The language of construction (and siding specifically) can be a bit of a challenge to those unfamiliar with the territory. Certainly, who wants to head to the hardware store to mumble his or her way through a siding supply list, in the vain hope that the sales associate can translate?
As a result, a glossary of siding terms can make any siding job run more smoothly. Truly, knowledge is power! Anyone can step courageously forward with an upcoming siding venture when armed with the basics.
SIDING TERMINOLOGY that will make you sound like a Pro:
BACKERBOARD
Often a rigid insulation, backerboard is the material placed between the siding and the wall behind the siding.
BOARD AND BATTEN
A carpentry term, board and batten describes a type of exterior siding. Typically, wide boards or sheets of plywood are placed with alternating narrow wood strips for a layered, geometrical effect with this style of siding.
CHANNEL
Trim is often referred to as the channel. This is the area where siding and other exterior materials, such as soffits, are attached to trims and corners.
CLAPBOARD
A siding style with horizontal, overlapping planks, typically wood.
EAVES
The edge of a roofing system which overhangs the face of a wall and protrudes beyond the siding of a building. The purpose of eaves is to direct water away from the walls.
EAVESTROUGH
A term used interchangeably with gutter, a metal trough generally attaches to the eaves to direct water from the roof to downspouts and away from the home.
FASCIA
The exposed horizontal band at the end of rafters that run along the bottom of the roof. Fascia forms a horizontal support for the lower edge of the bottom of roof shingles or tiles.
FLANGE
Area in siding where fastening holes are located.
FLASHING
Siding flashing is the material used between parts of the home to prevent water from entering and causing damage. For example, flashing is typically used to weatherproof around chimneys and skylights. It can be made of a variety of materials.
GABLE
A house with a gabled roof features two sides that slope toward the center of the home. This creates large triangular wall sections, or gables, at each end.
HOUSE WRAP
A type of weather barrier placed prior to a siding installation. House wrap, otherwise known as weather barrier, prevents rain from seeping into the walls of a building. At the same time, house wrap allows water vapour to escape.
OVERLAP
Most horizontal siding installations are referred to as overlap or lap siding. Generally, one type of plank, such as vinyl, overlaps with another.
SOFFIT
Covering the span beneath the rafter tails, the soffit can be viewed on the underside of the roof overhang that extends over the outside wall of a building. Beyond making a house look finished, soffits protect the underside of the roof deck from rainwater that could be forced under the eaves. This further prevents mold and rot from occurring on the roof.
TONGUE AND GROOVE
Tongue and groove siding is a method of fitting two flat pieces together by sliding tongues or ribs into corresponding grooves on adjacent boards. Typical material used for this type of siding is Western Red Cedar. This type of siding can be installed either horizontally or vertically.
WEEP HOLES
Openings or holes that are cut into siding material. The weep holes permit water to drain out.
Don’t let the mysteries of siding terminology prevent you from getting what you need for your siding installation. Give our professionals a call today—we install cedar siding, metal cladding, soffits, gutters, and so much more!
Moreover, Phoenix Siding offers you over 30 years of expert siding installations on Vancouver Island. Whether you need help with your commercial or residential siding project, you are guaranteed both professional knowledge and quality work that shines. Call us today at,