Exterior Cedar Siding Maintenance

Cedar siding is prone to dust and dirt accumulation just like other types of exterior siding.

Exterior cedar siding maintenance.

As it ages cedar loses some of its natural oils hence the need for upkeep. Prone to dust and dirt accumulation cedar exterior siding receives a good pressure wash on the lowest setting well. After installing your exterior cedar you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. 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. Bleaching oil clear coat paint detergent and sealer. If you do decide to color your wood there are several options. Power wash every two to four years.

After that the color will rapidly change from red to gray. You must clean it twice a year so that it s easier to maintain. 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.

Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis. Expect to pay 200 300 to replace a damaged siding panel or two. You must be careful and only use a pressure washer on its lowest setting. Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles.

The cedar bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. 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 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. Apply it with a pump sprayerlet it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose.

Dusty climates will require more frequent washing. Unless you have the skills hire a professional carpenter or siding contractor. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles. It does weather though changing color throughout time offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers.

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. These natural elements slowly erode the finishes and as a result all finishes applied to cedar require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform.