The Benefits of Installing Pre-stained Cedar Siding
When using cedar siding in residential or commercial building applications, the decision must be made whether to leave the cedar untreated to weather naturally, or to have it stained. Purchasing pre-stained cedar siding not only preserves the grain, but also offers further design choices. While the siding requires re-staining and regular cleaning, the aesthetics deliver viewing pleasure for decades to come. Besides making the siding job more efficient, there are other reasons for purchasing pre-stained cedar.
According to Brian Jenkins, owner/operator of Longhouse, the benefits of pre-stained cedar siding are enormous. First of all, the treatment can be applied 365 days/year in their facility. Additionally, he estimates that the cost of pre-stained is roughly one third of hiring someone to stain on site.
Pre-stained cedar siding gets delivered to the job site protected from weather conditions—therefore, no scrambling to tarp stacks of untreated cedar from rain. Furthermore, if workers are applying the stain, weather can cause delays, siding can get wet, and there remains a mess to clean up afterwards. Also, on-site staining can result in an inferior finish compared to machine-staining.
Forgoing stain altogether may also result in a shorter siding life-span. Jenkins explains that in the northern hemisphere, the south side of a building should be re-stained about every 4-5 years; the rest can be done every 6-7 years. This is because intense UV rays break down the stain colourants. Re-staining is relatively cheap and requires little prepping when done in a timely manner.
A natural softwood, cedar siding is more expensive, but when properly maintained, it can last nearly a lifetime. It’s also more eco-friendly than other materials, and pre-treated siding is more environmentally safe than the cedar being sprayed at the job site; therefore, you have a healthier work environment. In addition, cedar siding is susceptible to fewer problems than other types of wood, such as rot, bacteria, and mildew.
Furthermore, pre-stained cedar done by the manufacturer under controlled conditions ensures proper moisture content and consistent application. So in addition to avoiding the costs of hiring someone to stain untreated cedar, purchasing pre-stained siding delivers a durable and appealing end product, available in any colour under the sun.
Indeed, production won’t be at the mercy of sub-contractors’ schedules and less storage is required at the job site. The efficiency of having the cedar siding delivered to the job site pre-stained and ready to install can’t be understated.
Pre-stained cedar is clearly an organic choice for builders and homeowners who value West Coast style, longevity, and supporting eco-friendly products. In addition to its many other benefits, cedar is biodegradable and will not end up clogging the local landfill. The dedicated professionals at Longhouse Specialty Forest Products are happy to help you with your upcoming building ventures, no matter the location, since they deliver the finished product worldwide.