Exterior Cedar Siding Maintenance

Unless you have the skills hire a professional carpenter or siding contractor.

Exterior cedar siding maintenance.

Basic items required for cleaning cedar siding are. If you do decide to color your wood there are several options. Bleaching oil clear coat paint detergent and sealer. Depending on maintenance your rich wood siding can last from 10 to sometimes 100 years.

Expect to pay 200 300 to replace a damaged siding panel or two. Apply it with a pump sprayerlet it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required. As it ages cedar loses some of its natural oils hence the need for upkeep.

The cedar bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Although pressure washers are a great way of cleaning cedar siding they can be overwhelming for beginners. Coating the cedar shingles with a water resistant product helps to preserve the wood against moisture damage. 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.

If you are attracted to this look keep in mind that it requires periodic maintenance chalking and painting or staining to prevent weather damage and is susceptible to insect or rodent attacks. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles. You must be careful and only use a pressure washer on its lowest setting. After that the color will rapidly change from red to gray.

Dusty climates will require more frequent washing. 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. 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 siding is prone to dust and dirt accumulation just like other types of exterior siding. Power wash every two to four years. 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.

After installing your exterior cedar you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis. These natural elements slowly erode the finishes and as a result all finishes applied to cedar require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform.