What is Lap Siding?
If selected and installed correctly, the siding on a home can outlast those living in it. That’s why choosing the right siding for a home is incredibly important. Not only for its looks, but also the overall durability and energy efficiency of the home.
Siding for homes comes in a large variety of different styles and materials, so installers should expect to answer questions as to what exactly they’re looking for. The most common style of siding is lap siding. Lap siding is a design style/technique where the home’s exterior is clad in overlapping boards. Lap siding is a popular and efficient approach to protecting home exteriors from water damage and inclement weather. This is due to the overlapping technique and the composite material of the lap siding, which prevent water from seeping through the siding and damaging the home.
Dutch, Horizontal or Clapboard Lap Technique
Dutch, horizontal and clapboard lap siding all function from the same overlapping principle, but vary in the size and shape of the material being utilized. This type of siding technique utilizes planks that are slightly thicker on the bottom than the top which forms a watertight seal and is typically installed horizontally, from the bottom up, which also creates the techniques signature appearance.
Shiplap Siding Technique
A popular (yet less standard) siding technique is ship-lapping. It creates the effect of a smoother facade where the siding boards appear to be aligned, one against the other. A tongue and groove system is typically used to create that effect, similar to hardwood floor or wood paneling installations. The technique generates the watertight seal of the standard lap siding, with a smoother & more even appearance. The shiplap technique has become popular with installers looking to utilize it in a more contemporary way due to its cleanliness. When utilized with architectural panels, installers can create a variety of home exteriors that add depth and a layer of artistic design to one’s home.
Fiber Cement Siding
Lap siding is a tried and true design/technique used in roofing and siding projects before the days of composite material. However, fiber cement lap siding provides the durability of the lap siding technique, without the vulnerability of non-composite materials to weather and moisture damage.
Fiber cement lap siding is manufactured in a variety of different colors, styles, and textures . It can even mimic traditional siding materials like wood or stucco. Regardless of the style chosen, fiber cement lap siding is proven to reduce energy costs and stand the test of time. That being said, fiber cement is extremely expensive and not as energy efficient as many other superior options, such as vinyl siding. You also don’t have many options when it comes to color and style.
Lap Siding Installation and Specifications
Lap siding is typically installed from the bottom up. This technique makes your home more water resistant, and ensures the overlapping effect of the siding material. Boards utilized in the lap siding technique, like most siding boards, are designed to overlap. The difference between lap siding boards and more traditional siding boards is the angle of the bevel. The angle is steeper on lap siding boards, which allows for an exterior free of troughs and cracks, and a greater overall visual appearance.
A single board of lap siding is manufactured with a “wedge” profile when viewed from the side. Installing the board requires the narrow end of the wedge to be positioned up so it fits under the broad end of the wedge of the next overlapping board. By overlapping the siding from the top down, the installer is creating a watertight seal in which rain water rolls down and over the siding and not into cracks are partitions afforded by other siding methods.
Dutch horizontal lap siding is manufactured in a variety of textured board style. They have been proven to perform and outshine siding techniques used on less contemporary homes. The size and width of the siding vary from project to project, and installer to installer. However, the standard size is 5-¼ inch and can range all the way to 12 inches in width. They are typically sold in 12-foot lengths. Varying the widths of the boards used can create a different look for the exterior of the home. Homes conforming to the “beach” or “ranch” style utilize this method. Mixing and matching widths of the siding can create different looks as well. Some installers have been known to mix lap siding with board and batten (or shingle siding) to produce a variety of artistic and architectural effects.
Cost
It’s important to read and understand the lap siding manufacturer’s installation requirements before beginning a project. Getting them wrong can be a costly mistake. It’s also important to thoroughly consider the type of the home undergoing the installation process. Types of homes can range from; contemporary, colonial, cape-cod style, ranch, bungalow, victorian, and more. Fiber cement siding is heavy and difficult to install when compared to other siding materials. This is due to the materials durable design to withstand weather damage.
As a result, fiber cement sidings installation demands are much greater. They require an installation crew and considerably more time and effort. These cost factors are typically included in the price of installation (and account for much of the total cost).
Lap Siding is a Great Option for All Homeowners
The question as to whether lap siding is worth it is yes. Lap siding adds value to a home, and can raise the home’s total value to more than the original asking price. Any costs accumulated through the installation process can be considered investments that will only grow.
All of Feldco’s premium vinyl siding is considered lap siding. It’s also extremely durable, energy efficient and comes in many different styles. Get a free quote online now, or call us at 866-4FELDCO and get started on your replacement siding project today.
