How Often Should You Restain Your Cedar Siding?

Compared to other materials used for siding, nothing compares to the natural beauty that cedar boards provide. On its own, cedar performs well under most weather conditions, from heat and cold, and varying levels of humidity. However, it does require some amount of maintenance to keep it in good shape. One of the most common maintenance steps cedar siding needs periodically is staining.

Staining helps protect the wood from mold, mildew and other problems that might cause it damage. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell when your cedar siding needs a fresh coat of staining product. Let our exterior renovation experts at Homecraft® Inc. give you a few tips on how to keep this timeless material as strong and good-looking as if it were brand-new.

The Number One Enemy

As with all wood products, moisture is the biggest source of problems with cedar siding. Moisture damage happens gradually so it’s important to identify problem areas early to prevent premature replacement. You can spot issues before they get worse by signing up for regular maintenance agreements with your local siding contractor. This will help the wood retain its performance and appeal longer and add a year or two to its life span.

How to Care for Cedar Siding

Cedar, on its own, already has natural preservatives that combat the signs of rot and deterioration. Despite its vulnerability to moisture, it’s also surprisingly waterproof which is why it’s common for boats to be built from cedar as well. Don’t be afraid to hose down your cedar siding regularly to keep it clean. Spraying the wood with water can also reveal common problems like splitting, rotting, chipping and bubbling.

Restaining Cedar Siding

Our experts recommend re-applying the stain finish on your siding at least once every three to five years. You can also do a quick visual inspection every year to see whether there’s enough weathering to warrant restaining. Of course, if you wish for a product that has less maintenance needs, you could always go for a good alternative like vinyl siding.

At Homecraft® Inc., we are your leading provider of wood and vinyl siding, as well as other home improvement products and services. Give us a call at (302) 798-0302 to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Hockessin and Wilmington, DE.