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Clapboard vs Vinyl Siding
Clapboard versus Vinyl Siding and Which
to Choose
By
Mark J. Donovan
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Clapboard siding has been around for
centuries and was the staple of house siding up until the last couple of
decades. Vinyl siding however has become increasingly more popular due to a
couple of key advantages, low cost and low maintenance.
Wood Clapboard
versus Vinyl Siding Pros and Cons
Though vinyl siding costs less to install and requires lower maintenance (no
painting required), wood clapboard siding still outshines vinyl siding when it
comes to elegance and old world charm. Most high end luxury homes still use wood
clapboard siding versus vinyl siding.
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Wood clapboard siding
is available in a variety of woods including cedar, redwood, and
pine. Cedar, by far, is the most popular type of wood clapboard
siding to use as it holds up well to weather and is water and
insect resistant. Wood clapboard siding also holds up very well
to high winds. Wood clapboard siding, however is significantly
more expensive than vinyl siding. Clapboard siding vs vinyl
siding can be two to three times more expensive to install.
Pine clapboard siding is the cheapest type of wood siding,
however you get what you pay for. Pine clapboard siding quickly
cups, warps, and splits after it has been installed. When
installing any type of wood clapboard siding, it is imperative
that all sides of the clapboards be painted first prior to
installation, including the ends, to prevent water penetration.
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Vinyl vs Wood
Clapboard Siding Pros and Cons
As already mentioned, the main benefits of vinyl siding are cost and
maintenance. Unlike wood clapboard siding, no painting is required. Vinyl siding
maintenance basically consists of periodically washing the vinyl house siding to
eliminate grime, dirt, and mildew.
Vinyl siding is available in a wide range of colors and styles. There are also
numerous vinyl siding manufacturers to choose from. Vinyl siding is also easy to
install, at least for trained professionals.
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The downside of vinyl
siding is that it often has a shine associated with it that
makes a home look like a piece of Tupperware from the curb. In
recent years vinyl siding manufacturers have eliminated much of
the shine, however, still under certain lighting conditions it
can be observed. Vinyl siding also comes in both flat and
textured surfaces and of various clapboard style widths.
When washing vinyl siding it is
important to make sure water is not shot up underneath the house siding as the
water can become trapped between the vinyl siding and the house sheathing. This
situation and cause the formation of mold and mildew. Vinyl siding also does not
stand up as well to high wind conditions.
The decision on vinyl vs clapboard siding can be a tough one for the homeowner.
Each has their advantages and disadvantages. The best advice is to visit a local
home improvement center and compare the two products side by side before making
a decision.
Patching Wood Siding Ebook
- If you require detailed instructions and pictures for patching wood siding see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Patching Wood Siding Ebook. This Ebook provides very detailed
instructions, along with pictures for each key step in the
process of patching wood siding.
How to Finance your Home Siding Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related Home Siding Information
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