Close-Up on Clapboards: Installing and Maintaining Wood Siding

The Agony and the Ecstasy of an Old Timber Home

As a first-time homeowner, I recently embarked on a journey to restore an 1860 house in Beacon, New York. The charm and character of this historic structure captivated me, but little did I know the headaches that lay ahead.

You see, my beloved home was clad in original clapboard siding from the 1820s, and it was coated in a thick layer of lead paint. My heart sank when I learned this – not only was I dealing with the challenges of preserving a nearly 200-year-old building, but I also had to contend with the hazardous materials lurking beneath the surface.

In my quest to honor the history of this remarkable structure while modernizing it for the 21st century, I’ve faced a slew of obstacles. Do I remove the old clapboards and start fresh? Or do I try to salvage them, carefully stripping away the dangerous lead paint? And how on earth do I ensure the siding is properly installed and maintained to protect my investment for years to come?

Thankfully, I’ve done my fair share of research and reached out to the experts at Timber Building, a leading authority on timber construction and woodworking. With their guidance, I’m ready to share the ins and outs of working with wood siding – from installation to ongoing care. So pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the world of clapboards.

Understanding Clapboard Siding

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of installing and maintaining wood siding, let’s first take a step back and explore what clapboards are all about. Clapboard siding, also known as weatherboard, is a classic exterior cladding material that has been used for centuries, particularly on historic homes in the northeastern United States.

Clapboards are long, thin, overlapping wood planks that are typically made from durable species like cedar, pine, or cypress. They’re installed horizontally, with each board overlapping the one below it to create a barrier against the elements. This overlapping design not only gives the exterior a charming, traditional look, but it also helps shed water and prevent moisture intrusion.

One of the key features of clapboard siding is its ability to breathe – the wood allows water vapor to pass through, helping to maintain a healthy, balanced moisture level within the wall assembly. This is in contrast to more modern siding materials like vinyl or aluminum, which can trap moisture and lead to all sorts of problems down the line.

Of course, the downside of this breathable design is that clapboards require a bit more ongoing maintenance to keep them looking their best. But fear not, with the right techniques and products, you can keep your wood siding in tip-top shape for decades to come.

Preparing the Surface: Dealing with Lead Paint

As I mentioned earlier, my beloved 1860 home was coated in a thick layer of lead-based paint – a common issue with historic structures. And let me tell you, dealing with the lead paint hazard has been no walk in the park.

According to the experts at Green Building Advisor, preparing old clapboards for repainting can only be done by a contractor who follows strict lead-safe procedures. This typically involves carefully scraping and removing the lead paint, which is an expensive and time-consuming process.

As I weighed my options, I was faced with a tough decision: do I remove the old clapboards entirely and start fresh with new cedar siding? Or do I try to salvage the original boards, carefully stripping away the lead paint and applying a protective coating?

After much deliberation, I decided to go the route of preserving the original clapboards. While it’s been a real headache dealing with the lead paint, I just couldn’t bring myself to strip away the history and character of my home. Plus, as Martin from Martin Roofing & Siding pointed out, the old clapboards have survived this long because they were able to quickly dry out into the empty wall cavities. Covering them with insulation could actually cause the paint to fail prematurely.

So, with the help of a licensed lead abatement contractor, I’m carefully scraping and cleaning the clapboards, making sure to follow all the necessary safety protocols. It’s a painstaking process, but I’m determined to preserve the charm and character of my historic home.

Creating a Breathable Wall Assembly

Now that I’ve tackled the lead paint issue, it’s time to focus on the wall assembly – ensuring that my clapboard siding is properly installed and protected from the elements.

One of the key things I’ve learned is the importance of maintaining the breathability of the wall system. As I mentioned earlier, clapboards are a “breathing” material, allowing water vapor to pass through. But if I’m not careful, I could inadvertently trap moisture and create the perfect conditions for mold, mildew, and other problems.

To strike the right balance, I’m taking a multi-layered approach to my wall assembly. First, I’m installing a continuous layer of rigid insulation (in my case, a fossil-fuel-free material called Airkrete) between the framing and the clapboards. This helps boost the thermal performance of the wall while still allowing for some degree of vapor permeability.

Next, I’m adding a layer of magnesium oxide (MgO) board on the exterior side of the insulation. This acts as a protective sheathing, providing a durable, weather-resistant surface for the clapboards to be installed upon. The MgO board is spaced out from the clapboards using furring strips, creating a critical air gap that allows any moisture that gets behind the siding to drain out.

As the experts at Green Building Advisor suggest, I’m also considering priming the backside of the clapboards before installation. This helps to even out the moisture content in the wood, making it less prone to warping or splitting over time.

It’s a bit of a complex system, I know, but the end result is a wall assembly that is both energy-efficient and vapor-permeable – the perfect match for my historic clapboard siding.

Proper Clapboard Installation Techniques

With the groundwork laid, it’s time to focus on the installation of the clapboards themselves. And let me tell you, there’s a bit more to it than just nailing the boards to the wall.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to ensure that the clapboards are properly overlapped and sealed. Each board should overlap the one below it by at least 1 inch, and the joints between boards should be staggered to prevent water intrusion. I’m also using a high-quality exterior sealant to fill any gaps and cracks, creating a tight, weatherproof barrier.

Another important consideration is the fasteners. Instead of regular nails, I’m opting for rust-resistant screws or stainless steel nails. These have a longer lifespan and are less likely to work themselves loose over time, which can lead to unsightly gaps and cracks.

And speaking of gaps, it’s essential to leave a slight gap (around 1/8 inch) between each clapboard to allow for expansion and contraction with changes in temperature and humidity. This helps prevent the boards from warping, buckling, or splitting.

Finally, I’m paying close attention to the details around windows, doors, and other penetrations. Proper flashing and sealing are critical to keeping water out of the wall assembly and protecting those vulnerable areas.

It’s a bit of a meticulous process, but I’m committed to getting it right. After all, clapboard siding is an investment, and I want to make sure it lasts for generations to come.

Maintaining the Beauty of Clapboard Siding

With the clapboards installed, my work is far from over. Maintaining the beauty and integrity of wood siding requires ongoing care and attention.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is the importance of regular inspections and preventative maintenance. I make it a point to carefully examine the clapboards every spring and fall, looking for any signs of wear, damage, or moisture intrusion. If I spot any issues, I address them right away before they have a chance to escalate.

Part of this preventative maintenance routine involves keeping the clapboards clean and well-coated. I use a gentle, biodegradable cleanser to remove any dirt, mildew, or other grime that accumulates. And every few years, I’ll apply a new coat of a breathable, natural finish like a 50-50 blend of pine tar and raw linseed oil.

This coating not only enhances the appearance of the clapboards, but it also helps protect the wood from the elements. It’s a bit of elbow grease, but it’s a small price to pay to keep my historic siding looking its best.

Of course, even with the best maintenance efforts, clapboards will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. When that time comes, I’ll be sure to approach the project with the same care and attention to detail as the initial installation. After all, the character and charm of my home are worth preserving.

Embracing the Imperfections

As I reflect on my journey with clapboard siding, I can’t help but chuckle at the irony of it all. When I first laid eyes on this 1860 house, I was enamored with its timeless beauty and historic character. Little did I know the headaches that would come with trying to preserve that very same charm.

From the lead paint debacle to the meticulous installation process, it’s been a real rollercoaster ride. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because at the end of the day, the imperfections and quirks of my historic home are what make it truly special.

Sure, I could have opted for a shiny, new vinyl siding job and called it a day. But where’s the fun in that? No, I’m embracing the character of my clapboard-clad home, flaws and all. And with the help of the experts at Timber Building, I’m confident that I can keep this beautiful old girl standing tall for generations to come.

So if you’re embarking on your own historic home restoration journey, take it from me: don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and revel in the imperfections. Because at the end of the day, that’s what makes a house a home.