We are re-siding a 1970's one-story ranch style home in Colorado. We have previously raised the front roofline by adding an awning over the front door. In order to add a little height to the facade, we are going to run vertical plank hardie with copper gaps under the awning. I think this would look much better in smooth, though the rest of the house will have horizontal lap hardie and for this cedarmill is possibly more functional (more forgiving of blemishes?) so I am torn as my husband and I agree that vertical and horizontal need to be the same - all smooth or all cedarmill. All the online conversations seem to relate to aesthetics but I care more about function. Any real pros and cons for the function of one over the other? A lot of the conversation seems to relate to white siding and showing dirt but we are getting the pre-painted hardie in iron grey (darkest color they offer).