Backer Tab
Provides support for non-insulated 8" siding
at panel overlaps (joints), and behind panels at corners to
ensure a smooth installation.
Butt Edge
Bottom edge of siding/soffit panel or accessory
piece opposite the nailing slots. Locks onto the preceding panel.
Channel
Area of accessory trim or corner post where siding/soffit
panels are inserted. Also refers to trim itself, and named
according to letter of alphabet it resembles (ex. J-channel, F-channel,
etc).
Course
Row of panels running the length of house.
Face
Side of siding/soffit panel that is showing once panel has been
installed.
Face Nailing
Action of fastening directly onto the face of panel, rather than
using the nail hem slot. Generally not used in siding
installation.
Fascia
Vertical finishing edge usually fastened to ends
of rafters or trusses. Most commonly found where
the gutter is attached.
Flashing
Thin, flat material — usually aluminum — positioned
under or behind J-channels, corner posts, windows,
etc., to keep water drainage from penetrating house.
Individual Outside Corner Cap
Possible alternative to outside corner post when installing 8" horizontal
siding. Maintains continuity of siding courses
in traditional clapboard style.
Inside Corner Post
Provides a means of joining at inside corners
where siding butts both sides. Deeper posts
are for insulated siding, and narrower posts
for non-insulated siding.
Insulated Siding
Available with factory-laminated polystyrene backing. In addition,
separate drop-in backer board is available
which can be combined with the siding panels at the time of installation.
Laminated and drop-in backer board thickness vary from 3/8" to
1/2", and can be used with 8",
double 4" or double 5" siding.
J-Channel
Used for receiving siding on all sides of windows
and doors, at rake edges of gables and in other
miscellaneous situations. Deeper J-channels are
for insulated siding, and narrower J-channels
for non-insulated siding.
Lap
To overlap ends of two siding panels to allow for expansion and
contraction of siding product.
Lug/Crimp
Raised tabs on siding panel created by a snaplock punch. Can be
used to lock siding panel into place
when the nailing hem has been removed.
Mitre Cut
Diagonal cut, beveled to a specific
angle (usually 45°). Sometimes
applied to an overlapping siding or
soffit panel surface for a neater appearance.
Nailing Hem (Flange)
Location of nailing slots on siding panel or accessories.
Outside Corner Post
Provides neat appearance outside corners for vertical and horizontal
sidings. Receives siding from both sides. Deeper post
is used with insulated siding, and narrower post with
non-insulated siding.
Snaplock Finish Trim
Used to finish off (trim) job-site cuts on siding, as
under windows, at eaves, and at porch door locations.
May also be used to receive vertical siding at corners
and window jambs. The snaplock design allows siding to
be notched and locked into place without face nailing.
Soffit
Vinyl or aluminum material used on the underside of eaves
between the exterior wall and overhanging edge of the roof
rafters.
Starter Strip
Baseline accessory which secures the first course of siding to
the wall. Used with horizontal and vertical siding.
Trim Coil
Painted aluminum and steel material commonly used
to case around windows. Allows remodeler to totally
enclose house.
Underlayment
Weather-resistant material placed under siding panels.
Weep Holes
Openings cut into siding or accessories to allow water runoff.
Window Head Flashing
Possible alternative to J-channel to receive siding over
doors and windows and as a base flashing on vertical siding
installations.
Finishes
Fluropon®
Specially formulated
KYNAR 500®/HYLAR 5000™ based coating that provides
superior resistance to staining, mildew and dirt.
LoMar
Polyester
Soft, low-luster satin finish with excellent resistance
to surface marring and scuffing.
PVC
Premium semi-gloss (polyvinyl chloride) finish that's several
times thicker than ordinary coatings and provides excellent
resistance to surface wear and abrasion.
Window Terms
Fenestration
An architectural term referring to the arrangement of
windows in a wall. From the Latin word “fenestra” meaning
window.
Frame
The enclosure in which window sashes or door panels are
mounted.
Glazing
The act or process of fitting a window or door with glass.
Insulated
Glass (IG)
A combination of two or more panes of glass with hermetically
sealed air space in between. This space may be filled with
an inert gas, such as argon.
Jamb
The main vertical members forming the sides of a window or
door frame.
Low-Emissivity
(low-E) Glass
A special type of glass having a transparent material
fused into its surface that acts as a thermal mirror.
Increases the performance of windows and doors.
Mullion
A vinyl, wood or metal part used to structurally
join two windows or door units.
R-Value
Resistance to thermal transfer or heat flow. Higher
R-value numbers indicate greater insulating value.
Sash
A single assembly of stiles and rails made into a frame for
holding glass.
Stile
The main vertical members of the framework of a sash.
U-Value
Rate of heat flow through complete heat barrier, from room
air to outside air. The lower the U-value, the better
the insulating value.
Fluropon
is a registered trademark of
The Valspar Corporation.
KYNAR 500
is a registered trademark of ELF Atochem North America, Inc.
HYLAR 5000 is a trademark
of Ausimont USA, Inc. | 
