Decorative vinyl siding has seen dramatic quality improvements over the years. Any of the three major styles, vertical, horizontal or shake/single will prove itself excellent at preserving the exterior of your home or business structure. At Great Plains Exteriors, we understand the Kansas City climate is harsh and you need the best available protection for your siding. 
Whether you want to want to upgrade your existing exterior finish or change the look of your home, vinyl siding can be a great option. And there are reasons why homeowners choose this option – the siding material is durable and cost-effective. Let’s look at the types of decorative vinyl siding and how to choose from multiple options.
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Vertical siding
If you want to accent a particular area, vertical siding can be a great option. It brings more aesthetic and makes your home stand up from the rest. Traditionally, vertical siding was associated with farmhouses and barns. But today, this style is common to office buildings, libraries, schools, etc.
Since vertical siding is a modern design element, you’ll want to choose a style that suits your home. Here are some styles of vertical siding:
- Shakes
Shake style gives a rustic look of natural wood and requires low maintenance. Generally speaking, there are two types of shakes: staggered or straight. A staggered edge comes with uneven bottom panels, while a straight edge leaves a distinct shadow line.
- Scallops
This siding is used for whole-house applications and comes in a variety of shapes. You can choose half-cove, half-rounds, hexagons, and more. The scallops range from 5-7 inches.
Some of the benefits of vertical siding include:
- Low-maintenance
- Doesn’t require painting
- Moisture and pest-resistant
- Can be used with shakes or lap siding
Horizontal siding
Horizontal siding refers to a narrow panel that runs across the house. Sometimes, it’s referred to as lap or clapboard siding. While the styles and taste may change over time, horizontal siding is timeless. Also, it comes in different styles like:
- Clapboard
- Traditional lap
- Dutch lap
- Log-style siding
There are many benefits associated with horizontal siding. It’s easy to install, so if you’re on a tight budget, that’s a big plus. In addition to that, it requires less maintenance. Here are some styles of horizontal siding that are available:
- Dutch lap
It’s made to look like real wood but has distinct shadow lines and grooves. Therefore, this type brings the illusion that the panel was hand cut. Depending on your needs, you can choose a double 4” or 5” Dutch lap.
- Beaded
This style has a distinctive shadow line that includes a shadow bead at the bottom of each panel. The bottom of the panels also features a beaded groove.
- Smooth
Unlike the beaded or Dutch lap styles, smooth lap siding resembles freshly painted wood. Therefore, this style reflects its name in that it has a very smooth appearance.
Shake/shingle
Shakes trace their history in many American homes. Additionally, they give a unique appearance and eliminate any problems associated with natural wood. While the color and texture of shakes may look the same, they can save you money in the long run. However, the shingles come in different forms – hand-splint, half-rounded, or staggered edges. While shakes and shingles require maintenance, they provide better energy efficiency.
How to choose the best decorative vinyl siding
The right vinyl siding for your home will automatically boost the appearance of your exterior. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating the existing one, you should choose an option that requires less maintenance. Secondly, you should select a color scheme that complements the architecture of your home.
Depending on the type of siding you choose, you can create instant curb appeal to your home. Choose the professional with the answers – Great Plains Exteriors has an expert sales team to help answer your questions.