Problems and Remedies for Cedar Shingle Siding

Wood siding, particularly the ones made of cedar, is one of the most popular choices among many homeowners who wish to add durability and protection to their houses, and at the same time increase their homes' aesthetic value. Though these additions are known for their quality and longevity, they still have a few problems, which could affect their overall appeal. The biggest reason is, cedar shingle siding can gradually stain is due to moisture, which can be prevented in a number of ways.

First, the cedar needs to be properly cured. If the wood does not have a moisture content of 15% or lower before it is treated, problems will arise with excessive staining. Aside from that, the surface of the cedar must be adequately primed and sealed; this includes all edges and cut ends. This is important because if either the flashing or water infiltration prevention is inadequate, excess moisture could get behind the siding and cause a greater amount of staining.

Apart from these, homeowners may encounter other problems if they don't get the best siding available. Although issues can still be remedied, the best way to avoid problems is by finding the right sources. Obviously, only reliable retailers of construction materials can offer the best cedar siding available.

Adding a Touch of Nature with Help from Classic Cedar Shingle Siding

You don't have to be a college student or professor to appreciate classic cedar shingle siding though. The cladding is a great way to imbue a traditional look upon any home while providing a tasteful means to protect the outer walls. Shingle siding is also great as an insulator, and can improve a home's ability to retain heat during cold seasons. According to the creator of the brown shingle book, living in a house adorned with unpainted wooden shingles a hundred years ago was a way to convey “reverence for the forest.” Those who used wooden shingles in the past did so to be closer to nature, and such homes were usually lush in plants and foliage. Berkeley had the most ideal landscape and climate for such homes, hence a good number of brown shingle houses could be found there.

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Homes Look Better and Last Longer with Quality Cedar Shingle Siding

Few exteriors have the same warmth, beauty and natural appeal of cedar siding. Most homeowners prefer this type of siding because it is very attractive and blends in perfectly with most backgrounds. Cedar has been used in buildings for ages and it is therefore regarded as the traditional siding material of choice. Cedar has a unique grain pattern that gives it a beautiful look and also makes it much more resilient. While cedar shingles siding offers exceptional weather resistance, it may not last as long as other inorganic siding materials. Cedar siding, thus, requires quality coating to keep insect infestation, rot, and moisture at bay. Homeowners can select between a semi-transparent finish that allows the natural beauty of cedar to show through or a solid-color stain with an opaque finish.

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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.

Quality Cedar Shingle Siding Protects Your Home Against the Elements

Climate change results in stronger storms and temperature extremes that today's homes are not designed to withstand. This is where reliable cedar shingle siding offered by companies like WoodRoof.com comes into play. While many homes are already equipped with siding, the kind of material used can make all the difference. Cedar is known to be very tough and can withstand wind speeds of up to 245 mph, which is equivalent to the force of some of the strongest hurricanes on record; with weather systems like Sandy occurring more often than usual, having proper protection is becoming more necessary. When used as siding, cedar can make a highly efficient shield for a home when a superstorm strikes. Additionally, it resists insect infestation and weathering and has an anti-bacterial property, making it an extremely useful option in more ways than one.

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What Should You Do to Take Proper Care of Your Shingles?

There are many aesthetic advantages to having cedar shingles installed on the roof of your humble abode. For one, they have natural oils that help preserve their appearance and structure; a good thing, considering certain patterns work well with the house’s overall look. However, since they may degrade over certain periods of time, you will need to use a host of measures to keep them intact.

You can start by stripping all organic debris, especially in the aftermath of a rainstorm. Items such as tree branches are capable of growing molds that affect the cedar’s structure over time. Water-based elements such as ice, snow, and rainwater must be cleared away as well. A thorough inspection of the insulation is also needed to find moist areas that will also eat away at the cedar; these could result in possible leaks in your sidings.

A contractor may help in the maintenance of your sidings. For instance, a cursory check of your walls may reveal sidings that are too severely affected by molds, which will warrant immediate removal before they affect adjacent sidings. It is also recommended that your sidings undergo a power wash every couple of years; the water streams are capable of scraping out germs from the siding without affecting them entirely.

Why Install Cedar Siding on Your Home

With all the threats of nature emerging as a result of climate change, no home is safe with bare exterior walls. A home needs siding to ward off the elements and prolong the life of its main wall structure. Not just a shield, this cladding material should be visually appealing to increase the home's value. This is where cedar siding, a wood siding known for its natural beauty, comes into play.

Cedar siding is wood, and is cut out of huge trees, giving it unparalleled natural texture. Other siding materials may imitate its look; but only true wood showcases a natural beauty that makes a home stand out. The tones and patterns are so unique that it looks beautiful even when not treated or coated with varnish.

What makes cedar an even more interesting siding material is that it's naturally resistant to moisture and infestation. Unlike other wood that succumbs easily to termites, cedar is virtually invincible. The natural preservatives that cedar planks contain are harmful to fungi, helping the siding last for many years.

While cutting cedar trees can be considered threatening to the environment, many environmentalists have already claimed that cedar wood is a renewable source of energy. This is all the more true as more and more cedar trees are now being planted in place of those that have already been cut. For this reason, cedar is among the most environment friendly siding materials for homes.

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

Basic Facts About Staining Your Cedar Siding

Cedar siding needs to be stained to protect and preserve the wood and enhance its natural beauty. Stains for cedar siding range from deep stains that protect the material from harmful UV rays, to clear coats that showcase its natural color. Here are some details you need to know if you're having your cedar siding stained.

Additional protection

Staining helps the wood become more resistant to weather, insects, and other conditions. Keeping moisture to a minimum is the key to preserving wood products, and stains do a great job in this regard. Many cedar siding brands come pre-primed when you buy them, which makes the cedar staining process a whole lot easier.

The resulting color

The final color of your siding will depend on how the natural color of the wood blends with your chosen stain. Stain on red cedar will have a darker hue than stain used on white cedar. If you plan to apply the stain yourself, make sure that the stain is compatible with the primer. Ask your local retailer about primer and stain compatibilities.

Cost

It's important to decide first if you'll be staining the sidings yourself or calling in the pros. On average, you'll have to pay $300 to $400 for professional staining work. You can save on labor by tackling the project yourself, just be sure you know what you're doing before you begin.