Why Clapboard Siding is the Quintessential New England Choice

Walk through any historic Massachusetts town — Concord, Salem, Lexington, Sudbury — and you'll see clapboard siding everywhere. These overlapping horizontal boards have been the defining exterior material of New England architecture for over 350 years. But clapboard isn't just a relic of the past. Modern materials and installation techniques have made it more practical and durable than ever.

A Brief History of Clapboard in New England

The word 'clapboard' comes from the Dutch 'klappen' (to split). Early colonists split local cedar and pine logs into thin, wedge-shaped boards that they overlapped horizontally to create a waterproof exterior. This technique proved remarkably effective against New England's harsh weather, and the tradition has continued for centuries.

Many original clapboard homes in Massachusetts are still standing — a testament to the durability of the design when properly installed and maintained.

Modern Clapboard Options

Today's homeowners can choose from several clapboard materials:

Natural Wood Clapboard — The traditional choice. Eastern white cedar and western red cedar are the most popular species for Massachusetts homes. Wood offers unmatched authenticity and warmth but requires regular painting or staining.

Fiber Cement Clapboard — James Hardie's HardiePlank lap siding replicates the look of wood clapboard with superior durability. It's fireproof, rot-proof, and holds paint for 15+ years.

Engineered Wood — Products like LP SmartSide use treated wood strands bound with resin to create boards that look and work like real wood but resist moisture, rot, and insects far better.

PVC Clapboard — Cellular PVC boards are completely waterproof and never need painting. They're the most maintenance-free option but come at a premium price.

Benefits of Clapboard for Massachusetts Homes

Clapboard siding offers several advantages that are particularly relevant to our region:

• Proven weather protection — The overlapping design creates a natural rain screen that directs water away from the wall
• Historic authenticity — Essential for homes in historic districts or for maintaining New England character
• Excellent paint adherence — Both wood and fiber cement clapboard hold paint beautifully
• Superior wind resistance — Each board is individually fastened, providing strong resistance to high winds
• Easy repair — Individual damaged boards can be replaced without disturbing surrounding siding

Installation Best Practices

Proper clapboard installation is critical for long-term performance in Massachusetts:

1. Always install over a continuous weather barrier (house wrap)
2. Maintain proper overlap (minimum 1.25 inches) for weather tightness
3. Use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails to prevent corrosion
4. Pre-prime and back-prime all wood clapboard surfaces before installation
5. Provide adequate ventilation behind the siding to prevent moisture buildup
6. Flash all window, door, and corner transitions with proper flashing tape

At Wolf's Siding Inc., our crew has been installing clapboard across Massachusetts for over 18 years. We understand the traditional techniques and modern best practices that ensure your clapboard installation looks beautiful and performs flawlessly for decades.