Top 5 Cedar Shake Siding Maintenance Tips
- #1: Treat the Wood Untreated cedar shake siding naturally changes color as it weathers. ...
- #2: Protect from Moisture Although cedar shake siding maintenance can’t stop water from getting on siding, it can minimize its damage. ...
- #3: Control the Humidity Inside Your Home ...
- #4: Inspect the Shingles ...
- #5: Keep the Shingles Clean ...
How do you maintain cedar shake siding?
How to Restore and Maintain Cedar Shingle Siding
- Cover landscaping material around the house with plastic sheeting, or wet the area down with a hose.
- Pour the wood-stripping product into a low-pressure sprayer.
- Cover an area you can comfortably work -- about a 4-by-8 foot section -- in about 20 to 30 minutes. ...
- Scrub the soaked area with a long-handled stiff-bristle brush. ...
How to stain cedar shakes or siding?
How to Stain Cedar Siding
- Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Choosing a Stain for Your Cedar Download Article. Use a transparent stain to show off the wood’s natural grain. ...
- Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Preparing the Siding for Staining Download Article. Examine the surface for defects. ...
- Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Staining the Cedar Download Article. Protect surrounding areas from dripping stains. ...
Why to use cedar shake for siding?
Why You Should Use Cedar Shake for Siding. Nothing beats the beautiful rustic exterior of a home with Cedar shake siding.With so many newer more modern options many forget that unfinished Cedar wall shingles can easily last 50 years.
What is the best way to clean cedar siding?
Some Advanced Tips
- Even after washing the wood with water if you see any dirt part on the wood, then scrub that area with soapy water again to get that cleaned.
- If you can use warm water that might work better. ...
- You can apply this process to clean the cedar deck, fences, railings, sidings, doors, windows, etc. ...
How do you keep cedar shakes looking new?
The Cedar Bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayer let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.
Does cedar siding need maintenance?
Maintenance of cedar siding must be a regular task in order to avoid permanent damage to the exterior of your home. While this material — like other types of wood — is beautiful, durable and tough, you must be up-to-date with cedar siding care and cleaning. This will prevent damage due to mold, mildew, rot and water.
Are cedar shakes hard to maintain?
Requires More Maintenance Cedar shakes require regular cleaning to keep them free from things like moss, algae, and mold. They also require surface treatments to protect from things like the elements, moisture, insects, and fire. These protective treatments are required every few years to remain effective.
Do cedar shakes need to be oiled?
Many people with cedar roofs wonder if an oil treatment for cedar shingles is appropriate, and the answer is an absolute yes!
What is the life expectancy of cedar siding?
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.
How long does cedar shakes siding last?
20-40 yearsIf well-maintained, cedar shake siding endures the elements well and can last many years. Some manufacturers offer warranties of over 25 years because cedar shake siding can last 20-40 years when well-maintained. However, your cedar shake siding should stay off of the ground to extend its longevity.
Should you power wash cedar shingles?
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.
How often should you paint cedar shakes?
every 5-7 yearsCedar 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.
Is it better to paint or stain cedar shingles?
Paint or stain? 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.
What is the best oil for cedar shingles?
Chevron Shingle Oil is designed for use on shake roofs, log homes, wood siding, and fences. Protects cedar wood shingles and siding against rain, sun, and moisture.
Why is my cedar siding turning black?
In addition to dirt and pollutants, your cedar siding can be turned black or brown because of tannin staining. Tannins are a class of biomolecules that occur abundantly in nature — primarily in the bark of trees, leaves, fruits, and grapes.
What do you treat cedar siding with?
Compared to other finishes, paint offers the greatest protection for western red cedar siding against the elements. And while cedar siding accepts, holds and showcases all types of paints beautifully, your best choice is a 100% acrylic latex formula. They outperform other types of paints in all types of weather.
Is cedar siding high maintenance?
It requires regular maintenance in the form of repainting or re-staining every three to five years. Despite a higher resistance, cedar is still more prone to rot, woodpeckers, and insect damage than artificial alternatives. It reacts to iron, making it important to avoid using iron nails when installing.
How often do you need to paint cedar siding?
every 5-7 yearsCedar 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.
Is cedar a good siding for a house?
When many people think of cedar as a construction material, they think of that warm smell of cedar closets, but cedar is also a terrific siding material for your home's exterior. Cedar is one of the most durable softwoods, offering excellent noise abatement, insulation, and longevity.
How do you know when cedar siding needs to be replaced?
How Do You Know When Cedar Siding Needs to be Replaced?Rotting or Warping. While cedar is usually resistant to warping, it can still get damp and that can start to cause warping. ... Mold and Mildew. Unfortunately, cedar is also susceptible to fungus, and mold. ... Cracks and Holes. ... Damage Seeps Inside. ... Higher Energy Bills.
What to use to repair cedar shake siding?
Repairs and general upkeep are a regular part of cedar shake siding maintenance, so there are a few key items that homeowners should have on hand. Nylon scrubbers, power- washers, power-sanders, and basic toolkit items should cover most tasks. In addition, bleach, paint, and oil-based stains made for exterior use are also helpful.
Why do cedar shakes fade?
Whether they’ve turned a pale gray color from mold and mildew or certain shingles have faded as a result of consistent sun exposure, it can be tricky to have a uniform look — especially when some walls get more sun exposure than others.
How to prevent mildew from growing?
Though there may be moisture-resistant products that can help prevent mildew growth, once it’s there, it needs to be removed effectively. A combination of bleach and water may do the trick, so long as the homeowner has an infinite supply of elbow grease.
Is fiber cement siding durable?
However, some homeowners ultimately opt for an easier siding solution that is more durable and dependable — without all the laborious upkeep! Fiber cement is one such product that offers virtually no maintenance, yet still offers premium protection and reliability. Homeowners can now invest in fiber cement shake siding that mirrors the beauty of natural cedar by replicating the look, color, and texture of real wood. These “wood-look” shingles made from fiber cement essentially cut out the traditional maintenance chores and allow homeowners to enjoy the look of cedar shake siding without the hassle.
Can cedar shake siding be damaged?
Unfortunately, dealing with damaged shingles is inevitable for most homeowners who install real cedar shake. Even when cedar shake siding maintenance is carried out flawlessly, natural wood is simply more susceptible to damage, which can occur in several ways. Moisture is one of the biggest culprits, and it can cause warping and rotting. Insects, rodents, and woodpeckers can also leave holes or gnaw marks in wood siding. If the sunlight is particularly concentrated on a certain area of the home, it’s not uncommon for individual cedar shingles in that area to flake up, break, and chip.
Can you replace cedar shake shingles?
In the best case scenario, only a few cedar shingles will require replacement, rather than the entire exterior. Learning how to remove damaged shingles and replace them with new ones should be an important part of ensuring quality cedar shake siding maintenance.
Does cedar shake need maintenance?
Unlike other exteriors, cedar shake siding requires a significant amount of attention to keep the outside of the home looking great. Whether you’re considering cedar shake for your next home or you’re already committed, it’s important to know that cedar shake siding maintenance is a task that requires homeowners time and attention for the long haul.
How to keep moisture away from siding?
It's also vital to ensure that your downspouts and gutters are not clogged. Clean them regularly and ensure that water is kept away from the siding.
What is the best way to clean cedar siding?
Soap and water. Bleach or vinegar. Wood stain or paint. What You'll Need. Pressure washer. Soap and water. Bleach or vinegar. Wood stain or paint. Cedar siding maintenance must be a regular task so that you can avoid permanent damage to your home's exterior.
How to keep termites out of wood?
Regularly inspect the wood for any signs of termite infestations. Keep an eye for any signs of termites such as discarded wings, mud tubes, or fecal pellets. Keep wood away from the ground, so that it has no direct contact with the soil.
What is the purpose of articles being reviewed?
To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
Can you stain cedar siding?
Most of the cedar siding you see is stained and finished. To maintain the look and appeal, you must stain the wood or apply paint as required.
Can you use a pressure washer on cedar siding?
Although pressure washers are a great way of cleaning cedar siding, they can be overwhelming for beginners. You must be careful and only use a pressure washer on its lowest setting. Otherwise, there is a chance of damaging the wood and also of water getting underneath and causing more problems.
Can woodpeckers peck on cedar siding?
Woodpeckers can peck away at your cedar siding in their quests for food. You must keep an eye for these birds and try your best to keep them away. Hanging wind chimes near the siding can keep away the birds.
Why does cedar shingle have cracks?
Cracks can occur in a cedar roof because wood naturally expands and contracts from moisture exposure and temperature fluctuations which can lead to small cracks on the surface.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
Routine and timely cedar shake roof maintenance, including inspection, cleaning, treatments, and repair, will protect your investment for 30 years or more. Neglecting the roof will significantly decrease its longevity and aesthetic value. Due to the dangers of working on a roof and the complexity of cedar roof maintenance, you should hire a professional roof contractor.
What to do with cedar shake roof?
You must remove all the leaves, pine needles, and sticks from your cedar wood roof as part of your regular shake roof maintenance. Debris retains moisture that breeds wood-destroying fungus that weakens the shingles, leading to expensive repairs and a shorter lifespan for your roof. 4. Power Washing.
How much does it cost to repair a shake roof?
Typically a contractor will charge $750 to repair a wood shake roof, and between $0.21 and $0.34 per square foot to clean a cedar shake roof.
How long do brava shakes last?
Brava’s beautiful and natural-looking cedar shakes last decades with little need for repairs and maintenance.
Why do you remove the hanging branches on a shingle roof?
Removing the hanging branches allows the roof to dry faster, reducing the chance of harmful mold. Removing branches also significantly decreases the likelihood of a tree falling on the roof and either damaging it or setting it on fire.
What are the pests that live in attic walls?
Pests, like squirrels and rats, will invade your home through missing and broken cedar#N#shingles. Once inside your attic or walls, these noisy pests can cause extensive damage. They can chew on wood (leading to expensive repairs), electric wires (causing potential fire hazards), and eave troughs (resulting in water damage). They also carry disease and odor. Therefore, to limit problems to your home’s structure and protect your family’s health from pests, you must immediately hire a professional to repair or replace damaged or missing cedar shakes.
Characteristics
Less heat is transported through the wood due to its density, preventing heat from escaping in the winter and keeping the cool air from escaping in the summer. Likewise, it creates a natural acoustic barrier as it reduces heat flow.
Maintenance
Maintenance of cedar siding must be a regular task in order to avoid permanent damage to the exterior of your home. While this material — like other types of wood — is beautiful, durable and tough, you must be up-to-date with cedar siding care and cleaning. This will prevent damage due to mold, mildew, rot and water.
What is the best way to clean cedar shingles?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Services Laboratory recommends cleaning cedar shingles with an oxidizing bleach -- as opposed to a household bleach -- to avoid damaging the wood.
How long does cedar siding last?
How well you clean and maintain the cedar shingles on the exterior of your home can mean the difference between having to replace the siding in less than 10 years or having a home that continues to look good for 40 to 50 years. Avoid oil-based sealers, paints or stains on cedar shingles if you want to avoid mildew and mold growth.
How to make bleach for siding?
Mix the oxygen bleach in a ratio of 2 cups of powdered granules to 1 gallon of water, or based on the product and manufacturer's instructions on the label. Pour the mixture into a cleaned-out lawn and garden sprayer. Cover about a 4-by-8-foot section with the liquid and let it sit on the siding for about 15 minutes.
How to clean a soaked sandpaper?
Scrub the soaked area with a long-handled stiff-bristle brush. Do not use a wire bristle brush.
How to get rid of a saturated area?
Scrub the saturated area with a scrub brush with a broom handle.
What is the best way to clean a surface?
Brush the surface to remove dirt and debris with a long-handled scrub brush or broom.
Do you have to do much to cedar siding?
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. Coating the cedar shingles with a water-resistant product helps to preserve the wood against moisture damage.
What happens if you put cedar shingles on your roof?
Whether they’re on your roof or wall your shingles may develop mildew or algae and will most certainly weather to a silver/grey appearance after years of exposure. Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles.
How long do cedar shingles last?
Before you give in and paint your shingles, realize that cedar shingles can last decades with virtually no maintenance. But a little maintenance can keep them looking great and extend their life even further.
How long does it take for a stain to dry?
Give it at least 24 hrs drying time before further handling.
Can you pressure wash shingles?
Not only that, but it forces water into the places where it doesn’t belong possibly causing rot and mold. Read 4 Reasons You Should Never Pressure Wash Your House.
What kind of shingles go with cedar siding?
Cedar shingles and shakes are available to complement cedar siding and produce a beautifully blended exterior for your home
What is bevel cedar siding?
Bevel cedar siding: This horizontal cedar siding is the most popular of all profiles. A single board is cut diagonally resulting in two planks each with one edge thicker than the other. As a further option the surface can be saw-textured for richer character or made smooth.
What is lap siding?
Lap/ Shiplap/ Channel cedar siding: Lap siding creates a very similar look to tongue and groove siding bu,t instead of a thin shadow line between boards, in lap siding the partial overlap of each the board leaves a wider gap or channel that creates deeper shadow lines. It can be installed vertically, horizontally or even diagonally.
What is knotty cedar?
Quality Knotty Cedar: This is a slightly inferior grade with more knots, open knots and/or streaks. It offers the most rustic look.
Where are Cedar Valley shingle panels made?
Cedar Valley: The maker of handcrafted shingle panels, Cedar Valley is located in Hollister, CA, near San Jose. The panels contain a course of individual shingles on a plywood backer.
Where is Boston Cedar siding made?
Boston Cedar: Based in Massachusetts, Boston Cedar supplies a wide range of building materials to retailers including premium Western Red Cedar siding products. In the site’s menu, select Siding, and you’ll find information about the brand’s main siding products for exterior and interior use.
What is the thickness of beveled siding?
The most common thicknesses of beveled siding are 1/2″, 5/8”, 11/16”, 3/4″ and 7/8”. Board width options are 4”, 6”, 8”, 10” and 12”. Boards are cut to various lengths from 8’ to 14’.
