terrible looking siding on the wall. Now, foam insulation is designed for an en closed area. It won’t be able to set up or cure properly if it’s exposed.
