Any exposed wood is susceptible to the elements that cause mildew swelling splitting and cracking.
How do you treat cedar siding.
Maintaining your cedar s color is about choices timing and above all the right type of treatment.
That way you can rest easy knowing your real cedar was treated by pros.
If you re using cedar for an outdoor project give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.
Wash part of a wall and allow it to dry thoroughly before applying the sealant.
Ideally you want to apply a finish to all six sides of your wood before installing them or better yet opt for factory applied finishes.
How to seal cedar siding.
When used indoors cedar is most often used to line.
To fully understand the best way to stain or treat cedar you first need to understand the nuances of this unique wood s weathering process.
Some cedar siding shingles are treated with bleaching oil which is a treatment made with linseed oil and bleach crystals.
If you re applying sealant to siding that is already installed it is essential to throughly clean the wood surface being sealed.
Well just for the record there isn t much you can t paint over including cedar wood.
But hey if you re an ambitious diy improver who likes to take more of a hands on approach to outdoor projects then more power to.
The cedar shake and shingle bureau a nonprofit trade organization warns that an experienced washer should assess a cedar siding job individually since high pressure water jets can damage wood.
To avoid this type of damage an option for you is to pick cedar siding shingles that have been factory treated or sealed.
Pressure washing can damage cedar so if possible wash by hand.
The most damaging element to cedar siding is moisture.
Cedar siding is very durable against the elements but still requires regular maintenance and depending on the climate should be restained every few years.
Cedar is a versatile wood often used in exterior applications such as decking siding and outdoor furniture.
Before you give in and paint your shingles realize that cedar shingles can last decades with virtually no maintenance.
Treatments for cedar siding maintenance.
Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay so a protective finish is optional.
Learning how to care for cedar shingles whether they are installed as siding or roofing is not particularly difficult.