The 5 Most Popular Types of Vinyl Siding
There are several different types of vinyl siding out there, but five styles are the most popular and really work for many different home styles. Vinyl replacement siding is a great way to transform the look of your home and really enhance its curb appeal. Keep in mind, there are a wide variety of colors available with all of these vinyl siding types, so you will be able to create your dream home with ease.
Dutch Lap Siding
The most popular type of vinyl siding is Dutch Lap. This style was first used in the early settler days and origins that trace back to Northern Europe. Dutch Lap siding has a decorative groove atop the board and creates beautiful shadow lines. The groove provides a look of greater depth, dimension and adds some character to the home. Vinyl siding technology has come a long way, so your Dutch Lap siding will most likely have the look of real wood also adding to the charm of your home’s exterior.
Not only does the decorative groove provide a nice look, but its design and shape also adds strength to the siding so it’s less likely to appear wavy down the line. When you are replacing your siding, you want the lines to be completely straight, not only when first installed but for years to come. If you want a classic, clean look for the outside of your home, Dutch Lap is probably the type of vinyl siding you will most enjoy.
Vertical Siding
Vertical siding is a great option for your home if you are looking to accent a particular area, break up the façade of your home or can be used all over for a contemporary look. When used as an accent element, vertical siding is most used in entryways, porch walls, gables and even dormers. While vertical siding is typically thought of as a modern design element, you can also create a rustic barn look depending on the style of your home and the color you choose. If you’ve always wanted that old farm house look but with modern conveniences and easy maintenance, vertical siding can help you create that look.
Board and Batten Siding
Another type of vinyl siding you could consider for your home is a style called Board and Batten. It comes in a vertical pattern with the pieces of siding in various widths. The boards are placed vertically and then separated by a thinner vertical strip called the batten. These two pieces together make up the Board and Batten design.  It can add a great deal of dimension to one’s home and can create a very unique look. Board and Batten styles can work on a variety of home styles – from the traditional with cottages and barns to more contemporary. Like regular vertical siding, it can be used to accent some parts of the home as well.
Shake Siding
Shake siding has the look of individual pieces of wood from a log overlapping one another to cover the home. As there is great texture with vinyl replacement siding now, most people can’t tell the difference between a vinyl shake and a wood shake. Shakes, like other siding styles, can work in two different ways. They can make a dramatic statement when used for the entire home. Additionally, they can provide a nice accent when used on just one portion of the house, whether that is just the front or just on dormer windows if you have them. However you decide to use shake siding, you are sure to create a one of kind look for your home!
Scalloped Siding
Scalloped siding, like shake siding, can be used for an entire house if that’s the look you are going for. More people choose to use scallops to accent the upper floor of their home, eaves, gables and dormers. Scalloped siding consists of half round shingles and the round edges can break up the pattern on your home if you have a lot of vertical or horizontal lines. Many Victorian homes feature scalloped siding which are used to accent different architectural features and are often in a different color than the siding on the rest of the house. Regardless of how you use scallops, you’ll be sure to create the look you’ve always wanted.
Benefits of Vinyl Siding
While there are different types of vinyl siding, one thing is consistent among them all, and that is the benefits of vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is virtually maintenance free, so you don’t have to worry about painting, staining or rotting wood. All you have to do is enjoy and from time to time, clean it with some easy steps.  If you do ever have loose pieces of siding, you can simply replace that one section. It is important to replace those pieces right away though to avoid potentially costly water or insect damage.
Another benefit is the added energy efficiency vinyl siding can add to your home. With great insulation, you will definitely be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter – and enjoy lower hearing and cooling bills! Vinyl siding is also more affordable than wood siding yet still provides the look of wood as a result of how it is created, designed and installed.
Additionally, there are many great accent pieces that can be used to complement your vinyl siding. From a wide variety of colors, to soffit, fascia, shutters and gutters, there is no end to the possibilities in creating your dream home.
There Are Many Types of Vinyl Siding Available
No matter the vinyl siding type you choose, you can rest assured you will have a home with a beautiful and durable exterior that will be enjoyed for years to come. Whether your taste is more traditional or more modern, the different types of vinyl siding out there will no doubt help you complete your project.
