Terminology

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The protective material installed on the exterior walls of your home. James Hardie® fiber cement siding is designed to resist weather, impact, and moisture while adding curb appeal. 

Boards used around windows, doors, corners, and rooflines to frame and finish the siding. HardieTrim® boards provide a clean, durable, low‑maintenance finish. 

The horizontal board along the roof edge where gutters are usually attached. Fascia helps protect the roof edge and creates a finished roofline. 

The underside of the roof overhang that connects the roof edge to the exterior wall. Hardie® soffit products help ventilate the attic and protect against moisture.

 The triangular upper portion of a wall formed by the slope of the roof. Gable ends are a common place to use accent siding such as shingles or vertical panels.

Horizontal boards that overlap one another from the bottom up. HardiePlank® lap siding is the most common profile for many home styles. 

Larger boards installed vertically to create clean lines or a farmhouse look. HardiePanel® vertical siding is often paired with battens. 

Small, individual siding pieces installed in rows to mimic cedar shakes. HardieShingle® siding offers this look with less maintenance than real wood. 

Narrow vertical strips installed over the seams of panel siding to create the classic board‑and‑batten style seen on many modern farmhouse designs.

A thin weather‑resistant barrier installed between the sheathing and the siding to help keep water out and improve energy efficiency. 

The structural layer (often wood panels) attached to the exterior framing of your home. House wrap and siding are installed over the sheathing. 

 The visible portion of each siding board after installation. For lap siding, this is how much of each plank you see once the board above overlaps it. 

Thin metal or other waterproof material installed around windows, doors, roofs, and other vulnerable areas to direct water away from the structure. 

Fastening the siding so that the nails are hidden by the next overlapping board, creating a cleaner, more finished appearance. 

Fastening through the exposed face of the siding board when extra holding power or specific code requirements are needed.