Top 6 Siding Accessories
Most people may only see the finished product of their siding, but the beauty is amplified by the siding’s accessories. Here at Keenridge, our expert siding contractors will be discussing the top 6 siding accessories you need for your siding.
Every siding type is different, so some brands or manufactures are necessary for certain types. However, almost every home with vinyl or Hardie siding should have the following accessories. If your curious about accessories for fiber-cement siding, give our contractors a call, text, or e-mail us. We love answering any and all questions about siding!
1.) House Wrap
House wrap, or moisture barrier, is less of an accessory and more of a necessity. However, since it’s not the siding, we still can call it an accessory. The purpose of house wrap is to prevent water infiltration from outside forces, but allow vapor to leave from inside. This prevents moisture build-up, which can lead to serious issues if left unchecked. We use Blueskin SA (self-adhering)house wrap for our Hardie jobs and Tyvek for vinyl siding.
2.) Gutters
We would argue that gutters are essential. Gutters allow for water to flow away from your home and foundation. This prevents foundation rot, basement flooding, and water running down the siding. Not every house has gutters, but we highly recommend them on almost every home. Here on Long Island, you’ll typically find 3 types of gutters. The most common is our seamless aluminum gutters. Then, you’ll see the most expensive option, which are copper gutters. Rarely, you’ll see galvanized steel gutters, but they are beautiful. We recommend and install these 3 systems, so contact us if you’re curious about gutters for your home!
3.) Soffit
Soffit is another extremely important accessory for your siding. The purpose of soffit is to allow for continuous airflow to and out of the attic and roof. Essentially, the soffit will intake cool air and the ridge vent will exhaust the hot air. This creates proper and continuous ventilation for your home. We install vinyl soffit, AZEK and fiber-cement soffit, but there are other options like wood soffit and more.
Aesthetics
Besides function, there are a myriad of options for soffit. Depending on what type of soffit you have, it can transform the aesthetic of your home. There are solid soffits, vented soffits, and hollow soffits. We like to install beaded soffit, which is available in solid and vented designs.
4.) J-Channel
J-channel is one of the more hidden siding accessories. It’s called J-channel because, from the side, it looks like the letter “J.” It primarily serves to conceal rough edges around doors and windows, creating a subtle and neat appearance. There isn’t much added cost for J-channel, yet it’s well worth it to protect your investment.
5.) Fascia
Fascia is one of the most noticeable siding accessories, as it is always visible. It’s also referred to as a fascia board, and it runs straight along the lower edge of the roof. The fascia board is essential for both aesthetics and protection. Its primary functional purpose is to provide a surface to install and mount gutters. Fascia boards come in materials such as wood, aluminum, AZEK PVC, or fiber-cement. We typically install AZEK, as we believe it’s the best-looking and most cost-effective option.
6.) Mounting Blocks
Mounting blocks are some of the more versatile siding accessories. Some examples of mounting blocks are light fixtures, hose bibs, dryer vents, or electrical outlets. Although they offer protection, the main purpose is aesthetics. The seamless tie-in and beauty of mounting blocks makes them an essential amongst all the siding accessories available.
Conclusion
Siding is an extremely detailed trade, and you should choose a reliable and local siding contractor for your needs. There are dozens of siding accessories for each type of siding, but these are our top 6 most chosen siding accessories. For details on siding your home and other accessories, give us a call! We’re always available to answer questions, and we love providing personalized quotes.