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Cedar wood siding gets very dirty, and that color is a lot harder to get rid of than you think. Think of the old saying cleanliness is next to godliness; it isn’t just because it feels nice to be clean; there are health benefits. Well, it’s not as bad as godliness, but some serious health issues are associated with black mold and mildew.
Cedar siding is an attractive and long-lasting home exterior. It’s also extremely vulnerable to decay from moisture. You can prevent your cedar siding from decaying with regular maintenance and upkeep. Read to learn about Lifetime Exteriors‘ easy maintenance tips to help keep your home looking its best throughout the changing seasons!
Clean It
If you don’t clean it, algae will grow and ruin your siding, making it look dirty and dull. Use a low-pressure washer or garden hose to clean dirt from your siding. After washing it off with soap and water, it should remove any dirt left behind. You can also use a stiff brush to scrub the surface of your siding until you get all the dirt out.
If your siding starts to look dirty or has algae growing, don’t worry—you can clean it yourself with just a little effort! Make sure not to damage any intricate details on your home’s exterior while cleaning it up because this could lead to costly repairs later on down the line!
Look for Damage and Replace
When you notice cracks in your cedar siding, pay attention so that they don’t become larger gaps (or worse). Also, patch any holes or gaps with wood filler. Wood filler fills cracks in cedar siding quickly without damaging the surrounding wood, which will help prevent water damage as well as help extend the life of your siding. You can find wood filler in most hardware stores or online stores.
Replace damaged boards with new ones whenever possible—especially if they’re close together! It will help restore integrity to your home’s exterior while reducing the risk of water damage by reducing the number of gaps where water could leak.
Remove Dead Leaves
Dead leaves in your cedar siding are a big issue in the spring, especially if you live in B.C, Canada. They cause the wood to become brittle and can cause it to crack or split. To prevent this, you need to remove any dead leaves that have fallen on your siding. The easiest way to do this is with a rake or leaf picker.
You can also use an attachment for your hose nozzle or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. It will help you eliminate the dead leaves, so they don’t start rotting and falling off the house over time.
Factors to Consider Before You Choose Red Cedar Siding
Before you decide to put red cedar siding on your home or business, there are some things to consider first before you choose red cedar siding:
- Know what kind of weather your local climate experiences.
- Keep red cedar away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
- Keep an eye on the water going into your house through leaks or cracks in the roof (this can lead to rot)
Maintenance Practices for Cedar Decks
Cedar decks are a great way to add color, texture, and warmth to your home. They’re also easy to maintain with the right maintenance practices. Maintaining your cedar deck is easier than you think. Here are some tips for keeping your deck in tip-top shape:
Clean it regularly. Cedar boards need to be cleaned regularly—at least once every six months, or twice a year if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions that can damage the wood: wind, rain, snow, and ice. You should clean your cedar boards before they get dirty or dusty so they don’t become waterlogged when you eventually stain them.
Inspect for pests and insects regularly. Cedar boards attract all kinds of bugs and pests! If any insects are found on the surface of your board, you’ll want to remove them immediately with a garden hose or pressure washer (if available).
Cedar Siding is a good product; however, knowing how to maintain the product properly will reduce the risk of potential damages, which will have significant cost implications on the property owner. The key point here is to keep the siding clean and tip-top shape as much as possible, and having a general awareness around the property helps greatly during the inevitable spring thaw.