klæp-bord
Noun
A thin, wooden board used to cover the exterior of a building.
Example usage: 'We need to replace the old clapboard on the side of the house.'
Most used in: North America, especially in New England.
Most used by: Carpenters and other tradespeople who work on the exterior of buildings.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Siding, Weatherboarding, Shiplap, Beveled Siding,
What is Clapboard?
Clapboard is a type of siding used in carpentry and construction. It is a horizontal exterior siding in which long narrow boards overlap one another. Each board is thicker on one edge, and thinner on the other, known as its “lap”. This allows for overlapping boards on the thinner edge, and provides a water-resistant layer.
Clapboards are often seen on traditional-style homes and buildings. They are made of wood, but can also be made of steel, aluminum, and vinyl. Clapboard is an affordable and durable siding option that is easy to install and maintain. It is a popular choice for many homeowners.
Clapboard siding is available in a variety of colors and styles, including cedar, pine, redwood, and cypress. It is also available in a range of sizes, from 8” to 24”. According to the National Association of Home Builders, clapboard siding accounts for roughly 40% of all siding materials used in the US.
Clapboard siding is an effective and popular choice for many homeowners. It is durable, easy to install and maintain, and comes in a variety of colors and styles. It’s no wonder why it accounts for such a large percentage of siding materials used in the US.
.Uncovering the Origin of the Term 'Clapboard'
The term 'clapboard' has been used in carpentry for centuries. It is believed that the origin of the word dates back to the 1600s in the Netherlands. The word 'clapboard' is derived from the Dutch language and literally translates to 'board that claps.'
In the Netherlands, clapboard was used to construct the exterior walls of homes and buildings. The boards would be placed one on top of the other and clapped together to form a tight seal. This method of construction was also used in other parts of Europe, including England, and eventually made its way to the United States.
In the U.S., clapboard was commonly used in New England and the Mid-Atlantic regions during the 1700s and 1800s. The boards were secured to the exterior of the house with nails and provided a durable, weatherproof barrier against the elements. Clapboard continues to be used today in many parts of the U.S., although other materials are now used as well.
