How do you maintain cedar wood siding?

Following are some of the important tips for maintaining your home's cedar siding.

Keep Moisture away. Moisture is the biggest damaging factor for any type of wood.
Look for Termites.
Regularly Inspect the Siding for Cracks.
Clean Cedar Siding Regularly.
Keep Pests away.
Be Regular with Staining and Painting.

Similarly, you may ask, how often does cedar siding need to be sealed?

Cedar treatments should last 5-7 years High-quality paint or stain, properly applied, should last five to seven years, and as many as 10, depending on weather conditions and if you maintain the siding. However, you may need to reapply a clear-coat stain every two years.

Beside above, can you leave cedar siding untreated? Cedar has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, allowing you to leave the wood untreated without worry of excess warping, rotting and cracking. It does weather, though, changing color throughout time, offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers.

Similarly one may ask, is cedar siding high maintenance?

Cedar siding is unquestionably beautiful, and unbelievably durable. Unfortunately, it is expensive and can be high maintenance. Most people who choose cedar do so for the beauty of the wood, without concern for the expense and maintenance. If you don't have to worry about the cost of siding, cedar may be your choice.

How do you care for cedar wood?

How to Care for Your Cedar Patio Furniture

Hand wash periodically with mild detergent and a soft rag, and rinse with a hose.
For stubborn stains or mildew, apply a mild bleach and water solution, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry before applying any stain or sealant.
Unfinished cedar ages naturally to a silver-gray finish with a raised grain.

36 Related Question Answers Found

Should I power wash my cedar siding?

Power washing can be used to clean cedar as long as the sprayer is set at a low pressure to prevent damaging the wood's soft surface. Once cleaned and allowed to dry, the wood can then be painted using a urethane-acrylic house paint. It is unsightly, but the cedar has not been damaged.

How many years does cedar siding last?

Cedar siding endures the elements well and if maintained properly can last many years. Some manufacturers offer warranties of 25 years or more. Cedar is classified as a durable species. The proper application of a finish coat will allow cedar siding to last for decades.

Should cedar wood be sealed?

Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you're using cedar for an outdoor project, give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.

Should I stain both sides of cedar siding?

If you want long lasting siding, it is a great idea to stain both sides. Start with the underside, and then finish with the top side. The stain helps to seal the siding and prevent moisture intrusion from the underside. You can do either or.

How do you weatherproof cedar?

How to Waterproof Cedar Lumber

Clean any dirt accumulated on the wood. If the cedar has a very smooth finish, scuff slightly with 50 grit sandpaper.
Procure a wood waterproofing material.
Apply the waterproofing with a brush or roller, as per manufacturer's instructions.
Recoat with multiple coats.

How long does painted cedar siding last?

five to seven years

Is it OK to paint cedar siding?

Choose the Correct Type of Paint For the Cedar

Exterior grade acrylic-latex paint is the most dependable finish in terms of protecting cedar. For best results, fresh siding should be pre-primed on all six sides with a stain-blocking primer and top coated with 100-percent acrylic-latex paint.

When should cedar siding be replaced?

You will need to paint or stain cedar siding every 3-5 years, and periodically repair or replace the shingles or panels.

What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?

Disadvantages of Cedar Wood Decking:

Cost- Just like composite, cedar can be much more expensive than other wood.
Fades to a weathered grey over the years, which can be a drawback to some people.

What is the maintenance on cedar siding?

Cedar siding normally requires more maintenance, as compared to other exterior siding materials. To keep a cedar siding in excellent shape, you need to repaint and seal it at least once a year. Not to mention, you need to apply some protective coating to it, to avoid deterioration discolorations and unsightly stains.

Does cedar siding rot?

Durable and Tough

Cedar sidings are tough and resistant to problems such as splitting, swelling and bending. It is naturally resistant to rot and moisture problems. However, like all other wood material, it is best to protect your cedar siding with a protective layer of finish so that it can last longer and look great.

Is cedar siding a fire hazard?

Cedar is also susceptible to damage from birds like woodpeckers. Having cedar wood siding is also more risky because cedar is more susceptible to fire damage than vinyl or other non-wood siding, even with a fire-retardant treatment.

Should cedar siding replace vinyl?

Siding Removal & Replacement

replacement is definitely something you need to consider. Installing vinyl over wood is common practice, especially when a sheathing wrap and an installation layer is installed in between. You can only install vinyl over wood siding if the wood is in good condition, without rot or mold.

Is cedar siding more expensive than vinyl?

It's generally considered to be more valuable than vinyl siding, though the differences in their appearance have become largely negligible. Cedar siding is more expensive than vinyl siding and can improve a home's value more, but it's also more difficult to maintain.

Is it better to stain or paint cedar siding?

The stain is Durable:

Another important reason why stain lasts longer than paint on cedar siding is that they are durable enough to take foot traffic. In fact, food traffic results in more abrasion than regular paint is meant to take. Due to its durable nature, stain protects wood better than the normal paint.

Will red cedar rot?

Western Red Cedar, while somewhat weather resistant (old growth, heart wood only), is not for ground contact. It will rot within a few years.

How much does it cost to seal cedar siding?

Staining Cedar Siding Cost

When hiring a professional to stain cedar siding, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $120 to $150 per 100 square feet. This price includes the costs for stain, necessary additional materials and labor.