A Comparison of Vertical and Horizontal Siding

Choosing between vertical and horizontal siding for your home is not a matter of one being inherently better than the other; it’s about matching your needs and preferences. In today’s post, the siding and roofing repair contractors at Krech Exteriors share insight on the differences between these two types of siding.

Traditional vs. Modern

Horizontal siding is considered the more traditional siding type because it’s typical of Colonial-era architectural styles like Victorian and Cape Cod. It exudes a timeless and versatile look that also works with virtually any home style — a good style to default to if you’re unsure of which siding profile to choose.

On the other hand, vertical siding makes a bold and modern statement. Vertical lines create the illusion of height and evokes a clean, contemporary look. This is why vertical siding is typical of urban architecture, as the orientation recalls the visual cues from tall buildings in urban centers. It’s worth noting that traditional architectural styles like Farmhouse and Craftsman are noted for their vertical lines.

Material Selection

If you are looking for siding made of a specific material — vinyl, wood, metal or fiber cement — you’re more likely to find a greater selection with horizontal siding. This wide selection can help you find the exact type of siding that you’re looking for. Few manufacturers do not offer vertical siding, or only offer it made of certain materials. Fortunately, two of the brands we offer, James Hardie® and LP® SmartSide®, are available in both directions.

Which Siding Type is Best for You?

The choice between horizontal and vertical siding mostly depends on what your house design calls for. It pays to look up examples of your home’s architectural style if you want to keep an authentic look. If you want to mix things up, try to visualize the results using any tool at your disposal, whether it’s pen and paper, modeling software or a design professional, before you commit to a choice.

Performance-wise, the only difference between the two siding styles is that vertical siding can shed rainwater more efficiently because its finished surface offers less resistance to flowing water. This means your home will need a drainage or gutter system to match, otherwise it may result in flooding or overflow. This is worth noting if you’ve had these issues before with your existing siding.

Our team at Krech Exteriors can also help you pick the right siding for your home. Give us a call at (651) 688-6368, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul.