When tackling siding replacement, it’s easy to get lost in technical terms of which you’ve never heard in your life. While it’s comforting that you don’t have to get your hands dirty during installation, you must know the jargon to make informed decisions. Otherwise, you might not follow what your contractor is telling you, potentially affecting your expectations.
Twin Cities Siding and Roofing talks about the basic siding terms you should be familiar with:
Backerboard
Nailed to the studs on the outer side of the wall, this material provides a clean surface area to which to fasten the siding.
Course
This refers to a single row of panels running the length of the house from one side to the other. When it comes to vertical siding, it pertains to the row of panels from top to bottom.
Drip Cap
This is a piece of trim to deflect water run-off from the top of the siding. It prevents the water from getting behind the panels.
Fascia
This material covers the end of the rafters and provides the finished appearance to the edge of the roof. Since fascia boards are visible elements of the home exterior, they must coexist in harmony with the siding panels.
Flashing
This is any piece of metal used to seal the seams or intersections of building components. The only purpose of the flashing is to waterproof the soft underbellies of exterior walls, including the areas under the siding panels.
Furring Strip
Made from either steel or wood, this framing material provides an even nailing base. When you hear the phrase “to furr”, it means to apply these strips.
Lap
The lap is the portion of the siding panel that overlaps the section of the adjacent material.
Wind Load Rating
Measured in miles per hour, this metric refers to the sustained wind speed the siding can withstand without tearing apart.
Let Twin Cities Siding and Roofing help translate the tech talk. Call us today at 651-571-9557 to schedule your FREE, no-obligation, in-home consultation in St. Paul to discuss your project in detail.
