Exterior Cedar Siding Maintenance

Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles.

Exterior cedar siding maintenance.

After that the color will rapidly change from red to gray. Bleaching oil clear coat paint detergent and sealer. Power wash every two to four years. If you do decide to color your wood there are several options.

Expect to pay 200 300 to replace a damaged siding panel or two. Dusty climates will require more frequent washing. You must clean it twice a year so that it s easier to maintain. Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required.

After installing your exterior cedar you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. You must be careful and only use a pressure washer on its lowest setting. 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. The cedar bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water.

As it ages cedar loses some of its natural oils hence the need for upkeep. Apply it with a pump sprayerlet it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. Depending on maintenance your rich wood siding can last from 10 to sometimes 100 years. Although pressure washers are a great way of cleaning cedar siding they can be overwhelming for beginners.

Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles. 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. 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. Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis.

A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended. It does weather though changing color throughout time offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers. Basic items required for cleaning cedar siding are. Unless you have the skills hire a professional carpenter or siding contractor.

Coating the cedar shingles with a water resistant product helps to preserve the wood against moisture damage. 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. Repairs to wood siding require the expertise to remove the damaged siding while leaving surrounding siding intact.