How Wood House Siding Was Cut In The Early 1900s

Wood siding with a variety of profiles.

How wood house siding was cut in the early 1900s.

As america moved into the 1900s notable change began happening on the home construction and architectural scenes. Economical drop siding is seen on barns and garages but also on informal house types of the early 20th century. Brick held steady at 20 percent and wood fell to a distant third at 14 percent. Inevitably the vinyl siding got some moisture behind it sometimes from rain seeping in and sometimes just from water vapor trying to escape the house.

With the mass production of dry cement in the early 1900s stucco siding entered a new era. Two basic framing techniques were used to construct wood. The pattern provides good weather protection and the boards install easily. The classic example is log cabin siding a peeled log simulation with shiplapped joints.

If the house was built before the 1890s the chances that its early siding may have been well worn are greater but regardless owners should not have to replace all of the early siding once it has been uncovered. The structural framing was then covered with wood siding. Often 60 70 of early siding can be kept she says. Or sizes new shingles can be cut from roll roofing or tabless.

Since there aren t any knots or flaws in the wood homeowners find that this type of siding is significantly easier to install than other types of wood siding and there is going to be less waste since mistakes aren t as common. Asbestos cement roofi ng and siding in the early 1900s manufacturers reinforced portland cement with asbestos fibers to create a fire resistant and. Cement increased the workability of stucco with longer drying times allowing builders greater freedom. The structural frame sat on top of a masonry foundation.

2000 the siding industry declared a new leader. Vinyl siding took over the top position at 39 percent. Wood frame houses were built with uniform dimensional lumber cut at a saw mill. Rustic siding is a broad term often applied to several types of siding milled to present an appearance much more like timber than their actual thickness.

A construction crew from 1900 would barely recognize one working on a home in 1999 as the 20th century saw huge changes in the styles of houses and construction methods and regulations. Additionally engineered wood siding can be milled into any number of different styles easily. Log cabin siding was common by the 1930s in 6 8 and 10 widths. Wood siding materials trim and shingles were installed over the frame and roof.

First vinyl siding doesn t allow the house to breathe. Vinyl was installed on 33 percent of the country s new homes and fiber.