Exterior Cedar Siding Maintenance

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

Exterior cedar siding maintenance. As it ages cedar loses some of its natural oils hence the need for upkeep. Power wash every two to four years. 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. Cedar siding is prone to dust and dirt accumulation just like other types of exterior siding.

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. A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended. You must clean it twice a year so that it s easier to maintain. Although pressure washers are a great way of cleaning cedar siding they can be overwhelming for beginners.

After installing your exterior cedar you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. Apply it with a pump sprayerlet it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis. Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required.

Repairs to wood siding require the expertise to remove the damaged siding while leaving surrounding siding intact. 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. 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. Basic items required for cleaning cedar siding are. It does weather though changing color throughout time offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers. Unless you have the skills hire a professional carpenter or siding contractor.

Bleaching oil clear coat paint detergent and sealer. Dusty climates will require more frequent washing. These natural elements slowly erode the finishes and as a result all finishes applied to cedar require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform. Prone to dust and dirt accumulation cedar exterior siding receives a good pressure wash on the lowest setting well.

You must be careful and only use a pressure washer on its lowest setting. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles. If you do decide to color your wood there are several options.