Cedar Exterior Siding Maintenance

Depending on maintenance your rich wood siding can last from 10 to sometimes 100 years.

Cedar exterior siding maintenance.

Wood siding comes in clapboard also known as lap or bevel siding as well as shakes and shingles. These natural elements slowly erode the finishes and as a result all finishes applied to cedar require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform. Prone to dust and dirt accumulation cedar exterior siding receives a good pressure wash on the lowest setting well. Untreated cedar siding weathers over time without excessive warping and cracking but still requires care.

Stained cedar siding requires more maintenance than other woods but also lasts longer. Lighter colors last longer since they reflect light more efficiently than darker colors. Clapboard siding uses planks of wood installed horizontally with an upper piece that overlaps the lower piece. If it s well maintained cedar siding can last for fifty years or more.

It does weather though changing color throughout time offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers. The surfaces of finished western red cedar decks siding and trim boards exposed outdoors inevitably become dirty and can also be discolored by mildew algae and moss. The usefulness of cedar for exterior applications such as siding and fencing is due to its exceptional weather resistance but over time even cedar siding can be damaged from exposure to moisture and ultraviolet uv rays. While this material is beautiful long lasting and tough like all other types of wood you must be up to date with the care and cleaning of cedar siding.

A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended. Cedar maintenance you don t have to do much to cedar shingle siding if you prefer its weathered gray look other than clean and coat it with a clear water resistant preservative and inspect it for rot and damage periodically. But a little maintenance can keep them looking great and extend their life even further. Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection.

Coating the cedar shingles with a water resistant product helps to preserve the wood against moisture damage. Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis. Cedar shake maintenance cedar has natural antibacterial and anti fungal properties allowing you to leave the wood untreated without worry of excess warping rotting and cracking. Dusty climates will require more frequent washing.

Cedar siding maintenance must be a regular task so that you can avoid permanent damage to your home s exterior. Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles. Treating cedar with primer and paint. Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required.

Step 1 clean shingles. This will avoid problems such as mold mildew rot and water damage. Paint s solids ward off light and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar.