When siding the outside of a house, it's a good idea to redo the siding in such a way that it matches the style and design of the house. For example, a house built in the 1700s would probably have a different kind of siding than one that was built in in the 1930s or 1950s. Where the house is located could also affect the style of siding chosen. Because of this, it's a good idea to learn about the different types of siding when considering redoing the exterior of your house.
Board-and-Batten Siding and Reverse Board and Batten
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This style of siding first originated in Sweden as well as Norway. It consists of boards that are secured vertically to the exterior of the building, with smaller boards secured over the joints. In the U.S., this was a popular siding for barns. In the Romantic period (1850-1920), board-and-batten siding was used for houses as well. Reverse board and batten is the reverse of board and batten, consisting of narrow boards that have wider boards on top of them.
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Shingle Siding
Shingles were used to protect the roof as well as the exterior walls of the house. Shingles are made of hewn wood that's wider at the bottom than on the top. Installed from the bottom up with every succeeding row overlapping the one beneath it, it's long-lasting and sheds water well.
Plank Siding
Unlike shingles, plank siding is not beveled, but one thickness from top to bottom. Plank siding is one of the simplest forms of siding, with each row of planks overlapping the one beneath it. Care must be taken to stagger the joints of the planks to ensure water does not penetrate beneath the siding.
Beveled and Rabbited Siding
Like shingles, the tops of the boards are wider than the bottom. The main difference is that the bottom back of the boards are rabbited, or has a section or a shelf cut from it, so that it fits tightly over the top of the board in the row beneath. This helps to create a better seal, though staggering the joints must be done as well.
Shiplap Siding
Like the beveled and rabbited siding, shiplap siding is rabbited as well. However, this siding is also rabbited on the top front. Because of this, the siding is flush against the exterior wall of the house and fits tightly together at the top and bottom of the boards. This siding effectively sheds water.
Flat Tongue-and-Groove Siding
Flat tongue-and-groove siding sits flush against the side of the exterior wall thanks to grooves cut into the bottom of the boards, and tongues cut into the tops. The tongue slips tightly into the groove of the board above it.