Cedar Exterior Siding Maintenance

Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required.

Cedar exterior siding maintenance.

Clapboard siding uses planks of wood installed horizontally with an upper piece that overlaps the lower piece. Moreover insects and birds can bore holes and moisture can cause boards to warp and crack. A thorough cleaning once or twice a year will greatly extend the life of cedar. Step 1 clean.

Before you give in and paint your shingles realize that cedar shingles can last decades with virtually no maintenance. Cedar maintenance you don t have to do much to cedar shingle siding if you prefer its weathered gray look. This will avoid problems such as mold mildew rot and water damage. 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.

Wood siding comes in clapboard also known as lap or bevel siding as well as shakes and shingles. Power wash every two to four years. 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. Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis.

Wood siding is one of the most beautiful of all types of siding and one of the most expensive. Western red cedar siding is a beautiful affordable and environmentally friendly siding choice. Learning how to care for cedar shingles whether they are installed as siding or roofing is not particularly difficult. A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended.

Depending on maintenance your rich wood siding can last from 10 to sometimes 100 years. Cedar siding is actually less maintenance than you think and there s many reasons why you should use cedar for your next siding project. These natural elements slowly erode the finishes and as a result all finishes applied to cedar require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform. If you d like to avoid repairs that could cost thousands of dollars and you d like to keep your clapboard shingles or board and batten lasting for decades regular upkeep and maintenance is critical.

Prone to dust and dirt accumulation cedar exterior siding receives a good pressure wash on the lowest setting well. How well you clean and maintain the cedar shingles on the exterior of your home can mean the difference between having to replace the siding in less than 10 years or having a home that continues to look good for 40 to 50 years. Dusty climates will require more frequent washing. But a little maintenance can keep them looking great and extend their life even further.