Our house has 27 year old cedar siding. It was initially maintained with semi-transparent stain and more recently with semi-solid stain. The surface texture has changed over the years (sun related decomposition?) and become more smooth and less wood grained but the wood is sound. We don’t like the appearance of other siding materials. Is this type of siding still used? Should we replace it? How long might it last? Should we just continue to stain/paint it? Any advice on finding someone who will give an objective opinion about what to do about replacement or restraining and maintaining it?
Thanks
Cedar siding lasts a long time (I just installed it in NCAL) if prepped (prime both sides prior to install) and installed correctly during original installation. By that I mean is if there is “Z” bar sheet metal flashing above the windows and doors along with a drip edge then you are doing good. Also, if the cedar starts to split out excessively or is dry rot then it is time to replace.
Use a screw driver poke around your home to verify stability then apply 2-coatings that best suit your environment.
Good Luck
Randy
I have installed large amounts of cedar siding as well it is what i put on my house primarily for the look. unfortunately if your siding is stained and has not been maintained in several years cedar can become very rough have splitting or cupping. But if the material is sound then i would not replace it. As far as how long will it last there is no exact answer, maintenance is everything. some last ten years others upwards of 60 years. If you no longer have the look you want that is also a reason to eventually replace it. if you have places that need better attachments, GRK and others make great trim headed screws. Caulking is big make sure there are no separations as those can lead to water damage if not corrected in time. For stain I use a product here in washington state called sikkens i use that on everything i can. I think it is a great product. hope this is somewhat helpful.
Bradfords better building
The biggest problem with staining and painting is that it prevents the wood from breathing on one side… which means it can only breathe in the back… this makes it warp and crack… At some point, you are going to have to replace it. Is that point now? Today? That requires an on-site visit.
If you are concerned about the truthfulness of a contractor… then hire a home inspector as you would when buying/selling a home… Get their opinion.