Vertical siding: features and benefits

Siding is a popular cladding material for the facade of a building. A few years ago, its vertical variety was practically unknown; horizontal siding was widely used. However, recently, the vertical analogue has very confidently entered the construction market and now it is more likely another type of siding, rather than just an alternative to horizontally oriented material.

Siding is a material used for external (less often internal) decoration of a building. It imitates boarding by presenting individual stripes. The latter are quickly and reliably fastened together thanks to latches. The siding is fixed to the surface of the building by means of nails, for which perforation is provided in the material.

Due to the presence of a special polymer paint that protects against damage and prevents corrosion, the siding retains its impeccable appearance and technical characteristics for several decades of operation.

It is worth noting the richness of the choice of material - the variety of textures, colors and sizes. allow you to get a stylish and original building that fits well into any landscape.

Depending on the direction of the "board" in space, horizontal and vertical siding is distinguished. The length of the latter can reach 3000, 3050 and 3100 mm. The profile width is also variable - 160, 180 and 250 mm. The thickness is 1, 1 or 1.2 mm. If we are talking about metal guides for finishing the basement, then their thickness can be up to 3 mm.

It is important to understand that horizontal and vertical siding come in different sizes and configurations.

The differences between the two types of siding also apply to edging profiles.that fill the joints between the profiles. Each type of material has its own edging profiles. Unlike horizontal counterparts with perforations for condensate drainage in the lower part, vertically oriented panels do not.

The grooves and puzzles of the vertical siding are located in such a way that moisture, without lingering on the surface of the profile, flows down. Due to the flatter surface and the absence of protrusions on the profile, dust and dirt do not accumulate.

Depending on what material is underlying, vertical siding can be of several types.

The basis of the material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is lightweight and has increased flexibility, which provides a certain freedom of action during installation. It is vinyl siding that pleasantly surprises with a variety of colors. During the manufacturing process, you can add a coloring pigment of any shade to it.

It is important that the product is environmentally friendly; during its operation, no toxins are released into the atmosphere. The operating temperature range is from -50 to +50 degrees. PVC siding is resistant to acids, but does not have increased resistance to mechanical damage, impact. Some of its varieties are burning.

A type of plastic siding is acrylic. It surpasses PVC in terms of frost resistance, does not fade under the influence of sunlight, and its service life is about 50 years. Naturally, the cost of acrylic siding is higher. To obtain a positive effect, vertical plastic siding requires the use of external insulation.

Made from aluminum or galvanized sheets, this siding is characterized by increased strength combined with the lightness of the material (although its weight is slightly more than the weight of its plastic counterpart). A special coating on the outside guarantees protection of the material against corrosion and ensures a long service life (up to 50 years). As a rule, metal vertical siding is used for cladding multi-storey buildings with increased wind load, in private households - for decorating courtyards and garages.

This type of vertical siding is much stronger than its plastic counterpart., therefore, its use is encouraged when cladding the plinth and lower parts of the facade.

"Vertical" based on clay and modifying additives is a ceramic siding. It is characterized by environmental friendliness and durability (achieved through high-temperature firing of raw materials), light weight and affordability. Ceramic "board" imitates natural wood, so buildings decorated with "ceramics" look expensive and noble.

Cement-based siding is a very fragile material that can crack with a slight impact. To reduce this disadvantage, cellulose fiber raw materials are added to the composition. Thanks to this, the "board" acquires monumentality and increased strength.

The face of this vertical siding mimics brickwork or wood to create sophisticated exteriors.

It is based on solid wood, part of a rounded log or glued wood fibers, which leads to a high cost of the material. It has an attractive appearance and texture characteristic of wood products, authenticity. However, it requires constant care - the application of compounds that prevent fire and swelling from moisture, protect against insect pests.

The most widespread are vinyl, acrylic and metal types of vertical "boards". All other materials, theoretically, can have a vertical orientation, however, in practice, their installation is hampered by the large weight of the profiles. Wood siding is discarded due to its impracticality and high cost.

Vertical siding has many benefits.

• It has high strength rates, is resistant to weathering and acid attack. As practice shows, it can withstand temperature extremes better.
• Due to the peculiarities of the configuration of the material, namely the absence of protrusions and grooves, moisture does not linger and flows down the surface of the vertical siding. This eliminates the risk of water leakage, deterioration of the insulation.
• The absence of protrusions also ensures that surfaces are protected from dust and dirt accumulation. A little rain is enough to clear the surface of dust and again please the owner with an attractive appearance.

• Vertical siding is resistant to stress, and the metal profile is also characterized by resistance to impacts and mechanical damage.
• Aggressive media, including chemical and alkaline, are not terrible for the material. Its service life will remain unchanged, even if there are factories and factories nearby.
• The installation of the material is quite simple, it assumes the presence of insulation and lathing, is not much different from the fastening of horizontal strips. If during operation one of the metal vertical profiles has become unusable, it can be easily replaced without completely disassembling the cladding. Unfortunately, in the case of the plastic version, this is not possible in practice.

• Vertical siding is characterized by a variety of colors and textures. Vinyl varieties usually have delicate pastel shades. Acrylic, on the other hand, are distinguished by the brightness of the color palette and glossy surface.
• The use of vertically oriented profiles allows you to visually "stretch" the building, making it more refined and noble. Good stylistic effects can be achieved by combining vertical and horizontal profiles within the same façade.

When choosing vertical siding, first of all, you should make sure that the material has all the necessary certificates of quality and compliance.

If everything is in order with the technical documentation, pay attention to the following selection criteria.

• the presence of a hurricane lock, otherwise the panels will rumble in the wind, and with a squally wind they risk falling off the facade;
• the thickness of the material must be at least 1 mm, otherwise the material risks quickly collapsing from damage and cracking in frost;
• the presence of computer marking is mandatory for panels from well-known brands. Their presence is an additional guarantee that you are purchasing a quality product.

Vertical siding allows you to create exteriors in both classic and modern styles. Of course, it is optimal for creating expensive, noble, refined in its laconic style, for example, English or classical.

The vertical profiles are harmoniously combined with other facade materials such as facing bricks. The play on contrasts will help to emphasize the originality of surfaces. Against the background of vertical siding in pastel or beige tones, brick elements of a more saturated color look advantageous.

The combination of vertical, horizontal and inclined siding looks no less impressive. It is the use of inclined profiles that allows you to "dilute" the severity of "vertical houses". They become the detail that one wants to consider, add originality to the building and emphasize the originality of the structure.

You will learn about the features of installing vertical siding in the following video.