How To Treat Cedar Siding

But a little maintenance can keep them looking great and extend their life even further.

How to treat cedar siding.

Any exposed wood is susceptible to the elements that cause mildew swelling splitting and cracking. If you re using cedar for an outdoor project give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight. Treatments for cedar siding maintenance. Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection.

Paint s solids ward off light and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar. Some cedar siding shingles are treated with bleaching oil which is a treatment made with linseed oil and bleach crystals. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as western red cedar and incense cedar leave the wood unsealed. Learning how to care for cedar shingles whether they are installed as siding or roofing is not particularly difficult.

Along with protecting your cedar shingles against decay and other coastal contamination this treatment will also give them the weathered silvery gray look that many homeowners prefer. Treating cedar with primer and paint. Before you give in and paint your shingles realize that cedar shingles can last decades with virtually no maintenance. Cedar siding is very durable against the elements but still requires regular maintenance and depending on the climate should be restained every few years.

The most damaging element to cedar siding is moisture.