Novelty Siding History

The german or novelty siding a milled siding that is thin above and thicker below with a concave bevel was used throughout many parts of the united states in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century but with regional variations in material profile and dimensions.

Novelty siding history.

1992 wood remained the most popular but fell to 33 percent. Brick dropped to 28 percent and block stone vinyl and aluminum siding to 17 percent. Widths 8 and over use 2 nails 3 4 apart. E w p 18 available in smooth face.

By the 1930s standard references listed no fewer than 28 different types of common horizontal siding. Popular by the 1880s and possibly in use as early as 1860 it is typically edge matched in a shiplap joint but was also produced in tongue and groove. When repairing or replacing historic siding take a sample to the lumberyard or sawmill for comparison. Sometimes it s possible and usually cheaper to adapt a local product rather than have an exact match milled.

Reversible pattern usually used for interior applications. You can still find beveled drop and other novelty siding at lumberyards but it s not always like the original. Vinyl siding made a strong first appearance at 23 percent overtaking brick for second place. Recommended 1 minimum overlap.

Tongue and groove novelty types may be blind nailed at the tongue at left. Historical novelty siding patterns these patterns are typically made from flat sawn lumber. Vinyl siding took over the top position at 39. With ship lap or tongue and groove siding the horizontal boards interlock with each other in the vertical plane to provide a weathertight seal.

So called novelty siding which can be cut into a wide variety of profiles with custom knives came onto the market during the 19th century and remains a popular version of traditional flush siding.