KEEP YOUR CEDAR
SIDING LOOKING LIKE NEW
Cedar siding is a beautiful
choice of home siding; however, regular care is essential to preserving its integrity.
The most common problem homeowners with cedar siding face is moisture. Moisture
can penetrate virtually every surface of your siding through even the tiniest
crevices and cracks. Thankfully, with a few quick and easy steps you can keep
your siding dry. Let's review:
- Regularly examine the
caulking and flashing all around your house.
- Sustain an interior humidity
of approximately 40%.
- Take the time to install
heating wires. If you put them at the eaves, they will work to melt any ice accumulation
before water can back up under your shingles.
- Ensure that your attic
is insulated correctly and that the air is being circulated.
If any of these steps seem
a bit beyond your home repair skill level, hire a professional who can help you
out. It's a small investment that will make a big difference!
How to clean cedar siding
Keeping your cedar siding looking
its best means combating bugs, dirt, mildew and mold spores. One of the easiest
means of cleaning your cedar siding is with a pressure washer. You can either
invest in one of your own or rent a unit from your local hardware store. Most
experts recommend using the lowest setting to avoid damaging your wood. Start
by washing an area at a time with water, then mix water, soap and a bit of bleach
to make your own cleaning solution. This combination will turn your grimy siding
to gorgeous!
If you are working with
cedar shingles or shakes, you will deal with many of the same concerns. Moisture
and severe weather can be damaging. In addition, they require regular maintenance
and keep in mind that they will not last a lifetime. On the plus side, they are
very efficient and biodegradable and can be replaced when damaged. Some key tips
for maintenance include:
- Ensure that your downspout
runs completely to the ground, in order to avert moisture from your shakes.
- Regularly check your downspouts,
to make sure they are free of debris. Trimming any nearby branches that overhang
will help with this.
- Your shakes will need
to be treated at least once with an anti fungal treatment.
- Every few years, take
the time to paint or stain your cedar, to showcase its beauty.
The Neighborhood
Woodpecker & Cedar
A major complaint of homeowners
with cedar siding is the damage caused by neighborhood woodpeckers. Woodpeckers
are searching for insects that will provide their next meal and to define their
territory. You can discourage their visits by hanging wind chimes, a wind sock
or even aluminum pie tins hung with just a bit of fishing line. Another option
is suet. Woodpeckers are attracted to suet, so hang a supply in a nearby wire
basket and the woodpeckers will head straight for it, happily bypassing your
lovely cedar siding!
How can I find out more
information?
You can start by requesting to
speak with a licensed local home improvement professional in your area to learn
even more about your home improvement options. Go
to our map to get started now.
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