How to Care for Your Cedar Siding: The Complete Guide
Cedar siding is a staple of many homes. The beautiful scent and natural beauty of cedar made it a popular choice for many homeowners. Cedar also has a high resistance to pests and rot. However, homeowners need to know how to care for their cedar siding. This article will teach you the best ways to care for your cedar siding and maintain it for years.
· Keep Your Siding Away From Moisture.
Cedar is highly vulnerable to dampness, which can make it decay. It’s best to keep your cedar away from any moisture source to stay in good condition. We suggest having a cedar deck, tarp, or something similar, so the cedar does not get wet from the rain. Cedar will still shed water even if you cover it, so it’s important to check on your cedar deck at least once a week to ensure no water is collecting on the deck.
· Inspect Regularly for Cracks
It’s important to inspect the cedar siding on your house for cracks regularly. This is because it will worsen if you don’t repair it. If you see a crack in the siding, it’s best to hire a professional to repair it before it becomes larger. You can also take care of the problem using silicone caulk to fill in the cracks.
· Keep Your Siding Away From Termites
Termites are among the most damaging pests that can cause substantial structural damage to your home. Keep away the termites from your cedar with a cedar oil product that is made to repel termites. Cedar oil products are non-toxic and safe for children, pets, and household members.
· Regular Cleaning
Cedar siding is an attractive, natural look to add to your home. However, over time, it will start to show its age. Cedar is a porous wood that must be regularly cleaned and maintained to prevent rot and decay. It’s important to keep the cedar in your home clean because if the cedar isn’t cleaned regularly, it can lead to mold and mildew buildup. The best way to clean your cedar is by using a cedar cleaner found at most hardware stores. You should also make sure you are using a soft brush when cleaning your cedar.
· Keep Pests Away From Your Cedar Siding.
If you are looking for ways to keep these pests away, there are many things you can do. First, you should seal the edges of your cedar siding with caulk or paint. The second thing you should do is add a bird deterrent. If this doesn’t work, you can try adding an electric fence to your property or installing the Ultrasonic Pest Repeller. If these methods don’t work, you can always call pest control professionals to eliminate the pests.
· Regular Staining And Painting
Regarding your cedar siding, regular staining and painting are important parts of the maintenance process. Staining your cedar siding should be done with a quality stain with built-in UV protection. Staining will prevent fading of the color and help preserve the natural beauty of the wood. It is also advisable to use oil-based paint to furnish your cedar. The oil-based paint has a high pigment content so that it will last longer than water-based paints.
How To Soft Wash Cedar Siding
You’ll need a soft cloth or sponge, water, and soap to perform this. Additionally, baking soda and water can be used as a natural cleanser that softens the wood. You must first clear the wood of any dirt or debris before you can properly clean your cedar siding. To clear any muck or debris from the wood, use a vacuum with a brush attachment. The region needs to be wetted with water next. You must then use your sponge or towel to apply soap and scrub the area of the wood you want to clean. Finally, cleanly rinse your sponge or cloth, then quickly dry the wood with a towel or air dry.
How to Restore Cedar Wood Siding Color
You can restore the color of your cedar wood siding through various methods. Paint your siding using oil-based paints. If painting isn’t your thing, you could use stains or chalkboard paint to get the same effect. You can also protect your siding from fading by using a sealer. However, you must first clean your cedar wood siding with a safe solution for wood if you want to return its original color. Your cedar wood siding may become permanently damaged if you clean it with a chemical that is unsafe for wood.
How to Clean Rust Off Cedar Wood Siding
You can easily clean the rust off the cedar wood siding by taking a wire brush and a bucket of water and dipping the brush in the water. Begin brushing the wire brush on the cedar wood siding’s dirt, rust, and other particles. If you want to eliminate the dirt and rust faster, use a pressure washer.
In conclusion, While it can be challenging to care for your siding, it’s worth the effort. Cedar wood is a beautiful material worth the extra effort to maintain. With a little work and regular maintenance, you will be rewarded with a beautiful home that you can enjoy for years to come.
Contact us at Longhousecedar to get the best cedar for your cedar siding.