Pros and Cons of Cedar Siding



 

Siding has many advantages, including a longer-lasting life-span if you choose the right kind. Cedar siding is a good choice. However, it comes with some pros and some cons. The pros include its beauty, low carbon footprint, high-quality, durability, low-maintenance, and more. The only con, actually, is the high cost. In fact, replacing your home’s exterior with cedar siding could cost as much as replacing your roof. Is it worth it? Yes. Cedar will last a long time and maintain the beauty of your home. Are you also considering replacing your roof? If so, you might wonder how much does a new roof cost on a house? That depends on the square footage and material used.

Asphalt shingle roof cost per square foot installed will cost less than slate, for example. Also, a 1400 square foot roof replacement will cost less than a 2400 square foot roof replacement. To find out everything about roofing, have roofers come to your property, inspect your roof, and answer all your questions and concerns. You will learn the going rate for roofing, how much average roof cost is, the average cost of architectural shingles, and even the cost for new roof on mobile home.

No one likes siding or roof replacement. That’s why it is important when building your home to choose the most durable and longest lasting material. For a home’s siding, one of the best material to use is cedar. Unlike vinyl siding, cedar siding can last up to 75 years as long as it is properly maintained. However, the material does have its pros and cons.

Beauty of Natural Wood

Cedar wood is known for its beauty. The natural soft-wood can come in varying shades of red, yellow, white, or brown. A skilled siding or roof replacement contractor can even use the varying shades to create textures and patterns in the siding. Because it takes stains so well, that is usually the finish preferred by homeowners and siding installers. The textures, grain, and beautiful finish, combined with the natural scent of the wood, creates a classic, natural style.

Environmentally Friendly

Unlike vinyl, cedar is a natural, renewable material that is biodegradable and doesn’t harm the environment. When properly maintained, it can last near to a hundred years, making it one of the longest lasting materials for siding. The cedar tree also grows very fast and takes very little energy to produce, compared to the man-made vinyl products.

Quality

Cedar is more than just a pretty covering. Because it is a durable softwood, it is one of the best materials for insulation for heat and noise reduction. Because cedar has a low-density, less heat is released through the wood, keeping cold air out in the winter and hot air out in the summer. This could reduce the homes overall heating and cooling bills over time, and could be seen as an off-set for the high installation costs.

Durable and Long-lasting

When properly cured, cedar shingles are shrink-resistant. With other types of wood, it is possible for the shingles to shrink after installation, which leaves gaps in your siding. Also unlike other woods, cedar doesn’t have resin or pitch in. Because it doesn’t have resin, cedar is able to be stained and sealed more easily than a wood that has resin or pitch. When installed and maintained properly, cedar shingles can last well over fifty years. This means that you won’t need to worry about siding or roof replacement for a long time.

However, despite the amazing benefits of choosing cedar siding, the material does have its downside.

Maintenance

Cedar is not only more expensive to install, it also cost money to maintain. Because cedar is a natural wood, it does require more maintenance than a material such as vinyl. It must be power washed and cleaned every year, to clear off the dirt, debris, and moisture from the wood. You may also have to re-stained every year, though you can also let it age naturally. It is also prone to rotting when exposed to iron, which is why you shouldn’t use iron nails in the installation process. And because cedar is a natural wood, it does carry more of a fire risk than a material like vinyl.

High Cost

Cedar shingles and siding costs nearly double other materials. While this can be worth it in terms of durability and the life of your home, not everyone is prepared for the extra cost.

For some, despite the added maintenance and cost, the pros of cedar siding would far outweigh the cons. Ultimately you have to choose for yourself which one you prefer. Whatever you choose, your local roof replacement or siding installation companies can help you bring to life the home of your dreams.

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