How should joints in courses of wood siding be arranged?

Staggering the joints in courses of wood siding is a best practice because it enhances the structural integrity and visual appeal of the siding installation. Staggering the joints helps to avoid creating a straight line of weaknesses where water could more easily penetrate, thereby reducing the risk of moisture intrusion that could lead to rot or damage over time. This method also contributes to better alignment of the siding, as it allows for expansion and contraction while maintaining a more consistent appearance.

While other joint arrangements may exist, such as aligning or tightly fitting joints, these options can lead to problems such as water pooling at the joints or increased susceptibility to gaps as materials expand and contract. Overlapping can be effective in some siding applications but is not typically used in making joints in standard courses. Staggering is widely recognized as the most effective and durable method for arranging joints in wood siding.