SCALLOP SIDING

Scallop Siding: An Elegant Touch to Enhance the Beauty of Your Home

Scallop siding, also known as fish scale siding due to its unique semi-circular pattern, is an architectural style that adds a distinct, eye-catching elegance to a home’s exterior. Unveiling its aesthetics, scallop siding is a tasteful, timeless choice that creates an unparalleled visual appeal that enhances a home’s curb appeal.

Scallop Siding Versus Shake Siding, Vertical Siding and Horizontal Siding

Distinct from shake, horizontal, and vertical siding, scallop siding’s unique design and structure offer a bespoke touch to any home. The scallops or fish scales – the individual pieces of siding – overlap each other to create a pattern reminiscent of the shells or scales they are named after. They can be used to accentuate the style of homes, particularly Victorian, Queen Anne, or Cottage-style homes, or provide visual interest to otherwise plain designs.

Comparatively, shake siding – also known as shingle siding – is noted for its rustic, more rugged appeal. Traditionally hand-split from cedar logs, (but can now be mirrored using vinyl) shake siding embodies an organic, nature-inspired aesthetic. Each shake has an irregular shape that contributes to a textured, multi-dimensional exterior. Horizontal siding, a classic choice among homeowners, showcases a clean, straightforward, and uniform look. In contrast, vertical siding – often termed board & batten – delivers a modern, elongated appearance, exaggerating the height of the home.

While each siding style has its distinct aesthetic, scallop siding, with its delicately curved pattern, offers a Victorian charm that can add character to a house. This ornate siding style can draw the eye upward, accentuating a home’s height or enhancing architectural details like gables, window bays, or eave edges.

Scallop Accents

In terms of design on homes, scallop siding is often incorporated not as the primary siding, but as an accent to complement other styles of siding used on the home. This is where the harmonious blend of different siding comes into play, providing a canvas for homeowners to create unique exteriors.

When used with shake siding, scallop siding adds a touch of finesse to the rustic aesthetic. The rugged texture of the shakes paired with the soft curves of the scallops can create a beautifully balanced facade. This combination is popular in Coastal, Craftsman, or Shingle-style homes where the marriage of textures produces an engaging, charismatic exterior.

In combination with horizontal siding, scallop siding can break the monotony and add visual interest. As horizontal siding runs linearly across the home, the addition of scallop siding – typically in the upper sections or gables – creates an appealing contrast that draws the eye. The uniformity of horizontal lines is pleasingly interrupted by the artistic curves of scallop siding.

With vertical siding, the scallops can soften the rigid, stark lines, providing an appealing juxtaposition. Vertical siding’s heightened emphasis on a home’s height can be tastefully disrupted by the introduction of scallop siding in certain sections, offering a visual respite while accentuating unique architectural features.

Proper Installation of Scallop Siding By The Siding Experts – Empire Window Company

Installing scallop siding is a meticulous process that requires precision and a keen eye for detail. Like most siding, it is installed from the bottom up. Each scallop piece, or fish scale, has a nailing hem at the top, which allows it to be attached to the wall while the bottom part overlaps the piece below it, hiding the nails and creating a tight seal against the weather. Spacing and alignment are crucial during installation as the aesthetic appeal of scallop siding lies in its orderly, repeating pattern.

Professional installation of scallop siding is necessary due to the need for precise measurement and alignment. Empire Window Company’s highly skilled siding installation teams have masterfully placed scallop siding on many homes throughout NE Ohio. The siding pieces can be cut with tin snips or a power saw with a fine-toothed blade, and it’s important to allow for a small gap between pieces to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.

Vinyl scallop siding is a popular choice among homeowners due to its durability, minimal maintenance, resistant to pests, and warm presentation. Colored vinyl scallop siding also eliminates the need for painting and can withstand the elements without rotting or peeling, making it a practical choice for long-term beauty.

Scallop Siding Adds a Unique, Sophisticated Touch to a Home’s Exterior, Setting it Apart From Others on the Block.

While other siding styles have their distinctive appeal, the unique charm of scallop siding is second to none. When used in combination with shake, horizontal, or vertical siding, the result can be a stunning, customized look that truly enhances a home’s curb appeal. This stylistic integration of different siding forms represents a deep appreciation of architectural aesthetics and is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-designed homes. Ultimately, whether used sparingly as an accent or lavishly across a façade, scallop siding brings a level of elegance and charm that significantly contributes to the beauty and value of a home.

While we’ve highlighted the style and utility of scallop siding, it is important to explore its versatility and the essential aspects that need to be considered when opting for this unique design element.

One aspect to be lauded is the flexibility of scallop siding. This form of siding can be crafted from several materials, including vinyl, aluminum, and cedar. Each brings its distinct aesthetic, performance, and pricing. Vinyl scallop siding, being the most common, provides a vast palette of colors and requires little to no maintenance, making it an attractive option for many homeowners.

As highlighted earlier, the installation of scallop siding is an intricate process that necessitates professional expertise. Still, some factors go beyond the installation process and significantly influence the longevity and overall performance of our siding.

Underlayment & Proper Installation

It is very important to install a water-resistant barrier beneath the scallop siding to prevent water seepage, which can lead to structural damage over time.

Correct installation is crucial to prevent ‘oil canning’ – or visible waviness in the flat areas of siding and roofs. This is not a product defect but a result of various factors like improper installation, over-tightening of the fasteners, and thermal expansion. If your current siding has a wavy or buckled appearance, call the siding installation experts at Empire Window Company, today!

Color Scheme of Your Home

When choosing scallop siding, consider the color scheme as it plays a significant role in defining the look and feel of your home. While traditional homes often feature neutral or earthy tones, more contemporary designs can handle bold, contrasting colors. Lighter shades can make a home appear larger and are less likely to fade over time, while darker shades can make a house seem smaller but more substantial.

A harmonious mix of scallop siding with other siding types can create aesthetically diverse exteriors. For instance, you may pair scallop siding in a gable with horizontal clapboard on the main body of the house and board-and-batten siding on an accent wall or outbuilding for a mix of textures and visual interest. The key is to maintain color harmony and balance to create an integrated appearance.

In essence, scallop siding is more than a style choice; it’s a design statement that reflects a blend of historical charm and modern sensibilities. Its adaptability to various architectural styles and combination possibilities with other siding types make it a versatile option for homeowners. With careful planning, correct installation, and maintenance, scallop siding can provide a beautiful, long-lasting exterior for your home. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an existing one, scallop siding deserves consideration for its unique ability to enhance curb appeal and add character to your property.