Cedar Siding Maintenance Guide

Cedar siding material is beautiful, long-lasting and robust. However, maintenance must be carried out more regularly to ensure the lasting safety of your home exterior. Although the material is highly resilient to insects, vermin, and rot, it is high in order that the homeowner puts enough care and protection on their exterior siding. The following are some of the suggested maintenance guides for cedar siding material.

Keep away the moisture

It is not very easy to solve cedar siding moisture problems as you may not quickly identify the source of it. It could be due to missing or damaged flashing, water vapour from inside the house as a result of inadequate ventilation as well as a leaking roof are some of the possible causes which may require immediate attention.

To improve maintenance, always be sure to remove caulk or paint build-up from the seams where the clapboards overlap. You can also use a moisture meter to check out the moisture levels on the cedar siding boards. Any levels that are 15 percent or less are safe to repaint without causing more significant moisture problems.

Limiting the amount of moisture as well as humidity, the cedar wood is exposed to increases its life and makes it more durable. Make sure the moisture around your homestead is completely under control and well insulated.

Keep away the termites

Termite infestations can cause gross damage to wood. As a part of your siding maintenance, inspect the cedar siding regularly to remove the termite clogs to ensure safety from damage. Keep the wood off the ground and avoid direct contact with soil all the time. Termites can be controlled by direct use of termite-specific insecticide in their holes or within their hills. This will help keep the termites away from your home.

Inspect the siding regularly for cracks

Regularly inspecting cedar siding for cracks will help you keep moisture levels down, remove and reduce infestation by termites as well as keep your interiors from drought. In the case of cracks, apply appropriate sealant or paint.

Regular cedar cleaning

Like other types of exterior, cedar siding is prone to dust and accumulation of dirt. Regular cleaning keeps your cedar from dust and makes it easier to maintain. While cleaning, avoid too much water pressure on its lower setting as this may damage the wood or allow water to penetrate underneath, leading to more complications.

Soap and water solution is preferred for general cleaning works. The solution is used to scrub the siding while washing. Bleach can also be applied in case of mould or mildew problems. However, vinegar, which is more effective for cleaning mould and more environmentally friendly, can be used. The siding should be scrubbed using a soft brush, and the soap washed with clean water before drying as it may leave marks on the siding.

Keep away the pests

While looking for food, woodpeckers, ants, rats, and many other likely pests can easily peck away the cedar siding. Be vigilant not to give any pest a chance to invade your cedar siding as this can cause great damages to the material. The birds can be controlled by hanging wind chimes near the chimes.

Regular staining and painting

Regular painting or staining keeps the cedar siding cool and attractive. Furthermore, cedar siding in Toronto or Oakville requires painting or resealing at least once a year in order to help it last longer. The protective coating also helps to prevent deterioration and discoloration of the siding in Edmonton.

Cedar can be left in its natural state untreated. However, it can be covered with a clear coat by Longhouse specialty. The following re-staining steps can be followed:

1. Scrap off the peeling bits and sand the remaining paint with 60-grit paper, then rinse thoroughly. The siding can be washed with a mixture of one part of bleach and four parts of water. In order to eliminate dust from the surface, you should wipe it off twice with denatured alcohol and clean rags, followed by a brushed-on coat of oil-based primer such as cover-stain.
2. The old protective coating is removed or finished with a power sander and 220-grit sandpaper. Ensure the cedar surface is clean by removing sawdust with a clean cloth.
3. Apply the new layer of paint or stain using a brush in the colour of your choice.
4. Lastly, seal the siding with a coat of dear finish.