Cedar Exterior Siding Maintenance

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.

Cedar exterior siding maintenance. 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. Wood siding comes in clapboard also known as lap or bevel siding as well as shakes and shingles. 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.

A thorough cleaning once or twice a year will greatly extend the life of cedar. Power wash every two to four years. This will avoid problems such as mold mildew rot and water damage. Coating the cedar shingles with a water resistant product helps to preserve the wood against moisture damage.

Step 1 clean shingles. Whether they re on your roof or wall your shingles may develop mildew or algae and will most certainly weather to a silver grey appearance after years of exposure. It does weather though changing color throughout time offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers. But a little maintenance can keep them looking great and extend their life even further.

Depending on maintenance your rich wood siding can last from 10 to sometimes 100 years. Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required. A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended. Prone to dust and dirt accumulation cedar exterior siding receives a good pressure wash on the lowest setting well.

If it s well maintained cedar siding can last for fifty years or more. 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. Lighter colors last longer since they reflect light more efficiently than darker colors. 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.

Paint s solids ward off light and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar. 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. Treating cedar with primer and paint. Dusty climates will require more frequent washing.

Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection. Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis. Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles.