Great Lakes Roofing and Siding

Your siding is an integral part of your home. It not only serves an aesthetic purpose, but also a functional one as it acts as one of your home’s primary defenders against the elements. It may not seem worth knowing, but any good homeowner should be familiar with siding terms especially if you are in the market for a new exterior.

In today’s post, storm damage roof repair experts Great Lakes Roofing and Siding puts together a glossary of common terminology to help you better understand your siding.

Backerboard. The flat material used on the face of the house to provide an even surface for vinyl siding.

Buttlock. The bottom edge of a siding or soffit panel.

Course. A row of panels that is a panel-wide that runs through the length of your house from side to side.

Channel. The area of the accessory trim or corner post where siding or soffit panels are inserted.

Double Channel Lineal. A siding accessory that neatly joins two soffit panels.

Drip Cap. An accessory that residential siding contractors install with vertical siding to ensure water drips away from the panels. 

Face. Refers to the side of the siding that is facing outwards.

Fascia. The trim that covers the end of roof rafters

Flashing. A thin, flat material that is positioned under or behind J-channels, corner posts and windows to prevent water infiltration.

Lap. The overlap at the ends of two panels that allows for expansion and contraction.

Lug/Crimp: The raised tabs on a siding panel that are used to lock a sliding panel into place. 

Miter. A diagonal cut that is usually 45 degrees.

Nail Hem. The section of siding where the nailing slots are located.

Roof Rake. The inclined and usually projecting edge of a sloped roof.

Starter Strip. An accessory that is applied directly to the surface of the building to secure the first course of siding.

Underlayment. A water-resistant material that is placed under siding panels.

Wall Rake. The board or molding that is placed along the sloped sides of a gable that is used to cover the ends of your siding.

Weep Holes. Refers to openings that are cut into the siding to allow for water runoff.

From commercial roof coating to storm damage restoration, siding installation to full-scale roof replacements, Great Lakes Roofing and Siding is your go-to contractor when it comes to exterior home improvements. Give us a call at (877) 938-9318 or fill out our contact form for all your exterior remodeling needs.