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There should be small gaps between your roof and the walls of your home, and other buildings. These small gaps let building materials shift, expand, and contract with weather and other outside forces, and they prevent moisture from wicking down walls from roofing and gutter systems. Without these strategic gaps, your home’s exterior and its finishes can sustain water damage, decay, peel, delaminate, and crack. However, there is a fine line between a smart gap and a problematic gap—all  gaps should be small, intentional, and covered or filled in with foam insulation to prevent pests from using them as access points.

The best type of paint for vinyl siding is a high-quality acrylic latex paint, often labeled as '100% acrylic.' This type of paint is lightweight and adheres well to the vinyl surface, which reduces the likelihood of it peeling or flaking. For best results, apply two coats and avoid using thick paint. The color choice is also important; select a light color to prevent the paint from absorbing excess heat, which helps extend the durability of your paint job.

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.

You should plan to stain or refinish your home's cedar siding every three to seven years to maintain its appearance and provide maximum protection, though some estimates suggest a range of four to six years. The exact frequency depends on several factors, including your local climate, exposure to severe weather like direct sunlight, rain, and wind, the quality of the initial stain application, the type of stain used, and the overall condition and quality of the wood.

For homes in harsh climates with high humidity and significant sun exposure, you should plan on staining as often as every three years, while those in milder locations may only need to do so every seven years. For the longest-lasting protection in particularly harsh climates, consider using an opaque stain.

If you are looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, you might consider vinyl or aluminum siding. While the initial installation cost can be higher, they do not require as much upkeep and can offer more value over time, especially in areas with excessive rainfall or high humidity.