Siding Terms Glossary F to N

Check our glossary of siding terms to help make sense of siding contractor and manufacturer jargon.

A-E - F-N - O- S - T-Z

F-channel : A manufacturing component of vinyl or aluminum siding systems which have a channel that the planks fit into, used around windows and doors to make a weathertight seal

Face : The part of the vinyl panel that is visible once the vinyl is installed

Fascia Board : A board attached to the ends of the rafters between the roofing material and the soffit overhang. Fascia cap is the covering around that board.

Flashing : A type of sheet metal used at intersections of building components to prevent water penetration, flashings are commonly used above doors and windows in exterior walls and are used under the siding to prohibit water penetration

Fiberboard Siding: This type of siding is made of composite wood material, and is sold under several brand names, including Masonite. Because it is not made of solid wood, it must be installed and maintained properly.

Furring/Furring Strip: A wooden or steel framing material, usually 1" x 3", used to provide an even nailing base. To “fur” a surface means to apply these strips.

Gentek : Manufacturer of aluminum, seamless steel and vinyl siding.

Georgia Pacific : Manufacturer of wood siding.

J-channel: A manufacturing component of vinyl or aluminum siding systems which have a curved channel that the planks fit into, used around windows and doors to make a weathertight seal.

James Hardie : Manufacturer of fiber cement siding.

Lap : The part of the roofing/siding material that overlaps a section of adjacent material.

Lap Siding: Technique for installing horizontal siding boards. Each piece of siding is 'lapped' over the piece below it to provide a waterproof covering for the house.

Milled planks : Various cuts of plank siding, including V-groove, channel, rabbeted bevel, shiplap and drop

Moisture permeable : A surface that allows moisture to pass through it

Nailing Hem (or Flange) : The section of siding or accessories where the nailing slots are located.

Napco : Manufacturer of aluminum and vinyl siding.