Vinyl siding is a popular choice among homeowners looking for the right balance of curb appeal, protection, and budget. Of all its types, vertical vinyl siding is becoming increasingly popular for many reasons, including its contemporary look.
If you’re planning a siding project soon, vinyl vertical siding might be a wise option. Below, we discussed how it’s different from other siding, its main benefits, and average cost. Keep reading and see why South Minnesota homeowners prefer this style.
What is vertical vinyl siding?
Vertical vinyl siding, also known as board and batten siding, is a type of exterior cladding installed vertically rather than horizontally. It’s often made of the same material as traditional vinyl siding but designed and installed differently.
Vertical siding is said to be inspired by Nordic European buildings and American log cabins. Its name, ‘board and batten,’ was coined after the original structure which it was inspired from.
Traditionally, farmers and homesteaders build wide vertical planks (boards) that they join together using vertical strips (battens). This style is inexpensive and easy to assemble, not to mention energy-efficient.
Nowadays, vertical siding is mainly used for decorative purposes and is available in a wide range of colors, styles, and designs.
Benefits of vertical vinyl siding
Modern vertical vinyl siding offers a wide range of benefits for Southern Minnesota homeowners. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider it on your next siding project:
1. Modern look & curb appeal
Vertical siding is popular mainly for its aesthetic value. The long and vertical design creates a height illusion, which makes your home appear taller and more stately. It’s particularly beneficial for bungalows or small properties whose owners want a more eye-catching exterior.
In addition, you can choose from a wide variety of vertical vinyl siding colors, styles, and finishes. Some vinyl finishes can mimic the appearance of various types at an affordable cost, making vertical vinyl siding easy to match with your home’s overall exterior and architectural design.
2. Better water runoff
Due to its vertical orientation, vertical siding allows rainwater to flow naturally, reducing the risk of water pooling at the wall base. In the long run, this will help prevent mold, mildew, and wood-boring insects from harboring on your walls.
In addition, vertical siding has fewer joints and seams where water could potentially penetrate. Some vertical siding products also have built-in weep holes or drainage channels to keep moisture off your walls. It’s also easily compatible with gutter systems that help direct water away from the siding and foundation.
3. Low maintenance
Since it has fewer seams, vertical siding is generally more durable and requires less maintenance than other types. Thanks to its smooth surface with fewer nooks and crannies, it’s also easy to clean. Vinyl itself is also very resistant to pests, such as woodpeckers and termites, which are common concerns for wooden siding.
In addition, vertical siding often has ‘baked-in’ colors, which means it doesn’t require frequent painting. You can also easily replace individual panels without disrupting entire sections of your home’s exterior.
4. Longer-lasting construction
Since vertical siding uses wide planks of vinyl material, it’s more resistant to warping or bowing under pressure than horizontal types. It also adds stability to your exterior, making your walls more secure against physical damage.
Specifically, vertical siding has better wind damage resistance due to its orientation. It can easily deflect small debris rather than getting it stuck between horizontal panels.
Vertical siding can also be installed with insulation backing more easily, which is good if you want to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
5. Excellent energy efficiency
Thanks to its orientation and design, vertical siding can be installed over insulated sheathing. This reduces leaks, making your home more secure against drafts during winter or summer.
You can also find vertical siding with reflective finishes to keep sunlight and heat off your walls. This will make your home cooler during summer, potentially reducing your energy bills.
6. Increased home resale value
Investing in vertical siding can also increase your home’s market value if you decide to sell it in the future. The same goes for older homes or new builds if you want to attract buyers fast and sell above the initial asking price.
According to the National Association of Realtors, siding replacements are among the home improvement projects with the highest return on investment. At the time of resale, you can recoup up to 76.4% of the project cost.
Is vertical vinyl siding the right choice for your home?
Still unsure if vertical siding is suitable for your home? The following questions may help assess if this siding type is a good choice. If you’re still undecided at the end, you can call us at Boelter Is Better, and our specialist will give you a quick consultation:
What is the architectural style of your home?
Depending on your home’s appearance, vertical siding may or may not be a complementing option. For example, modern or farmhouse-style homes will look good with vertical siding, but traditional homes may not.
What’s your budget?
Vertical siding is slightly more expensive than traditional horizontal types. It’s essential to establish a budget so you don’t end up dealing with ‘scope creep’ or when a project goes out of budget.
But here’s the good news if you don’t have the upfront budget: Boelter is Better offers financing options! We’ve partnered with PowerPay to let you get your dream home improvement at an affordable monthly cost. Call us today to inquire and get your rate within minutes!
Will vertical siding work with your existing home features?
You can ask us if vertical siding is compatible with your current doors, windows, or trims. If not, we can advise you of the needed work to integrate vertical siding into your exterior. We can also provide you with a quick quote to give you an idea about the cost of your project.
Are there HOA rules in your neighborhood regarding vertical siding?
Some HOAs may have specific regulations when it comes to siding choices. Make sure you discuss it with your local HOA officials before planning the project. This way, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and long waiting periods.
At the same time, ask if your HOA has a preferred list of siding contractors. If you prefer a different contractor, ask what the requirements are to be accredited for the project.
Average vertical vinyl siding cost
According to Angi, the national average cost for vertical vinyl siding is around $11,000 for a 2,000 sq. ft. home or about $5.50 per square foot. This isn’t far from the cost of traditional vinyl clapboards, which range around $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the specific inclusions of your project.
Take note that vertical siding costs are always on a sliding scale, depending on some factors. Here are some of the factors affecting the cost of vertical siding:
Home size
Since siding projects are priced per square foot, your home’s size will largely dictate the overall cost of the home improvement project.
If you want a more accurate price estimate, you can contact us at Boelter Is Better, and we’ll schedule you for a service call. Our technicians will perform accurate measurements and calculate the cost of the siding project to help you plan your budget.
Permits
Before we start the siding project, we need to secure permits and schedule inspections, which will incur additional costs. The cost of these services varies depending on the configuration and state of your property.
If you live in an HOA neighborhood, you also have to seek approval before performing updates to your home. Although HOA approvals are usually free, the waiting period may drag the project’s completion, and you may miss out on cheaper materials in certain seasons.
Siding removal
If you’re replacing your old siding, you also have to factor in the additional cost of its removal. Removing old siding on bigger homes will take a lot of time and labor, which will inflate the cost.
As with any home improvement, the removal cost depends on the complexity of its installation and the condition of the siding. For example, pest-infested siding is challenging to remove since you may need to coordinate with an exterminator to avoid the risk of spreading the infestation.
Window style
Your home’s window style can also impact the cost of your vertical siding. Some windows may need additional flashing or trim work, which is an additional expense. Also, complex window trims may require additional labor, which, again, will increase the overall siding installation cost.
Get a free vertical vinyl siding quote today!
If you’re interested in upgrading to vertical vinyl siding, you can contact us at Boelter Is Better for a free quote!
For 30+ years, we’ve been the trusted provider of roofing, windows, and siding in Mankato and Southern Minnesota. We carry the top siding brands and industry warranties to give you the best value for your money.
With Boelter Is Better, you’ll get exteriors made to last. We always provide the best service as if your home is also ours. Contact us today and let’s give you a free quote!
