Wood Clapboard
While modern technology has offered us many artificial wood-like products, nothing beats the look of real solid wood.  Cedar, pine and other real woods remain favorite choices for better homes.    This low maintenance product only needs a periodic staining or painting and can outlast replication products.   The wood must be dry before applying a new finish and preferably pre-primed.  Wood siding comes in various patterns for both vertical and horizontal application.  In most cases, it is usually installed over solid sheathing and a layer of house wrap called Tyvek.  This is used to limit air leakage and still allow breathability.  Made from high-density polyethylene fibers, Tyvek is vapor permeable, yet resistant to water, chemicals, puncture, tears and abrasion.

Cedar Shakes
Homes sided in cedar shakes or shingles blend beautifully with all landscapes, especially with wooded landscapes. Made of natural cedar, the shingles are usually stained browns, grays or other earth tones. Cedar Shakes offer natural real wood and can endure many years of use.

Beauty aside, cedar provides other advantages.  It contains natural oils that help the wood resist insect attack and decay.  Cedar shakes also have excellent sound suppression and absorption qualities.  Most importantly, the wood’s structure creates interior air spaces that give it an insulation value higher than most woods and much higher than brick or concrete.  Therefore, buildings which feature cedar siding tend to stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.