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Many modern homes have soffits, but older ones don’t, and you may be wondering why. Older homes have eaves that extend further beyond the home and help to circulate air, negating the need for a soffit. This style of building has faded away, therefore, modern homes need separate soffit installation. Modern soffits are more efficient than this older style and require less material to construct, saving homeowners money.

You cannot install clapboard siding on a bare, unprepared surface. Clapboard siding requires a clean, sturdy base made from plywood or similar materials, sometimes called backerboard. Then, it needs an underlayment or sheathing, a moisture membrane to help protect the exterior wall.

Note that sometimes clapboard siding is caulked as it’s installed for additional protection. We don’t suggest this: Caulking the siding can trap moisture inside the clapboards and lead to moisture damage over time. The siding needs some space to “breathe,” especially in rainy weather.

Vinyl siding is the cheapest option in terms of upfront costs. The average cost to install vinyl siding is around $12,173, with certain types like vinyl shake, clapboard, or dutch lap costing as little as $2 to $3 per square foot. While vinyl is very low-cost, it may not last as long as natural materials or metal, with a typical lifespan of 20 to 40 years. In contrast, metal siding is more expensive initially but can save you money in the long run due to its longer lifespan, which is often double that of vinyl. It's recommended to consult a siding professional to determine if the lowest-cost option is the best material for your specific home.

Concrete log siding is not the same as fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of cement and cellulose fibers, while GFRC is made from cement, glass fibers, and polymers. The materials are similar in their durability, longevity, and curb appeal, and the main difference is that concrete log siding is available in more styles that resemble traditional log siding. Fiber cement is also less expensive, with materials costing around half what you’d pay for concrete log siding.