We’ll walk you through cedar siding maintenance as you read this post. This will allow you to uphold and correctly maintain your external siding. Let’s get on with our talk without further ado.
Cedar siding is a typical material used in building homes because it is beautiful, durable, and long-lasting. Its lovely scent is another reason many homeowners find it a popular choice.
In addition, the product is very immune to rodents, insects, and degradation. Regular maintenance is needed to ensure your exterior home’s long-term safety.
Maintaining Cedar Siding
As stated earlier, periodic upkeep is essential for keeping your siding looking new and in good shape.
Wintertime often damages cedar siding. Therefore, you must follow the instructions below to maintain good insulation in your home and keep moisture out.
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Steer Clear Of Moisture
Cedar is highly prone to moisture, so managing moisture issues is tricky.
If not properly maintained, it may deteriorate. Cedar siding moisture issues are mainly caused by leaking roofs, indoor water vapor, and missing or broken flashing.
Therefore, you must guard your cedar siding from sources of moisture. One way to protect moisture from ruining your cedar is to have a deck, tarp, or anything similar. Nonetheless, the most crucial preventive action you may take is periodic checks.
You should check your cedar deck at least once weekly to ensure no water is piling up. Finding the water levels using a moisture meter will make the check more straightforward.
Repainting is crucial if the moisture content is 15% or below to prevent more severe issues.
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Check for Cracks Frequently
Cracks are another possible cause of your cedar siding’s short lifespan.
Thus, routinely checking your home’s cedar siding for cracks is crucial. This will eliminate and lessen termite infestations, lower moisture levels, and prevent drought in your interior spaces.
Not checking for cracks regularly can eventually result in further harm. Therefore, as soon as you see a crack in the siding, call an expert to fix it to stop it from worsening.
If you’re an enthusiast for doing things yourself, the problem can be rectified with paint or sealants.
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Keep Termites Out of Your Siding
Termites are one of the things that make cedar siding vulnerable since they can seriously harm wood. The first step is to have frequent checkups to keep them out of your home.
To protect against damage, remove any termite jams with visible stains. You might consider keeping the wood above the ground and avoiding constant contact with the dirt.
However, the most efficient management method is to use termite-specific insecticide in their burrows or within their hills. Termite control seems to be significantly enhanced by products containing cedar oil.
Children, pets, and other household members can safely use them as they are non-toxic.
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Consistent Upkeep
As noted, cedar siding is a lovely addition that gives your house a more organic look. However, like other kinds of external siding, it is susceptible to dust and filth buildup.
This is due to its porous nature. Your siding must be cleaned occasionally to prevent it from getting old or aging too quickly.
Frequent cleaning helps maintain and shield your cedar from dust. If you don’t, mold and mildew could grow. The best method for keeping your cedar is to use a cedar cleaner, which can be bought at most hardware stores. You can also use vinegar and bleach, which do better if you have mold and mildew issues.
Refrain from excessive water pressure on the lower setting when cleaning your cedar siding. This could harm the wood or make it possible for water to seep through, which would cause further issues.
While washing, the siding should be scrubbed. A soft brush should be used for the scrubbing, and the soap should be cleaned with clean water before drying. If not, it could leave stains on the siding.
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Don’t Let Pests Get Near Your Cedar Siding.
Your cedar siding may become infiltrated by pests who are seeking nourishment. Therefore, you need to be careful not to give them a chance.
This is because they could seriously harm the material. If you’re wondering how to stop bugs from taking over your home, there are a few options.
Caulking or painting the siding’s edges could be an excellent plan. Hanging wind chimes next to them can also prevent birds. Experts suggest adding an electric fence or an ultrasonic pest repellent to your property.
If these control methods are ineffective, it is preferable to contact a pest control expert. They can get rid of the pests while preserving the environment’s safety.
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Continual Painting and Staining
Painting and staining cedar siding can be carried out for reasons other than aesthetics. It gives an extra layer of protection against water damage and pest attacks.
Aging can cause the original paint to fade over time. Repainting and staining may give it fresh vitality and make it survive longer. Deterioration and discoloration are less likely when the protective covering is present.
Depending on your work schedule, you can paint and stain your cedar siding at least once a year. For this task, you should use a high-quality stain with integrated UV protection.
Additionally, decorate your cedar with oil-based paint.
Steps for Cleaning Cedar Siding
We want to review the siding cleaning procedure with you before we wrap up our conversation. The first thing to do is get a soft cloth or sponge, soap, and water.
If soap is not available, baking soda might be used instead. Once these items are gathered, ensure the wood is clean and clear of dirt or debris.
To scrub the wood of dirt or debris, use a vacuum attachment with a brush.
After spraying the area, wash it with water. Use a sponge or towel to apply the soapy water. Rinse the surface well after cleaning, then let it air dry. Then, use your towel and sponge again.
Lastly, maintaining cedar siding can take time and effort.
Based on our talk, there is a lot to manage. However, if you maintain the upkeep culture, you’ll be pleased with how your siding appears.
It will continue to look gorgeous and new in your house.