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Not wrapping a house before installing siding can lead to moisture intrusion, rot, mold, and even higher energy bills. Older houses may have siding installed without wrap underneath, so it’s a good idea to add a wrap layer when it comes time to replace old siding to prevent potential damage from water intrusion—local codes may even require it, so check with your municipal building authority. 

Clapboard siding is traditionally made of wood, and is one of the most common types of wood siding in North America. When people talk about wood siding, they are usually talking about clapboard siding. However, not all wood siding is in the clapboard style: It can be tongue-and-groove, shake, and other designs. Also, clapboard siding can sometimes be made of different materials, like vinyl or fiber cement, so the terms are not interchangeable.

Signs that you need to replace your siding include siding that’s warping, bubbling, or cracking; signs of rot or mold growth; fading, peeling, or chipped siding or paint; or siding that’s separating from the exterior of your house. Failing to replace your siding when it’s damaged can lead to moisture problems or structural damage, so promptly repair or replace siding as soon as you notice any of these signs.

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.