Cedar & Other Wood Products
After witnessing so many composite type siding failures in the late 90's, the virtues of real cedar and other wood siding has become very apparent.
In many cases, with the proper maintenance, cedar siding will last the life of the structure it is installed on. Cedar lies flat, stays straight and provides a firm base for paints and stains. Cedar is also light in weight and free from pitch.
Furthermore, in the case of a needed future repair or a room expansion or addition, matching existing siding type and color is much simpler with a wood type siding than it is with vinyl.
You can change the color scheme of wood siding very readily, with minimal
cost.
You also may want to consider the RE-SALE VALUE of your home.
Many siding installers can install wood sidings, but BE CAREFUL !!
Make sure that you get what you're paying for. The finished quality is often
suspect.
Many siding installers that install man made or composite sidings have developed
installation techniques that are not desirable for a quality installation of any
type of wood siding.
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Electro-plated nails (note the yellow color) are a big mistake if used on cedar. |
Man made or composite sidings are typically installed with a nail gun and electro-plated nails, and the installer usually uses large gapped expansion joints and excessive amounts of caulking. Many installers won't search the boards for any defects before installing it on your home.
These practices could be problematic when used on cedar or wood products.
Nail guns tend to leave a large indentation on the siding
surface that shows up even after painting.
Electroplated nails can cause unsightly stains and streaking, which is caused by
the chemical reaction with the acids and oils of the wood.
If you evaluate the added cost of hot dip galvanized or stainless steel fasteners over those made of plain or electro-plated steel in terms of total project cost, you may agree..... the premium for lifetime protection from staining and streaking is easily justified.
| Stainless Steel ring shank nails are the best way to go. |
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| Hot dipped galvanized nails are the next best way to go. |
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Wood sidings typically should be hand nailed with hot dipped galvanized or
stainless steel nails, and yes, a hammer.
All field joints should have square and tight fitting joints that won't allow a
credit card to slip in.
Excessive use of caulk is not necessary.
Wood sidings should NOT have their knots glued in with caulking.
Loose or black ring knots need to be trimmed out of the piece of siding.
Removal of any visual defects in the boards will maintain a high quality
appearance.
These are just a few reasons to select your siding contractor carefully!