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Vertical fiber cement siding from James Hardie® creates tall, clean lines. It will make your home appear larger than it really is and vertical siding can be a great way to add architectural detail. The vertical siding does this by breaking up horizontal lines often caused by too much lap siding or the horizontal lines of masonry joints. 

Paying attention to details and appropriately mixing siding styles can add aesthetic and property value.

What Is Vertical Siding?

Vertical siding can be defined as an exterior wall cladding that is attached to the walls vertically. The siding makes a striking architectural statement when used to accent or cover a home’s exterior entirely.

James Hardie® Vertical Siding

There are countless vertical siding brands available today. However, James Hardie® stands out from the rest. James Hardie® vertical siding (HardiePanel® Vertical Siding) offers an incredibly unique look that isn't overly trendy. The siding has that natural wood-like appearance and feel but is way more durable.

James Hardie® makes vertical siding with wood pulp, Portland cement, fly ash, and water. This recipe is seemingly simple but results in highly durable siding that requires little to no maintenance.

James Hardie® Vertical Siding Styles

I. Cedarmill

If you are searching for a natural cedar look coupled with soft wood-like texture, look no further than James Hardie® Cedarmill.

II. Smooth

This vertical siding style is perfect for a sleek and modern feel. Besides Cedarmill and Smooth styles, James Hardie® has other styles available on special order. They include:

III. Stucco

As the name suggests, this siding style offers the warm, inviting stucco look coupled with fiber cement's notable benefits like superior strength and durability.

IV. Sierra 8

Sierra 8 is for individuals looking for that perfect combination of linear detail and texture that adds dimension without fussiness.

Benefits

1. Visual benefits

Vertical siding has the ability to make spaces appear larger. The sidings create a traditional look characterized by tall clean lines that create an illusion of space and size.

2. Unique look benefits

James Hardie® offers some of the most unique varieties of vertical siding on sale today. Most importantly, HardiePanel® Vertical Siding isn't overly trendy, meaning it will stand the test of time. The siding also offers the timeless look of natural wood and other natural materials.

3. Curb Appeal

James Hardie® siding is extremely popular today. James Hardie studies the market and brings products and color options that are classic and popularised by hit television shows like Fixer Upper by Joanna and Chip Gaines.

Regardless of the HardiePanel® Vertical Siding profile you choose, your home will still stand out, sell fast, and for more money when you are ready to sell. The authentic look mimicking natural materials perfectly is only second to the real thing in regards to appearance. On durability, the siding is unmatched. All these factors add to the perceived value of a home with HardiePanel® Vertical Siding.

Do you wish for a home that stands out a bit from the crowd? Explore vertical siding options.

Vertical Siding Pros and Cons

What are the pros of going vertical?

Most homes go the horizontal way, such as lap siding. However, there's no shortage of commercial buildings like libraries, barns, office buildings, schools, etc., that have vertical siding. Homeowners that choose vertical siding enjoy unmatched uniqueness. The elongating effect will make any home stand out.

It’s also easier to clean vertical than horizontal siding. Less maintenance translates to other advantages such as lower costs and more time to do other more productive things.

What are the cons of going vertical?

The vertical aspect of vertical siding makes installation a bit more complex. You may spend more effort or incur more labor costs than you would when installing horizontal siding. The complexity may demand expert help to get everything done perfectly the first time.

Vertical siding also attracts additional material expenses. While Vertical siding joints can be butted together, most of the time it is more aesthetically pleasing to add a batten trim strip over the joint to cover the pronounced line as well as the exposed fasteners. This isn’t done with horizontal siding due to the blind nailing technique of installation. All in all, the benefits outweigh the cons.

The additional expenses incurred on materials and expertise pays back in regards to ROI (Return on Investment). While a home with vertical siding may take slightly more time to sell compared to one with horizontal siding in tough markets, the home will definitely fetch more among buyers looking for uniqueness.

Installing Vertical Siding

As mentioned above, Vertical siding joints can be butted together, but most of the time it is more aesthetically pleasing to add a batten trim strip over the joint to cover the pronounced line as well as the exposed fasteners.



This additional step, unique to vertical siding alone, can help prevent water leakage and related water damage in the future. The batten strip also creates a smoother and aesthetically pleasing surface. However, it comes with additional installation costs. They also add installation time.

Vertical Siding Maintenance

The siding is easier to clean than horizontal siding. The smoother and more vertical lines make it easy to power-wash the siding.

However, extra care is required when cleaning siding and trim. For instance, you must be 6-feet or more away from the wall. The water pressure should also be below 1500 psi. Follow the recommended siding maintenance guidelines from the manufacturer.

Looking to install Jamie Hardie® vertical siding? Call Preview Construction with your questions.

We are experts in siding. Choose us and forget about the cons that come with vertical siding installation. We can even mix vertical and horizontal siding together for you, allowing you to “taste” both worlds!

Let’s discuss your vision for your home and select products that will work perfectly!