Best Way to Maintain Cedar Siding and Cedar Shakes
What is The Best Paint for Cedar Siding?
Cedar siding and Cedar Shakes can be very durable materials that can last for decades if properly maintained. The best way to ensure your cedar siding looks great for years is by making sure you have The Correct Size Gutters on your property. Regardless of what paint, stain, or coating is used to protect the front of the cedar siding, if water gets behind it, the siding will eventually rot. This is why no warranty in the paint, stain, or coatings industry covers wood rot. For this reason, we always recommend customers install 6” gutters and 3×4 downspouts.
One of the most frequent questions we get from our customers is, “Why does my cedar siding peel every three to five years?” The simple answer is because you keep repainting it. Adding more layers of latex paint to cedar siding accelerates the peeling process and shortens the time between paint jobs.
Cedar Siding: Should It Be Stained or Painted?
Stains are transparent and penetrate well into the cedar siding. Using oil-based stains isn’t particularly advantageous; they don’t offer increased longevity as some people think. Over time, stains can become uneven and blotchy looking. On the other hand, “solid stains” or latex paints sit on the surface of the cedar siding. Latex paint creates a weak surface bond that tends to peel every 3 to 5 years. Maybe sooner if water gets behind the cedar siding. Paint manufacturers are counting on your repeat business and brand loyalty every 3 to 5 years. This is why most painting contractors offer a 1-to-2-year labor warranty—everyone knows the paint is going to peel; the question is when.
How Frequently Should I Stain My Cedar Siding?
Cedar siding benefits from staining rather than painting. Staining every 5 years helps maintain your cedar siding and prevents warping and splitting. However, depending on your home’s size, this can become a costly routine. Unfortunately, maintaining a cedar-sided house does involve some upkeep.
What Alternatives Do I Have For Maintaining My Cedar Siding?
Some homeowners choose to leave their cedar siding untouched, which leads to natural blackening from mold. This method will save money on staining but will weather the cedar siding from leaving it unprotected. Another option is to maintain a regular schedule of staining every five years, integrating this expense into your household budget.
Are There More Permanent Solutions for Maintaining Cedar Siding?
Certainly! One solution is to replace the cedar siding with alternatives like Hardie Board® or LP Smart Side®. Both mimic the appearance of cedar siding but are pricier. We offer both products and can provide a quote upon request. Another option is to retain your current siding and apply a durable permanent coating like Home Shield Coating®.
Home Shield Coating® is Ideal For Cedar Siding
Home Shield Coating® was designed for commercial and industrial use and comes with a 30-year combined warranty, which includes an industry-exclusive 10-year labor guarantee. To explore this option further, schedule an estimate today! Schedule Estimate.
