Treating cedar siding is a trendy topic for homeowners because it is beautiful and durable. However, does cedar siding need to be treated in the first place? And if so, how do you treat cedar siding? These are just a few of the questions we’ll answer in this in-depth blog post. You’ve been wondering all about how to keep your siding maintained, and you’ve come to the right place!
If you want to keep your cedar siding looking its best, you will need to treat it regularly. In this blog post, we will discuss how to treat cedar siding naturally and whether or not it needs to be treated at all. We will also provide some tips on how to care for your cedar siding so that it lasts for many years! Let’s start with the purpose of cedar siding in general.
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What Is The Purpose Of Cedar Siding?
Cedar siding is a popular choice for homeowners because it is beautiful and durable. Cedar siding is made from the wood of cedar trees, which are native to North America. The wood is light in color and has a strong, pleasing aroma. Cedar is also naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it an ideal choice for siding.
Cedar is one of the most desired trees for residential exteriors, and for understandable reasons. Compared to other types of natural wood, cedar has a warmer color and it looks more vivid. Furthermore, it is resilient and can endure many years if cared for properly.
Cedar is so easy to clean and maintain, and generally, annual cleaning is enough for it to stay durable and look stunning for years to come. But exactly how long does cedar siding last? And how can you make sure your cedar siding lives to its maximum? Keep reading to learn the best tips on treating cedar siding - including how to treat cedar siding naturally! First, is this something you need to do in the first place?
Does Cedar Siding Need To Be Treated?
Cedar is one of the most stunning trees used for siding across North America–and for understandable reasons. Is cedar hard to maintain? Not at all! You don’t need to stain it to improve the way it looks because it looks great on any home as it is. Additionally, cedar has a natural resistance to wood rot, insects, warping, and many other issues that you’ll find in other types of material, as we shared earlier.
But, does cedar siding need to be treated?
Despite its natural resistance to the elements, cedar siding still needs to be treated regularly in order to keep it looking its best. The main reason why cedar siding needs to be treated is to protect it from the outside factors that can damage it in the long term.
In particular, treating your siding will help to protect it from rot, insects, and UV damage. If you live in a particularly humid or rainy climate, or if your home gets a lot of sun exposure, then you will need to treat your siding more often.
Treating your cedar siding also helps to keep it looking its best. The natural oil or sealer will protect the wood from fading and will help to maintain its color and appearance over time.
When Does Cedar Siding Need To Be Treated?
When does cedar siding need to be treated? The frequency with which you need to treat your cedar siding will depend on the climate in your area and how much sun exposure your home gets. In general, though, you should plan on treating your cedar siding at least once every three years.
After Initial Installation
With the initial installation of your cedar siding, you shouldn’t need to do any prep work before staining or painting. You can actually get your cedar siding pre-primed or pre-stained, and ready for the installation. This will keep it looking its best and protect it from the elements.
If initial cedar siding needs a finish, apply to individual shakes prior to the installation process. This lets all sides and edges of the siding get fully coated. After the initial installation, it’s important to wash your siding once a year. Using a garden hose instead of a power washer is crucial because the high pressure can harm the wood. And then every so often, you’ll need to do another siding treatment. Keep reading to learn more.
Throughout Its Lifetime
Cedar siding needs to be treated with a natural oil or water-based sealer every 3 to 5 years to protect its natural beauty. However, if you want to keep it looking its best for as long as possible, you should consider treating it every three years. Don’t forget to leave enough time for the cedar to dry after washing it, if you’re considering painting or restaining it. Otherwise, moisture can occur inside the wood which will lead to mold problems in the future.
In addition, be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions carefully to see what type of treatment is recommended for your specific cedar siding.
Treating Cedar Siding: How To Treat Cedar Siding Naturally
How to treat cedar siding naturally? If you want to treat your cedar siding naturally, there are a few different methods you can use. One popular option is to use a natural oil, such as linseed oil or tung oil. These oils will create a layer of protection for treating cedar siding and help it look at its best, but they can also alter the color of the wood if applied incorrectly. Be sure to test any oil on a small area of your siding first to make sure that it does not discolor the wood before applying it to the entire surface.
Another option is to use a water-based sealer, which will protect your siding from the elements while preserving its natural color. If you want to maintain the wood's natural color, you can also use a clear sealer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using any of these treatments, as an improper application can damage your siding.
Other Tips For Maintaining Your Cedar Siding
In addition to treating your cedar siding with the information we have shared earlier, there are a few other things you can do to maintain your cedar siding:
- Keep your siding free of debris and dirt, which can damage the wood over time.
- Regularly clean your siding with a soft brush or damp cloth.
- Trim trees and shrubs to make sure they are far enough (at least 2 feet away) from the siding.
- Take care of any loose boards by replacing or nailing them down.
- If you notice any signs of damage or deterioration, repair them as soon as possible.
- Clean out your gutters. A filled-up gutter will overflow, causing water to soak into the cedar below.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your cedar siding looking beautiful for years to come!
Does Cedar Siding Need To Be Treated? Wrapping Things Up
In conclusion, cedar siding is a beautiful and durable choice for your home. However, it does need to be treated regularly in order to keep its beauty fresh.
If you have cedar siding on your home, it is beneficial to treat it regularly so that you don’t need to deal with rot, insects, or UV damage. In general, you should plan on treating your cedar siding at least once every three years.
There are a few different ways that you can treat cedar siding, and the type of treatment you choose will depend on your preferences and the climate in your area. No matter which method you choose, we can help your siding to be resilient and beautiful at Quality Cedar Products. All of our Western Red Cedar lumber is sorted & graded personally. Are you curious to know how durable is western red cedar siding? Our team makes sure the quality is at its highest level. When you shop with us, durability is never a concern - we take our quality more serious than any other lumber supplier in the industry.
Whether it be beams for your timber frame builds or dimensional western red cedar siding for your living space, you can reach out to our team to get a quote on our wholesale cedar opportunities. Don’t forget to check out our top-quality cedar deck boards on the market and best sauna cedar materials, if you’re preparing for a new building project!
Do you have cedar siding in your home? Have you found that it requires regular maintenance? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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