Keep the Luster Alive With Cedar Siding Maintenance
Cedar siding has intrinsic qualities that make it a desirable home siding among many homeowners. The natural oils in cedar are antimicrobial and fungicidal. As a softwood, it has excellent sound abatement and insulation attributes. It is a light density wood because of its open cell structure, although despite its light weight, it is porous, and retains heat in the wintertime and cool air in the summertime. With so many positive attributes what could go wrong?! Well, despite its durability, cedar does develop a rough weathered look over time. Regular attention to cedar siding maintenance can retain the original installed look of the siding.
Cedar siding comes in several formats. Cedar bevel siding is the most commonly used cedar siding. Its panels run horizontally. Shingle siding is the next most popular choice. Whatever style of cedar siding you choose, an annual pressure washing with an anti-fungal solution is necessary for proactive maintenance of the wood. Remove built up dirt with a phosphate free soap. Every two years, apply a protective staining or painting to keep the siding’s original look.
Any kind of moisture is cedar siding’s enemy. To help maintain your cedar siding, make sure your gutter downspout extends all the way to the ground and is free from seasonal obstructions such as fallen leaves and branches. Depending on where you live, removing mildew may be a part of your cedar siding maintenance routine. Use a commercial bleach solution to clean, and then treat the wood with a stain that is mildew resistant.
Keep an eye out for signs of woodpeckers. They will quickly create holes in your siding in their quest for tasty insects as well as to communicate their territory. To maintain a hole free siding, just post a couple of woodpecker enticing suet blocks nearby and they will flock to them.
The warmth and appeal of this building material defies trends in home design. Its uniqueness and value make keeping up with cedar siding maintenance worth it. To learn more about cedar siding and its maintenance requirements, call us today or click here for a free siding quote!