Why Experts Recommend Cedar Siding

Siding is an additional structural component that serves as a reinforcement for the existing wall of a building, particularly a house. Like roofing does to the decking, siding protects the inner wall from the effects of the elements. Choosing the right siding material is crucial to keep your home well-protected and insulated. To achieve this purpose, cedar is one of the best materials you can use.

Low Density

Interestingly, the cellular structure of cedar is open, making the wood less dense and light. Like common insulating materials that have very low density, cedar is an effective insulator. Homes that have cedar siding, whether shingle or shake, are expected to be warmer in winter compared to homes that have other types of siding material, or worse, don't have any siding at all.

Beauty

Virtually all homeowners dream of having a home with a rustic exterior that makes it look more elegant and serene. Cedar siding can achieve this effect. By properly coating it, you can also achieve the fresh look that is always desirable in a home.

Durability

Most organic materials, like wood, decay over time, especially when constantly battered by the elements and other causes of damage such as insects. Despite being wooden, cedar shingles have the ability to resist infestation. Nonetheless, you still need to do proper maintenance to keep your cedar siding in tiptop condition.

Good Wood: Choosing the Right Cedar Shingles

Traditional American homes typically have cedar shingles topping them off. The sheer variety of cedar trees yield a wide range of cedar shakes and shingles. This makes picking the right shingle siding quite challenging to the uninitiated. Fortunately, a few hints can change all that.

One of the most popular choices for a cedar shingle is red cedar, which is widely treasured for its exquisitely tight grain texture and exceptional durability. Red cedar also weathers quite well and in time takes on a darker look that gives added character to any home exterior. However, red cedar often performs rather poorly when used as a siding material for houses along coastal regions, as the salt-infused air can ruin the material in no time.

A suitable alternative would be white cedar, which gives off a silvery hue. White cedar is the perfect choice for those who want a crisp and clean look. This material also holds up quite well against the weather, and ages into a pleasant beige regardless of atmospheric conditions. The downside to white cedar is that it's not as tightly grained as red and is, thus, less durable. As such, be sure to weigh your options carefully, and choose only reputable suppliers and contractors.

Source: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,216680,00.html

How to Maintain and Restore Cedar Siding

The use of cedar siding in your home exterior is an excellent way to protect it from the elements since the material is naturally durable and can withstand heavy storms. However, despite its durability, cedar is bound to fade, making your home look old and worn. Here are some helpful tips to restore it to its original state.

First, cover the areas below the part where you plan to restore by placing tarps and dropcloths over plants, glass and other fixtures. Apply an even coating of paint stripper to your cedar siding and leave it on as per manufacturer's instructions. Then, use a paint scraper to gently remove any signs of the original stain.

Using a fine-grit sandpaper, rub the siding surface, particularly focusing on any areas that still have stain. Next, look for signs of chips or cracks in the wood. Fill the damaged areas with epoxy filler, let dry completely, and sand the surface again.

Apply a coat of paint preservative with the use of a paintbrush and let it dry thoroughly. Use caulk on any exposed nails in the siding as well as in the larger cracks you can find. When the caulk dries up, paint the siding with a primer, and then a layer of siding paint. Make sure the preceding coat has already completely dried before you apply more coats