Vertical vs. Horizontal Siding: Which Style Works Best for Suburban Homes?

Choosing siding for your home involves a bit more than picking a color or texture. The actual orientation of the material will also affect how your home looks, how well it holds up against the elements and what you’ll spend on maintenance and repairs over time. At Berg Home Improvements, we’ve helped Chicagoland homeowners protect their homes with quality siding for decades. When deliberating between horizontal and vertical siding, you should be sure to keep in mind:

• Visual appearance
• Drainage and overall performance
• Installation differences
• Maintenance and repair costs

How Do Vertical and Horizontal Siding Differ Visually?

The difference between these two installation formats is evident from the first glance.

• Horizontal siding runs parallel to the ground, creating clean lines that complement traditional ranch-style and colonial homes. It blends in, holds its value and suits a wide range of architectural styles.
• Vertical siding runs from roof to foundation, drawing the eye upward. It suits modern farmhouse, contemporary and even craftsman-style homes. Used as an accent or full exterior treatment, it adds a distinctive, high-design look.

The impact of this choice goes deeper than aesthetics, however.

How Does Siding Orientation Affect Water Drainage and Performance?

Water management is one place where siding orientation should be considered.

• Vertical siding allows rain to run straight down the panels with no horizontal joints to trap moisture.
• Horizontal siding channels rainwater downward along each overlapping panel, which works well for most conditions but creates seams where water can potentially work its way behind the surface over time.

Both types of siding can be effective at keeping water out when installed correctly.

What Are the Installation Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Siding?

Horizontal siding is fairly straightforward to install. Most contractors know how to install this kind of siding and can complete the job efficiently, which keeps labor costs predictable.

Vertical siding demands more preparation, with extra structuring, careful flashing around windows and doors and precise alignment from top to bottom. Any errors are often more visible, making experienced installation matter more here.

How Do the Costs and Maintenance Compare?

Horizontal siding generally has lower material and labor expenses than vertical siding. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners aiming to stay within a tighter budget while still achieving a polished look for their homes.

Vertical siding typically comes with comparable material costs but higher labor expenses due to the added complexity of its installation. This style, however, is often chosen for its unique and striking aesthetic, making the additional labor costs worthwhile for many.

Maintenance needs differ as well. Horizontal siding requires periodic cleaning to prevent dirt and debris buildup along its longer, flat surfaces. Vertical siding demands more frequent inspections of seams to ensure no moisture or debris compromises its integrity. Both styles offer excellent durability when correctly installed and maintained.

So, Which Style Works Best for Suburban Homes?

Here’s a quick summary:

• Choose horizontal if you want lower installation costs, a timeless look that suits most suburban homes and a reliable performer in most weather conditions.
• Choose vertical if your home’s architecture calls for a modern or farmhouse-style aesthetic and you’re working with an experienced contractor who can handle the additional prep work.
• Mix both for a striking result. Some homeowners choose to use vertical siding as an accent alongside horizontal panels, creating a unique aesthetic to complement their individual home.

Find the Right Style for Your Home

The best siding choice for your home depends on your budget, style preferences, location and your home’s specific structure. Careful consideration of these factors can help you make the right decision.

Berg Home Improvements has been installing and repairing high-quality vinyl siding throughout the Chicagoland area for over 50 years. If you’re looking for an experienced contractor for your next siding project, contact us today for a transparent initial quote. We’ll help you find the right fit for your home.