Over the years, the virtues of real cedar 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 or composites.
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 install wood sidings incorrectly !!Make sure that you get what you're
paying for. The finished quality is often suspect. |
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Electro-plated nails (note the yellow color) are a big mistake if used on cedar. |
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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. 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. |
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.
These are just a few reasons to select your siding contractor carefully!