I am looking at LP 'Smartside' lap siding. The installation
instructions say to leave a 3/16" gap at butt joints. I assume this is
for expansion? You're supposed to caulk it, but it seems huge. Is this
different than regular wood clapboards? I thought they were supposed to
be snug at the joints.

Anyway, should the gap be proportioned to length? I have an 8' wall,
where the Smartside comes in 16' lengths. I'd think that I could use a
3/32" gap?

Thanks,
G