Shiplap Cladding | A history and our products today

There are quite a few types of cladding design, and many different ways to install them – but, like most traditional building supplies and methods, there must have been a practical reason behind each design and installation technique when it was invented. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of shiplap cladding and delve into our own cladding range at Edge.

What is Shiplap cladding?

Shiplap cladding is a traditional cladding design with a smooth or woodgrain finish, installed with and an overlapping or interlocking edge detail, producing a watertight façade. What differentiates shiplap cladding from other cladding types is a wide scoop-like ridge on the top edge of each board instead of a shadow gap, which both open V and tongue and grove cladding have.

History and Origin

What was shiplap originally used for?

Shiplap, as the name suggests, was originally used to build the sides of a ship. In fact, it is suggested that it was used incredibly early on in naval architecture, due to its waterproof and resilient qualities. The Viking ships that invaded Europe are said to have been clinker built, (boat building using shiplap techniques) and so were the ships that William the Conqueror used to invade Britain in the 11th century.

An ancient boat (dates from around AD 300) is said to have been found in Als, Denmark more than 100 years ago and is the earliest discovered example of clinker construction that uses overlapping planks, which were then called lapstrakes. These were a precursor to shiplap cladding, but they created a watertight seal and were installed using the same techniques as shiplap cladding is today.

It’s pretty obvious now that shiplap weatherboard cladding is used on our homes to protect them from rainfall and other damaging weather conditions. Although, these days cladding is often chosen for the sole purpose of improving the aesthetics of a property – it still plays a major part in defending our homes against the elements.

Where is best to install shiplap cladding?

Shiplap cladding can be installed almost anywhere. It is ideal for installing on house exteriors, garden sheds and outbuildings, schools, beach huts, holiday homes and commercial or industrial buildings. Whilst it is normally installed horizontally, there are ways to install shiplap vertically too.

Our shiplap Range

Our robust PVC shiplap cladding profiles are made to suit traditional styles, but with complementary joints, trims, and fixings. Cellular PVC cladding is an ideal alternative for timber cladding as it will not discolour, it retains its appearance, is virtually maintenance free and is weather resistant.

Fortex Range

Our Fortex cladding products combine an authentic painted timber grained look with the low maintenance benefits of PVC.

- Durable – Fortex cladding products are made from an environmentally friendly lead-free formulation and is guaranteed for 10 years

- Light & Easy to Install – With the Fortex system, storing, handling, and fitting is very simple and easy. Its light weight offers many benefits over fibre cement cladding products, in fact at 3.15kg per 5m length it is 4 times lighter than a comparable fibre cement board!

We also have a comprehensive range of cladding trims available to suit the Fortex boards ensures a neat and professional finish whatever the application.

Use our handy visualiser tool to choose your cladding colour

You can calculate your cladding requirements by clicking this link: https://edgebp.co.uk/fortex-cladding-calculator.

Make sure you check out the Fortex videos on our YouTube channel too!

Fibre cement

The ultimate alternative to wood, our Hardie plank cladding range is made from resilient, maintenance-free fibre cement. Giving your customers all of the benefits of a stylish wooden façade with none of the hassle. Made from natural materials this product provides strength, durability, and protection. It is also available in a wide range of colours to give your project the perfect finish.

Download our Hardie plank brochure

James Hardie fibre cement is thinner and lighter-weight, yet stronger and easier to handle than most alternative building materials, ensuring your build moves along faster – with less hold ups and complications.