Your cedar shake siding is a beautiful and important part of your home. It adds character and curb appeal, and it can last for many years with the right care. Over time, your siding’s exposure to the elements will naturally wear down the protective barriers which will need care and updates every few years. 

While you may love the design and look of cedar shake siding on your home, caring for it may not come as naturally as one may think. In this blog post, we will discuss the best way to take care of your cedar shake siding so that it looks great for many years to come!

What Type of Siding is Considered Cedar Shake?

Cedar siding (or cedar shakes as some call it) is a classic type of siding commonly found in the Pacific Northwest. As a versatile architectural component, cedar comes in a wide variety of designs and colors. Unique to Washington and Oregon, red cedar shingles are ideal options as they add depth and dimension that is hard to match with other siding options. 

As rainfall may be the obvious element that wears on your siding, there are other elements that may also cause damage. Dry conditions coupled with heating and cooling of your home’s surfaces can put your siding under strain. This is especially true for the sides of your home that are exposed to direct sunlight. The signs that your home has experienced this sort of damage include cracked or warped shakes.

Cedar shake siding and shingles can be stained, sealed, or painted and can last anywhere from 10-15 years if cared for properly. When it comes to protecting your home from precipitation, your siding does a lot of work. Proper care not only lends to your home’s beauty but also keeps it protected and is worth the time and effort.

How do you Know When Cedar Shake Siding Needs to be Replaced?

Unlike siding made from artificial or brick elements, cedar shakes will need maintenance to help withstand the elements we experience in Olympia and Tacoma. Natural materials like cedar are prone to degrade over time. As shingle siding is no exception, there are common signs that you can be on the lookout for when it comes to home maintenance. 

One specific sign to look for is growth on your surfaces. Moss, mold, and algae grow on wooded surfaces. If you notice streaks or green spots on your siding, this is a sign that your siding’s finish may need cleaning, repair, or replacement.

Insects also like to find their homes inside wood surfaces. While these little critters are welcome parts of our ecosystem, they are not beneficial to your home’s durability. Signs of bug life such as termites, beetles, or ants around your home may be another sign that your home will need specific care and attention.

Caring for Your Cedar Shake Siding

There are a few things you can do to care for and coincidentally extend the life of your cedar shake siding. This includes regular maintenance and upkeep for your siding. During your regular spring cleaning and home maintenance, take time to complete the following when it comes to your siding: 

•  Inspect your cedar shake siding regularly for any damage, rot, or insect infestation. If you see any damage, repair it immediately to prevent further deterioration.
  

  

• Clean your cedar shake siding on a regular basis. You can do this by power washing it with a low-pressure setting, or by handwashing it with a soft brush and mild soap rinsing with a garden hose.
• If pests are an issue, consider treatments to protect your home from unwanted guests.
• A fresh coat of paint may also be an alternative to give your home a unique look and boost protection.
• Apply a sealant to your cedar shake siding every few years. This keeps moisture out and will help protect it from the elements, helping it look its best.

Should a Professional Repair or Replace Your Siding?

Homeowners are well equipped and savvy when it comes to home improvement projects. Minor updates and repairs can be done easily, but there are others that are best done by a professional.

Knowing when to call the pros is important especially if you find yourself facing a project bigger than you can handle. For those looking to incorporate a stain-to-paint conversion, for example, a licensed and professional company should be called for an estimate. Major updates like replacing cedar shakes that have signs of wood rot or moss growth should be done by a professional to ensure there is no damage to the substrate which can impact your home’s structural integrity.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cedar shake siding looks great for many years to come! If you have any questions about care or maintenance, please feel free to contact us at Flying Colors Painting. We are happy to share our knowledge and experience to keep your cedar shake siding in tip-top shape!