Final answer:
The minimum overlap for 4"-6" wood bevel siding traditionally was 5 side-to-side and 7-8 deep; however, newer recommendations suggest an overlap of 8 diameters side-to-side and 15 diameters deep for enhanced protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum overlap for wood bevel siding of 4"-6" widths is often guided by the rule of thumb, which is to allow adequate coverage to protect the structure from water infiltration and other environmental factors. Traditionally, the older rule of thumb was to use a 5 side-to-side and 7-8 deep overlap. However, more recent recommendations suggest that for better coverage and protection, siding should have an overlap as much as 8 diameters side-to-side and 15 diameters deep. This means that for a standard wood bevel siding piece that is 6 inches wide, the side-to-side overlap would be approximately 48 inches (8 x 6 inches) and the depth overlap would be 90 inches (15 x 6 inches) for maximum protection.
These guidelines should be adjusted based on the specific conditions of installation, such as the local climate and the exposure of the structure. It is also critical to adhere to any manufacturer's recommendations as well as local building codes. An additional consideration is the aesthetic consequence of the overlap, as it will affect the visual appearance of the siding.