Dutch Lap Vs Traditional Lap Siding

The main difference between true clapboard and dutch lap is the lack of a deep beveled edge at the top of the panel.

Dutch lap vs traditional lap siding.

If you ve been wondering what the best type and style of siding is for your home you may want to check out dutch lap. In your example the drop is larger than normal and a bit odd looking. Dutch lap siding because of the shape that is introduced by the grove adds strength to the siding. This profile resembles the look of boards that have been beveled on the top half at a 45 degree angle.

Attractive and classic in appearance it looks good in a range of colors and on many architectural styles. Dutch lap siding was first used by northern europeans and brought to the united states especially the mid atlantic states during the colonial period. Dutch lap siding is lap siding with a continuous curved scoop below the lap notch and is quite different from beveled or clapboard siding. Off hand it looks like the dutch lap has more insulation behind it.

Material science theory informs us that with the increased surface area by the groove the forces acting to bend the material will be distributed. The groove enhances the resilience of the wood to forces that would try to stretch it or bend it beyond its elastic limit. Manufacturers of imitative siding will use whatever name they think will sell more of their product and of course none of. There are many difference styles of clapboard wall coverings among them these popular profiles.

The lower half hangs at a 90 degree angle. For those who are searching for the look of a southern colonial home beaded vinyl siding is the style for you. While simple it has always remained the most traditional and common type of siding as it was easier and cheaper to produce out of timber when compared to dutch lap. Traditional vinyl siding that looks like it has some foam insulation behind it.

Cedar dutch lap aka novelty german drop siding has a rabbeted edge overlap is also larger. Dutch lap siding was called novelty lap siding until it became so popular. This gives the siding the appearance of being hand carved. There is still some reveal where siding panels overlap each other so clapboard siding still has appealing shadow lines but the look is more subtle than with true dutch lap cladding.

Dutch lap and clapboard are similar but the main difference is the beveled edge of dutch lap siding creating a shadowed edge. Dutch lap although mostly a vinyl siding in modern times was also produced out of timber in the past. Untapered lap siding is usually larger and often of imitative materials.