Siding Terms

Used to seal joints, gaps, and seams to prevent air and moisture from entering.

A finishing piece installed on exterior corners to create clean transitions between siding panels and protect the edges from moisture and damage.

A small metal or plastic piece that sits above windows and doors to keep rain from getting behind your siding. It helps protect your home from leaks and moisture damage.

The lower edges of a roof that extend past the exterior walls. Their overhang directs water away from the siding and foundation, protecting your home from moisture damage.

The visible area of each siding panel that isn’t overlapped by the next piece once installation is complete. It’s what you actually see on the exterior of your home.

A siding trim shaped like the letter “F,” designed to support and finish the edges of vinyl panels where they connect to soffits, porch ceilings, or other horizontal surfaces.

A fastening method where nails are driven directly through the face of the siding board, leaving the nail heads visible. However, this technique is not recommended for materials like vinyl, as it can cause the siding to warp or buckle.

A waterproof barrier made of metal, rubber, or plastic that’s installed in key exterior areas to direct water away from vulnerable spots and prevent leaks or moisture damage.

Thin boards placed behind siding to make the wall flat and give the siding something sturdy to attach to. They also help your home “breathe” by allowing air and moisture to escape behind the panels.

The triangle-shaped part of the wall that sits just below the roofline where the two sides of the roof meet.

Tiny metal pieces shaped like an “H” that fit between wall or roof panels to hold them evenly spaced and securely supported. They help keep everything aligned and prevent damage from temperature changes.

A vertical trim piece placed on the inside corner of two walls, helping siding panels fit neatly together and keeping the corner protected and watertight.

A finishing piece used during installation to create clean edges and protect openings like windows, doors, and corners from moisture and damage.

When two siding or trim boards are cut at an angle and joined together to form a neat corner, giving your home’s exterior a polished, finished look.

The top edge of a siding panel where the nails go in. It’s what holds your siding to your home’s wall, and it’s designed so the siding can move slightly as temperatures change, preventing warping or buckling.

How installers measure the distance between each stud or support behind your siding. It keeps the wall strong, evenly supported, and helps your siding stay flat and secure over time.

Openings installed under roof eaves that allow fresh air into the attic, helping regulate temperature and prevent moisture buildup.

The first horizontal piece installed at the base of a wall to ensure proper alignment and secure the first row of siding panels.

The base layer beneath your siding—usually made of wood panels or similar materials—that gives the siding a strong, even surface to attach to and helps protect your home’s structure.

All of the finishing elements that frame the windows, eaves, and rooflines on the exterior of your home.

A hidden, water-resistant barrier installed beneath siding that protects the home’s walls from moisture, air leaks, and water damage.

A type of structural wall panel that combines exterior sheathing and a built-in weather barrier in one product. Made by Huber Engineered Woods, it’s a modern alternative to traditional sheathing and house wrap.

Made from wood fibers, resin, and binders, this material offers a resilient, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood. It provides the natural look of wood while resisting moisture, pests, and temperature changes.

A durable composite material designed to look and feel like real wood. Made of wood strands, resins, and fibers compressed under high heat, it’s treated with zinc borate to resist pests, rot, and moisture.

A durable material made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Known for its resistance to harsh weather, pests, and fire, it can mimic the look of wood, stucco, or stone.

A sturdy layer attached to a home’s frame that provides support for finishes like stucco or stone veneer. It helps those materials adhere properly and prevents cracking or separation over time.

An exterior cladding made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable plastic designed to mimic materials like wood. It’s weather-resistant, low-maintenance, and available in a wide range of colors and styles.

Made to look like natural stone, this manmade material captures the same texture and color at a lower cost. It’s lightweight, durable, and easy to install.

A cement-based exterior finish applied in layers over a lath base. It’s durable, fire-resistant, and available in a variety of textures and colors, though proper sealing is needed to prevent moisture damage.

An exterior siding made from PVC plastic. It’s low-maintenance, affordable, available in many colors and textures, and can withstand various weather conditions.

An exterior cladding material made from woods like cedar, pine, or redwood. It provides natural beauty and insulation, can be painted or stained, and adds traditional curb appeal.

Horizontal siding made of long, narrow boards installed with a slight overlap. This design helps water run off the surface and prevents moisture buildup.

A design that combines materials such as stone, brick, vinyl, and fiber cement to create visual contrast and texture.

Refers to the direction siding is installed—horizontal, vertical, or diagonal—which affects both style and water drainage.

An architectural style with individual curved pieces that overlap in rows, creating a decorative, historic look. Often made from low-maintenance vinyl.

A material style resembling rustic, hand-split wood shingles. It’s thicker and more textured than regular shingles, offering a natural, durable appearance.

Small, individual pieces of material arranged in an overlapping pattern for a textured look. Made from wood, vinyl, or fiber cement and available in various patterns.

A synthetic material that mimics the look of wood shakes but is more durable, weather-resistant, and low maintenance.

Manufactures advanced composite siding that offers the look of painted wood with exceptional durability and virtually no maintenance.

Offers fiber cement siding built to withstand harsh weather. It’s low-maintenance, resistant to warping and rot, and available in many styles and colors.

A brand of engineered wood siding made by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. It combines the natural look of wood with strength, durability, and weather resistance.

Manufactures and distributes vinyl siding and exterior products known for their wide range of styles, colors, and affordability.

Produces high-quality vinyl and engineered siding products, as well as doors, windows, and stone veneers designed for performance and curb appeal.