Do you have to seal cedar shingles?

Author: Vincent Gutmann  |  Last update: Saturday, June 25, 2022

No. Never seal your cedar roof. Sealing the roof will lock in moisture that would otherwise naturally evaporate during normal weather conditions. Cedar needs to breathe and thus a water repellant type product, rather than a water proofer is the best route to follow.

Can you leave cedar shingles untreated?

Using a finish on your cedar siding protects it from weather, which easily extends its longevity. When left untreated, within five years of installation, the cedar siding will begin to rot and soften from the moisture that enters from not being protected.

What do you seal cedar shingles with?

Your best option is probably a resin-based sealer fortified with epoxy or high-quality paint. Cover as much of the wood as you can with sealant, using a small brush to get into the spaces between panels if the siding is already installed.

Does cedar siding need to be sealed?

Dirt and grime on the cedar makes it almost impossible to apply the stain to. If you are starting with a fresh install of cedar siding on your home, it is best to go ahead and seal your cedar prior to install. This will result in an easier install process as well as prevent any bleeding that may occur.

How long do untreated cedar shingles last?

White cedar shingles should be replaced roughly every 20 years. There are natural and dipped shingles.

Semitransparent Stain: Tips for Wood Cedar Shingles with a Trusted House Painter

Can you put siding over cedar shakes?

Walls protected with cedar shingles need refitting before installing vinyl siding, but the cedar shingles can stay in place. Building codes require continuous weatherproof sheathing beneath vinyl siding, and a shingled wall does not satisfy that requirement.

Is cedar siding high maintenance?

Cedar siding is unquestionably beautiful, and unbelievably durable. Unfortunately, it is expensive and can be high maintenance. Most people who choose cedar do so for the beauty of the wood, without concern for the expense and maintenance. If you don't have to worry about the cost of siding, cedar may be your choice.

How often does cedar siding need to be sealed?

16. How Often Does Cedar Siding Need To Be Sealed? The more natural wood look you wish to preserve the more frequently you will need to maintain it. Transparent finishes, which perform like a clear and will allow the wood to turn gray quicker, will be every one to two years.

How do you maintain cedar siding shingles?

Wash your siding once a year. Use a garden hose—never a power washer, as the high pressure can damage the wood. If you're repainting or restaining the cedar siding after washing it, allow enough time for the cedar to thoroughly dry first. Otherwise, moisture can become trapped inside the wood.

How do you seal red cedar shingles?

Using stain and clear coat does protect the wood and gives you a longer life for the roof or siding. The other finishing option is paint. You can paint the cedar to whatever color you wish. The natural oils in the cedar can discolor paint so be sure to apply a oil based primer coat to seal it.

Should you treat cedar shakes?

Without treatments, cedar shakes can degrade over time, with constant exposure to the sun's UV rays, the elements, and water, of course. It also means that the cedar shakes can suffer from fungus and algae growth without proper treatment. Most importantly, without treatment, cedar shake shingles can catch on fire.

Is it better to stain or paint cedar siding?

The best answer is based on your home's current cedar condition. Stain lasts longer and often looks more natural, but can only be applied if cedar is paint-free. Paint offers more protection and can be a good choice for badly worn homes with previous peeling issues from past painting applications.

Does stained cedar need to be sealed?

Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as Western Red Cedar and incense cedar, leave the wood unsealed.

Should you stain cedar shingles?

Staining cedar shingles not only enhances their beauty but also fortifies them against threats posed by the elements. Here is a helpful tip if you are thinking of staining some cedar shingles. To protect new shingles, apply a penetrating stain.

Can cedar siding be left unstained?

While cedar is durable, rich, and natural, it does need to be re-stained or painted to keep its attractiveness over the years, and the bills for doing so can add up. However, it can be left to naturally age without cracking, rotting, or warping like other wood.

How do you keep cedar shingles from turning GREY?

To prevent cedar from fading to gray, you need to seal cedar fence with a stain that blocks ultraviolet light and contains a mildewcide, according to Family Handyman.

What's the difference between cedar shakes and shingles?

Cedar shakes are split off while shingles are sawn smooth on both sides and cut tapered. Lastly, shakes are thicker than shingles. Durability – Generally speaking, cedar shakes are more durable and last longer than shingles because they are thicker and made from premium grade wood.

What is the life expectancy of cedar siding?

Longevity

Cedar siding must be properly maintained at all times to reach its maximum lifespan, with many planks needing to be replaced after just 10 to 15 years, and even well-maintained cedar siding may only last around 20 to 30 years in some climates.

Does cedar siding increase home value?

Although cedar is more expensive than vinyl or aluminum siding, its insulating qualities will cut your energy bills. Cedar also tends to last longer than vinyl or aluminum, and it often boosts your home's resale value.

Is cedar siding waterproof?

Your alternatives that actually look like wood clapboard--unlike vinyl siding are Cedar and Fiber Cement. Both Cedar and Fiber Cement siding will both wick water and will rot over time.

Should I put vinyl siding over my cedar siding?

Our Answer. Vinyl siding can be installed over top of wood clapboard siding, and doing so would be the most economical way to get the home resided. New plywood sheathing would not be necessary. A skilled siding contractor can install the vinyl over top of an uneven clapboard surface.

Should I put vinyl siding over wood shingles?

The most common practice when installing vinyl siding over existing wood shingles or clapboard is to first put up rigid foam or fan fold. These products are designed primarily to pad imperfections on the walls so the new layer of siding will lay flatter.

How much does it cost to install cedar shake siding?

Cedar Shake Siding Cost Guide & Installation Prices. The average cost to install cedar shake siding ranges from $6.50 to $13.50 per square foot. You can expect to pay between $16,600 and $25,500 for a contractor to install new cedar shake siding on a typical house.

Do you need to water seal cedar?

Cedar typically needs to be retreated every two years, but this can be extended with multiple waterproofing coats. For maximum lifetime, apply as many coats of waterproofing as the cedar will absorb. If you plan to paint the cedar after waterproofing, do not treat with more than one coat.

What stain looks good on cedar?

Stains for Cedar Wood
  • Natural or Clear Wood Stain. ...
  • Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. ...
  • Semi-Opaque Wood Stain. ...
  • Opaque Wood Stain. ...
  • Best Overall: READY SEAL Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood. ...
  • Premium Choice: DEFY Stain for Cedar. ...
  • Most Cost-Effective: THOMPSON'S WATERSEAL Waterproofing Stain.

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