GENERAL SIDING TYPES
Vinyl Siding – Plastic siding made from PVC, low maintenance and affordable.
Fiber Cement Siding – Cement, sand, and cellulose composite, very durable (e.g., James Hardie).
Wood Siding – Natural wood boards, classic look, requires maintenance.
Engineered Wood Siding – Wood fibers and resin blend (e.g., LP SmartSide).
Metal Siding – Steel or aluminum, often used for modern or commercial applications.
Cedar Shake/Shingle – Split or sawn cedar pieces for a rustic look.
Composite Siding – Recycled material and resin mix, low maintenance.
Board and Batten – Vertical style with boards and narrow battens over seams.
Clapboard (Lap) Siding – Overlapping horizontal boards, traditional style.
Dutch Lap – Horizontal siding with concave notch for shadow effect.
Vertical (Panel) Siding – Installed vertically, often as accent.

INSTALLATION & COMPONENTS
Starter Strip – Base piece securing first siding row.
J-Channel – Trim receiving panel ends near openings.
Corner Post – Trim protecting corners where panels meet.
F-Channel – Trim supporting soffits.
Drip Cap / Z-Flashing – Redirects water from horizontal joints.
House Wrap – Moisture-resistant barrier over sheathing.
Sheathing – Plywood or OSB providing structure beneath siding.
Underlayment – Insulating or leveling layer beneath siding.
Flashing – Metal or plastic directing water away from joints.
Butt Joint – Where two siding panels meet end-to-end.
Nailing Hem – Upper section of panel with nail holes.
Locking Mechanism – Edge design snapping panels together.
Reveal (Exposure) – Visible portion of installed siding course.
Lap – Overlapping section preventing water intrusion.
Weep Holes – Holes for moisture drainage at bottom of vinyl siding.
Expansion and Contraction – Material movement due to temperature changes.

TRIM & ACCESSORIES
Fascia – Vertical finishing edge at roof ends.
Soffit – Underside of roof overhang, often vented.
Trim Board – Decorative/protective board around openings.
Casing – Trim around doors and windows.
Crown Molding – Decorative trim at transitions.
Freeze Board – Horizontal trim between siding and soffit.
Corner Trim – Covers and protects corners.
CONDITION & MAINTENANCE
Warping – Bending from heat/moisture.
Buckling – Outward bulge from improper nailing.
Fading – UV-induced color loss.
Chalking – Powdery residue from aging paint or finishes.
Cupping – Edges of boards curl upward.
Rot – Wood decay from moisture.
Delamination – Layer separation in engineered siding.
Caulking – Sealant preventing moisture intrusion.
Power Washing – Cleaning method for dirt and mildew removal.

PERFORMANCE & EFFICIENCY
R-Value – Thermal resistance measure.
Insulated Siding – Foam-backed panels for energy efficiency.
Rain Screen System – Air circulation space behind siding.
Moisture Barrier – Prevents water infiltration.
UV Resistance – Resistance to sunlight damage.
Fire Rating – Fire resistance classification.

BRANDS & PRODUCTS
LP SmartSide – Engineered wood siding.
James Hardie (HardiePlank) – Fiber cement siding.
CertainTeed / Mastic / Norandex / Alside – Vinyl siding brands.