How long does cedar siding last?
The general life expectancy of cedar siding is approximately 20-40 years, although when proper maintenance and care is taken, it can go up to around 60-70 years. However, longevity is also determined by several factors such as staining, leaving them unstained, type of finish, sealants used, panel style, and even the manufacturer. When you apply proper finishing to your cedar siding, then you’ll be extending its longevity. On the other hand, if you leave your siding touching the ground, then there is a higher chance of pest invasion and moisture which both shortens its lifespan. If you leave your cedar shakes untreated, then it will take about 5 years for them to soften and start rotting under moisture conditions.
If your home doesn’t have an attractive stone exterior, then adding siding becomes a necessity. Today, there is a wide range of both artificial and natural options that you can choose from. The most popular option is using cedar. Cedar usually has a great appeal, is durable and its beauty is long-lasting. For those who prefer quality over cost, then using cedar for your siding is the best way to go. It comes in different colors and shades which include brown, yellow, white, and red.
Benefits of cedar siding
Cedar shingles that are properly cured don’t shrink easily. Once it’s properly installed, it doesn’t leave any visible gaps in your siding. Below are the top benefits of cedar siding:
1. Natural beauty and elegance
Cedar is among the popular and beautiful softwoods that are used for home siding. They have a spicy scent and nice colors that bring a nice appeal to your home. It makes houses unique and stylish.
2. Proper insulation
Although most types of siding offer very little house insulation, cedar siding is perfect for insulation. It reduces utility bills and also reduces noise pollution from outside.
3. Wide variety of styles
Cedar gets stained well and that the reason why many homeowners like them. They come in a variety of styles that include staggered shingles, pattern shingles, straight edge shingles, round edge shingles among others.
4. Eco-friendly
Cedar is biodegradable since it’s a renewable resource. Cedar siding also requires little effort to make compared to vinyl siding. All these make it a good option for being used in housing.
5. It’s insect resistant
Cedar has tannin and lacks resins. This makes it resistant to insects such as ants, termites, and mice.
These are some top benefits of cedar siding.
How to make cedar siding last longer
To increase the longevity of cedar, there are a few things you need to do as follows:
a. Paint or stain the cedar siding
Painting or staining your siding helps to prevent moisture that leads to rotting and general weather damage.
b. Regular cleaning
You should regularly clean the siding, although a lot of care is required to avoid damaging the material. Pressure washing is usually discouraged. Simply use water and a detergent to do the cleaning.
c. Make the necessary repairs
To prevent moisture and water damage, you should reseal or repaint the cedar from time to time.
d. Ensure there’s no direct contact between the siding and ground
This helps to prevent moisture uptake that results in fungal growth and rotting.
e. Make panel replacements
If your cedar panels are worn out or damaged, replace them immediately to prevent further damages to the siding and house exteriors.
In conclusion, these are some top ways for increasing the longevity of your siding. Others include using proper siding nails and using a primer on the ends.
