What Is The Difference Between Clapboard And Wood Siding?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What is the difference between clapboard and wood siding? Clapboard is a

type of wood siding

that comes in long, narrow planks installed horizontally, often overlapping, on the exterior walls. Clapboard wood siding can be made from several types of wood.

How do I know if I have wood siding?

The best way to tell what type of siding it is, is to go to an unfinished area like the attic,

and look on the backside of the board to find the manufacturer’s name or an AHA code

(The American Hardboard Association). This will help you determine the manufacturer of the product and where it was made.

Is clapboard the same as wood siding?

What is the difference between clapboard and wood siding? Clapboard is a

type of wood siding

that comes in long, narrow planks installed horizontally, often overlapping, on the exterior walls. Clapboard wood siding can be made from several types of wood.

What are the disadvantages of wood siding?

Wood siding is cheap and is a low-cost alternative to other siding materials. Because the material is easily available, replacement is quick and easy. The biggest drawback of wood siding is

that it offers no insulation

. It is prone to damage and needs frequent coats of paint and weather-stripping.

Which type of siding is best?

Siding Type Options Durability
Vinyl

Excellent 20-30 years
Aluminum & Steel Good 30-50 years Fiber Cement & Composite Good 35-50 years Wood Excellent 50+

What type of wood is clapboard?

Wood species

In North America clapboards were historically made of split oak, pine and spruce. Modern clapboards are available in

red cedar and pine

. In some areas, clapboards were traditionally left as raw wood, relying upon good air circulation and the use of ‘semi-hardwoods’ to keep the boards from rotting.

How long does clapboard siding last?

Type Durability Maintenance Vinyl

20 to 40 years

Low
Aluminum / Steel 30 to 50 years Moderate Wood (Cedar) 15 to 40 years High Fiber Cement 25 to 40 years Moderate

How do you make wood siding look good?

  1. Power Wash the Siding. …
  2. Remove Any Loose Paint or Debris. …
  3. Fill Holes and Make Any Necessary Repairs. …
  4. Sand and Smooth Patched Areas. …
  5. Apply A Coat of Primer Paint. …
  6. Caulk and Seal Any Cracks. …
  7. Apply Exterior Paint.

What kind of wood do you use for siding?


Pine and cedar

are the two main wood species used for exterior siding. Cedar types include eastern white cedar, red cedar, and Alaskan yellow cedar; each type has a color true to its name. While pine siding can be very affordable, it can’t resist rot and insects like cedar can.

Is wood siding hard to maintain?


Wood siding is not hard to maintain

; it only requires regular care. Regular care is not the same as frequent care; it means care that is timely and adequate.

Is wood siding a good choice?

Pros of Wood Siding

Wood is an

environmentally friendly choice

. It does not emit pollutants during the manufacturing process, it is biodegradable, and it is also considered a renewable resource. Wood siding is durable enough to last for decades, if maintained properly.

How long does wood siding last?

With good maintenance, wood siding will last anywhere from

20-40 years

. You should plan to reseal or repaint it every few years, patch holes or cracks as they develop, and replace damaged exterior wood siding before it impacts surrounding areas.

What type of siding lasts the longest?

  • Vinyl Siding: 60+ years (warranties last between 20-40 years)
  • Fiber Cement Siding: 50+ years.
  • Stucco Siding: 50-80 years, depending on how it is backed.
  • Metal Siding: Up to 40 years.
  • Wood Siding: 20-40 years.

What type of siding is cheapest?


Vinyl siding

is cheap, ranking among one of the least expensive ways to side your home. Many homeowners are happy with the look of vinyl siding. Vinyl’s look is improving, too, with technological advancements in texture and colorfastness. You can also paint it if you want.

What type of siding is most energy efficient?


Vinyl siding

is thermally resistant, making it highly energy-efficient, especially when paired with foamed siding. It’s cost-effective, as the material is less expensive and can be easily retrofitted. Vinyl is available in many styles and colors.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.