Lap Siding - The Sought After Classic Look
One of the tried and true home siding products is lap siding. Originally,
this style of siding was used in parts of the country where wood was plentiful. The process of
installation was pretty straightforward, with long wood planks nailed on to the exterior walls -- the
identifying feature being that each subsequent plank, moving from the ground up, overlaps the previous
one. Hence the term lap siding.
Millions of homes over the years have had this type of siding installed, in one form or another.
Though siding of other materials like brick, brick façade, stucco, and others have become a big part
of the siding industry, the classic look of lap siding is still very much sought after and appealing
to home owners today. The popularity of the overlapping siding style is evidenced by siding manufactures
of various materials -- vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, etc. -- offering their own versions in order
to simulate this traditional look and feel.
Even the kind of wood used in the “real” lap siding has evolved to the point where it is more weather
resistant, pest resistant, and therefore more long lasting than ever. Cedar, more and more, is
being used to give you a legitimate wood choice that also happens to be a resource easy to replenish,
giving you an environmentally friendly choice.
Now, the consumer is empowered with tons of options for their lap siding project. Whatever your
siding criteria is can be satisfied with this style of home protection and beautification product.
If you are sold on the look and promise of durability of the fiber cement version, take a look at some
of the incredibly siding products manufactured by James Hardie Building Products. The fiber cement
planks have a reputation as being incredibly pest and weather resistant. You might even be given
a lifetime warranty, depending on the manufacturer. Make sure you consider brands like GAF and
CertainTeed, among others.
On the other hand, the appearance of vinyl lap siding has improved by leaps and bounds. So much
so, that this low maintenance material, which is quite easy to install, is winning converts right and
left. No longer is this material criticized as it once was for its “fake” look. The engineering
that goes into the production of the vinyl boards has evolved considerably. Manufacturers are
doing wonders with textures and colors to give the consumer a great alternative to wood. Its price
accessibility is also a very attractive feature. If you are considering going in this direction,
for some beautiful and quality choices have a look at brands like Alcoa, CertainTeed, and Georgia Pacific.
But, if after considering all the options, you are still convinced that wood is the answer, you can
always fall back on the natural cedar lap siding. This amazingly durable wood
will give you the natural wood grain look that you can’t find anywhere else. With just a bit of
seasonal maintenance you can keep your cedar siding in tip top condition for years and years.
Again, the choice is yours. Achieve the classic look that you want for your home regardless of
the material. Protect and beautify at the same time with lap siding.
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