Clapboard siding has been around for centuries, and there’s a good reason it’s still one of the most requested types of exterior siding. Homeowners throughout Maryland choose clapboard siding for its clean look, weather performance, and compatibility with both historic and modern homes.
At RoofPRO, we install and replace clapboard siding using durable, modern materials. Whether you’re working on a siding replacement project or planning a full exterior renovation, we provide options that match the style of your home while improving its energy performance and resistance to weather damage.
What Is Clapboard Siding?
Clapboard siding refers to a style of exterior siding where long, narrow siding panels are installed horizontally, with each board overlapping the one below it. This overlap creates a natural barrier against wind-driven rain and adds a familiar horizontal rhythm to the home’s exterior.
The name clapboard is traced back to the wood materials that was used in early American architecture, but today it is more commonly used to describe the style rather than the material. The terms clapboard siding and lap siding are often used interchangeably. Both describe horizontal siding with overlapping boards, but “clapboard” more often refers to traditional aesthetics, while “lap siding” is used for a broader range of materials, including fiber cement.
This siding style originated in early colonial America, where wood was plentiful and easy to mill. It remains popular today not only for its appearance but also for how well it sheds water and resists strong gusts during Maryland’s stormy months.
Why Homeowners in Maryland Choose Clapboard Siding
Clapboard siding is a natural fit for homes across Maryland’s diverse neighborhoods. From coastal cottages near Annapolis to classic Colonials in Ellicott City, this siding style complements a range of home designs. Here’s why so many Maryland homeowners choose it:
- Timeless Appeal: The horizontal lines of clapboard siding offer clean, structured visuals. It works well with traditional architecture and doesn’t look out of place on more contemporary homes.
- Versatile Finish Options: Clapboard siding is available in natural wood, wood-look fiber cement, and low-maintenance vinyl siding. Each option can be painted or pre-finished in a wide range of colors.
- Proven Weather Protection: Maryland homes need siding that can handle hot summers, freezing winters, and hurricane season. The overlap design of clapboard siding helps repel water and wind.
Clapboard Siding Materials We Offer
Clapboard siding comes in multiple material types, each offering different benefits for homeowners depending on their budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance expectations. RoofPRO helps you compare and select the right product for your project.
Wood Clapboard Siding
Wood clapboard siding is the original version. It offers a warm, organic texture that synthetic materials try to replicate. Cedar, pine, and redwood are the most common choices, each offering unique grain patterns and durability profiles.
Pros:
- Authentic appearance
- Customizable with stains or paint
- Breathable, allowing moisture to escape
Cons:
- Requires repainting every 5–7 years
- Prone to rot, termites, or swelling if not maintained
Homeowners with historic homes or who value the natural look of real wood often prefer this option, especially in Maryland’s historic districts.
Vinyl Clapboard Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable and low-maintenance siding options available. It mimics the look of wood but doesn’t require painting or staining. Vinyl is lightweight and comes in many factory colors, most of which are resistant to fading.
Benefits:
- No painting required
- Won’t rot or attract pests
- Easy to clean with mild soap and water
Vinyl clapboard siding is especially popular in suburban developments throughout Howard County and Montgomery County, where homeowners want a durable exterior with minimal upkeep.
Fiber Cement Clapboard Siding
Fiber cement is a manufactured product made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It’s incredibly strong, holds paint well, and can mimic wood grain closely.
Advantages:
- Fire-resistant and insect-proof
- Handles freeze-thaw cycles without cracking
- Holds up well in high-humidity or storm-prone areas
We often recommend James Hardie® fiber cement siding for Maryland homes that face moisture problems or need a more durable alternative to wood or vinyl.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Clapboard Siding
If your home’s siding is starting to show signs of damage, it might be time to schedule an inspection. Even siding that still looks okay from a distance may be letting moisture in or causing other issues behind the scenes. Look for these common signs:
- Cracked or warped boards
- Visible water stains or mildew buildup
- Blistered or peeling paint (on wood siding)
- Increased energy bills due to poor insulation
- Insect damage or hollow-sounding boards
RoofPRO offers siding inspections throughout Maryland and can tell you if a full replacement is necessary or if spot repairs will be enough.
Clapboard Siding Maintenance Tips
Wood Clapboard Care
Paint or stain every 5 to 7 years on average (exposure and color influence that timeline). Inspect boards at the bottoms of walls and near hose bibs or downspouts. Look for hairline cracks, soft spots, or peeling finish. Clean dirt with a soft-bristle brush and a mild cleaner like Simple Green. Avoid high-pressure washing that can drive water behind the siding. Keep shrubs pruned off the wall so air can circulate.
Fiber Cement or Vinyl Care
These products need less routine work. Rinse once a year to remove pollen and grime. Check caulk joints around windows, doors, and trim. Replace missing pieces promptly to prevent insects or moisture from sneaking in. Fiber cement accepts paint well if you ever change colors. Vinyl can be repainted with specialty coatings, though most owners stick with the factory color.
RoofPRO’s Clapboard Siding Services
We specialize in siding that performs well in Maryland’s four-season climate. Our team follows manufacturer guidelines, local codes, and smart installation practices that help your siding last longer and perform better.
Expert Installation
Proper installation matters more than most homeowners realize. Our siding crews:
- Use accurate spacing and correct nailing patterns to prevent buckling
- Install moisture barriers and flashing to block water intrusion
- Create clean corner joints and consistent board overlap for aesthetic balance
We’ve completed successful clapboard siding installations in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Rockville, and other cities across Central Maryland.
Siding Replacement & Upgrades
If your current siding is showing its age, we’ll walk you through upgrade options that improve your home’s efficiency and appearance. Our process includes:
- Safe removal and disposal of existing siding
- Inspection of sheathing and framing for hidden damage
- Installation of upgraded siding with better insulation and weatherproofing
We offer siding that exceeds Maryland’s energy codes and includes options for insulated vinyl or advanced fiber cement boards.
Repairs & Maintenance
Not ready for a full replacement? We also offer targeted repairs for damaged or rotting clapboards. Common service calls include:
- Replacing warped or loose boards
- Re-sealing joints and trim
- Fixing minor water intrusion around windows or doors
We can help preserve the life of your current siding with small repairs that prevent larger issues from developing.
Why Choose RoofPRO for Your Siding Project?
Maryland homeowners trust RoofPRO because we’re not a volume-based contractor. We’re a local company that prioritizes workmanship and long-term results. Every crew member is trained to install siding correctly, and we partner with top-rated brands like CertainTeed, James Hardie, and Mastic.
When you work with RoofPRO, you get:
- A local contractor with a reputation for quality
- Detailed proposals with no sales pressure
- Access to financing and manufacturer warranties
- Installation backed by our workmanship guarantee
We’re licensed, insured, and experienced with both historic properties and newer construction throughout Maryland.
Schedule Your Free Clapboard Siding Estimate Today
RoofPRO helps Maryland homeowners choose the right siding solution for their home and budget. Whether you’re replacing wood siding in a historic district or upgrading to fiber cement for durability, we’ll guide you through the process and deliver results you can count on.
Contact RoofPRO today to schedule a free siding consultation. Our team serves homeowners throughout Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, and Montgomery counties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clapboard Siding
The total cost depends on the siding material, size of your home, and whether you need old siding removed. As a general range:
- Vinyl: $4–$8 per square foot installed
- Fiber Cement: $8–$14 per square foot installed
- Wood: $8–$14 per square foot installed
Contact us for a personalized estimate with no obligation.
They describe the same horizontal siding format where boards overlap. “Clapboard” is often used for wood or wood-style siding, while “lap siding” is a broader term that includes vinyl and fiber cement products.
- Wood siding can last 18–25 years with regular maintenance like painting and caulking.
- Vinyl siding often lasts 25–30 years with minimal care.
- Fiber cement typically lasts 40–50 years or longer, especially if painted with durable exterior coatings.