
Traditional Wood Siding: When Nothing Else Will Do
Traditional horizontal wood siding has been used in the United States for many years. If you drive through the colonial villages of New England or Virginia, you'll see it everywhere. With proper care, wood siding can stand the test of time. In fact, many colonial homes have their original wood siding.
A Style for Any Home
Horizontal wood siding has remained popular over the years because there are many styles and variations available. Horizontal wood siding can be found in widths from 4 to 12 inches. Take a few samples and tack them on to the face of your home, stand back, and take a look. Try different combinations to get an idea of the differences in widths, and how they affect the overall look of your home.
Wood siding is also available in different styles, such as:
- Clapboard. A beveled siding board that creates shadow lines.
- Ship lap. Boards are rabbeted on the top and bottom so they overlap and seal.
- Dutch lap. The top section of each board is routed out to form a distinct contour.
These are the most commonly used styles, but there are many other options available at smaller lumber yards.
Proper Installation and Care Reduces Maintenance
Wood siding does require more maintenance that some other types of siding; however, you can reduce the amount of time you spend on maintenance by ensuring that the siding is primed prior to installation. Whether you purchase it it primed, or do it yourself, make sure all sides have been coated to reduce the chance of decay from the rear of the board.
Paint it on a regular basis with a high quality exterior paint, and make sure all potential water infiltration areas are caulked, and your wood siding will provide you with many years of traditional beauty.
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