Cedar Siding Maintenance

Cedar siding maintenance must be a regular task so that you can avoid permanent damage to your home's exterior. While this material is beautiful, long-lasting, and tough, like all other types of wood, you must be up-to-date with the care and cleaning of cedar siding. This will avoid problems such as mold, mildew, rot, and water damage.

Following are some of the important tips for maintaining your home's cedar siding.

Keep Moisture away

Moisture is the biggest damaging factor for any type of wood. You must be sure to limit the amount of moisture and humidity the wood is exposed to. To achieve this, there are a few things you can do both inside and outside your home.

Ensure that the humidity levels inside your home are kept under control. Interior humidity can affect cedar over a long period of time. Make sure that your home is well-insulated; this will help some with humidity levels and moisture problems.

It's also vital to ensure that your downspouts and gutters are not clogged. Clean them regularly and ensure that water is kept away from the siding.

Look for Termites

Termites can cause grave and irreparable damage to wood. Regularly inspect the wood for any signs of termite infestations. Keep an eye for any signs of termites such as discarded wings, mud tubes, or fecal pellets. Keep wood away from the ground, so that it has no direct contact with the soil.

Regularly Inspect the Siding for Cracks

Regularly inspect cedar siding for any signs of cracks or damage. Take prompt care of such cracks by using an appropriate sealant or painting. This will keep moisture from entering into the wood and damaging it.

Clean Cedar Siding Regularly

Cedar siding is prone to dust and dirt accumulation, just like other types of exterior siding. You must clean it twice a year so that it's easier to maintain. Although pressure washers are a great way of cleaning cedar siding, they can be overwhelming for beginners. You must be careful and only use a pressure washer on its lowest setting. Otherwise, there is a chance of damaging the wood and also of water getting underneath and causing more problems.

For general cleaning, use a soap and water solution to scrub the siding and then wash it down. If you have mold and mildew problems, you can use some bleach. A more environmentally friendly option is vinegar, which is also effective in cleaning mold. Use a soft brush to scrub the siding, and wash off the soap before it has a chance to dry out and leave marks.

Keep Pests away

Woodpeckers can peck away at your cedar siding in their quests for food. You must keep an eye for these birds and try your best to keep them away. Hanging wind chimes near the siding can keep away the birds.

Be Regular with Staining and Painting

Most of the cedar siding you see is stained and finished. To maintain the look and appeal, you must stain the wood or apply paint as required.