Leaving Cedar Siding Untreated

If you leave cedar wood untreated it will not succumb to the devastating effects of mold rot and insect damage.

Leaving cedar siding untreated.

From a structural standpoint cedar more than holds its own. Although weathering begins immediately with cedar it quickly slows to a crawl. Other types of siding can only hope to imitate the timeless beauty of cedar and its rich textures and grain. To avoid this type of damage an option for you is to pick cedar siding shingles that have been factory treated or sealed.

It does weather though changing color throughout time offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers. Too much direct sun causes the siding to dry out warp and crack. Stained cedar siding requires more maintenance than other woods but also lasts longer. A thorough cleaning once or twice a year will greatly extend the life of cedar.

While untreated cedar siding shingles offer an attractive weathered look they are more prone to damage caused by weather insects and other conditions. Cedar has natural antibacterial and anti fungal properties allowing you to leave the wood untreated without worry of excess warping rotting and cracking. However it will lose its typically golden brown color. Boards used for clapboard siding have a uniform thickness and they are overlapped to leave no exposed gaps.

Untreated cedar siding weathers over time without excessive warping and cracking but still requires care. As albany fence designs mentions the natural forces of nature such as wind and rain will slowly cause untreated cedar wood structures such as fences and furniture to fade. However the natural rich coloring can be preserved with routine power washing and a fresh coat of stain or sealant. Cedar wood deteriorates slowly due to its abundance of natural oils.

Leaving cedar untreated and exposed to the elements causes its natural honey color to become weathered and gray. Treatments for cedar siding maintenance.