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Like other types of external siding, cedar is prone to accumulation of dust and dirt. You have to clean it twice a year to keep it easier. Use a soap and water solution for general cleaning to scrub the siding and then wash it down. You can use some bleach if you have mold and mildew problems.
How often do you need to seal cedar siding?
Depending on the annual local weather conditions and how much damage it does to the cedar siding, expect to restain every three to five years. There will be no difficulty in determining when it is time to do the job.
Is cedar siding high maintenance?
Cedar siding is unquestionably beautiful, and unbelievably durable. Unfortunately, it is expensive and can be high maintenance. Most people who choose cedar do so for the beauty of the wood, without concern for the expense and maintenance. If you don’t have to worry about the cost of siding, cedar may be your choice.
How do you keep cedar siding looking new?
How to Keep Your Cedar Siding Looking Like New Stain Soon After Installation. Staining your cedar siding will considerably slow down the siding’s change in appearance. Maintain Your Cedar Siding Every 3 to 5 Years. Embrace the Natural Weathering of Cedar Siding.
How many years does cedar siding last?
Longevity Cedar siding must be properly maintained at all times to reach its maximum lifespan, with many planks needing to be replaced after just 10 to 15 years, and even well-maintained cedar siding may only last around 20 to 30 years in some climates.
Should I power wash my cedar siding?
Power washing can be used to clean cedar as long as the sprayer is set at a low pressure to prevent damaging the wood’s soft surface. Once cleaned and allowed to dry, the wood can then be painted using a urethane-acrylic house paint. It is unsightly, but the cedar has not been damaged.
Is it better to stain or paint cedar siding?
The best answer is based on your home’s current cedar condition. Stain lasts longer and often looks more natural, but can only be applied if cedar is paint-free. Paint offers more protection and can be a good choice for badly worn homes with previous peeling issues from past painting applications.
Does cedar siding need to be sealed?
When to Seal Cedar Siding A full seal is important because any space that is missing sealant is more susceptible to water damage and chemical bleeding. Cedar has a natural tendency to dry quickly and resist moisture (with proper ventilation) so other pre-installed siding can also still be sealed or painted.
What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?
Cedar Disadvantage Requires Maintenance. Due to being softwood, cedar needs regular maintenance. Flammable. Cedar is a flammable wood. Fading Color. Changes color over time due to chemical reactions. Sensitive. Cedar is a sensitive wood. Weak. Cedar is a common material in construction.
Can you leave cedar siding untreated?
Cedar has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, allowing you to leave the wood untreated without worry of excess warping, rotting and cracking. It does weather, though, changing color throughout time, offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers.
Will linseed oil Keep cedar from turning gray?
Boiled linseed oil, despite not providing much water-resistance to wood when applied in the usual way associated with furniture, will do much to slow the weathering to that natural grey/silver colour if applied heavily and re-applied periodically.
How do you keep cedar siding from turning grey?
To prevent cedar from fading to gray, you need to seal cedar fence with a stain that blocks ultraviolet light and contains a mildewcide, according to Family Handyman.
What do you put on cedar to protect it?
A thorough coating or two of an acrylic-based paint is by far the most protective of the finishes on offer. It will shield the timber from moisture and weathering, but will completely conceal the wood’s colour and grain — so make sure to choose a wood paint of your desired colour.
Does cedar siding rot?
Using a finish on your cedar siding protects it from weather, which easily extends its longevity. When left untreated, within five years of installation, the cedar siding will begin to rot and soften from the moisture that enters from not being protected.
How do you know when cedar siding needs to be replaced?
How Do I Know If I Should Replace My Siding? It’s Cracked or Loose. Especially after a significant storm, your siding may be in rough condition. It’s Faded or Peeling. It’s Rotting or Warping. It Has Holes or Damage. It’s Growing. It’s Bringing the Outside In. Your Bills Have Gone Up.
Should I paint my cedar siding?
Cedar siding needs to be repainted every 5-7 years, but if you take some special precautions, you can get up to 10 years from one paint application. In order to do this though, you will need to ensure that you are properly preparing the surface and considering all the environmental factors.
What is the best cleaner for cedar siding?
A safe deep-cleaner for wood siding is oxygen bleach. It is a powder that mixes with water. It is non-toxic to vegetation and trees and will not remove any natural color from the siding. You simply keep the wood siding wet with the oxygen bleach solution for 15 minutes.
