Clapboarding is a type of timber facade cladding in which horizontal boards overlap at the bottom, so that rainwater is shed to the outside. Each board rests with its lower edge over the top edge of the board below, giving a characteristic overlapping, scale-like facade appearance.
Application
Traditional examples
Clapboard facades have long been found on barns, farmhouses and outbuildings in rural areas. Untreated or black-tarred softwood such as spruce or pine was often used. The overlapping profile makes the facade resistant to rain and wind, which makes it well suited to agricultural and rural buildings.
Modern examples
Clapboarding is also widely used in contemporary architecture, for example on detached houses, garden rooms, garages and new-build facades with a rural or clean look. Durable timber species such as western red cedar, larch, Douglas fir or thermally modified wood are often chosen because they need little maintenance and weather to an attractive grey.
Characteristics
Clapboarding and rebate (shiplap) cladding look similar but are not the same. In clapboarding, flat boards simply lap over one another. In rebate cladding, such as Swedish rebate, the boards have a rebate or angled profile so they interlock and form a flatter facade surface. Clapboarding gives a more pronounced shadow line and relief.
When fitting, a well-ventilated cavity behind the boards is important, so the timber can dry on its back face.
Related terms
- Clapboarding
- Potdekselen
- Rebate cladding
- Zweeds rabat
- Facade cladding
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