A siding panel having a staple hem with at least one slotted hole or other aperture configured to accommodate a free-floating staple. An added thickness portion extends from and overlaps a portion of the staple hem and is configured to limit the depth the staple may penetrate into the aperture. A tongue extends from and below the staple hem and is configured to accommodate a corresponding groove. At least one exterior panel or other configuration extends below and from the tongue. In an exemplary embodiment, a groove configured to mate with a corresponding tongue extends from the last exterior panel.