Exterior Cedar Siding Maintenance

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

Exterior cedar siding maintenance. You must clean it twice a year so that it s easier to maintain. After installing your exterior cedar you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. 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. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.

Dusty climates will require more frequent washing. Coating the cedar shingles with a water resistant product helps to preserve the wood against moisture damage. Basic items required for cleaning cedar siding are. Unless you have the skills hire a professional carpenter or siding contractor.

Prone to dust and dirt accumulation cedar exterior siding receives a good pressure wash on the lowest setting well. A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended. The cedar bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. 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.

As it ages cedar loses some of its natural oils hence the need for upkeep. Although pressure washers are a great way of cleaning cedar siding they can be overwhelming for beginners. Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis. Repairs to wood siding require the expertise to remove the damaged siding while leaving surrounding siding intact.

Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required. Cedar siding is prone to dust and dirt accumulation just like other types of exterior siding. 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. You must be careful and only use a pressure washer on its lowest setting.

Expect to pay 200 300 to replace a damaged siding panel or two. Power wash every two to four years. These natural elements slowly erode the finishes and as a result all finishes applied to cedar require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform. Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles.

It does weather though changing color throughout time offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers. Bleaching oil clear coat paint detergent and sealer. After that the color will rapidly change from red to gray.