Cedar siding is a great choice for many homes. It’s timeless beauty, warm tones, and high curb appeal makes it a sought after siding material. On average, cedar siding lasts 20-40+ years. With proper maintenance and moisture protection, it can last 50-70 years.
There are a number of factors that affect the lifespan of siding, including the style and finish. Below we’ll cover what warning signs of deterioration to watch for before it gets to the point of needing replacement. Learn the best maintenance tips to get the full life out of this beautiful siding material.
Cedar siding’s longevity depends on the style as well as the finish, and can mean the difference between 20 and 50 years.
Cedar Lap or Plank Siding - 30–50 years. This style typically outlasts roofing because vertical walls drain faster and hold less direct moisture.
Cedar Shake Siding - 25–40+ years. Thickness and grain quality are the key factors in the longevity of this style.
Cedar Shingle Siding - 20–35+ years. Sawn thickness and exposure to the elements are the primary factors affecting lifespan for this style.
Primed & Painted Cedar - Re-coating every 15–25 years yields the longest overall material lifespan to 50+ years.
Solid & Semi-Solid Stains - Provide strong UV protection and require refinishing every 5 to 15 years.
Semi-Transparent Stains - Preserves natural amber/brown wood tones, and requires maintenance every 2 to 5 years.
Unfinished / Weathered Patina - Naturally ages into a silver-gray finish; long-lasting if sealed against water penetration.
After selecting the style and finish of cedar siding for your home, there are a number of factors that can affect if your siding lasts longer or shorter than average.
Weather has a huge impact on the lifespan of your siding, no matter the material. For cedar siding in particular, freeze-thaw cycles can cause expansion and contraction of wood. Heavy precipitation and high humidity can cause wood to expand if permeated and lead to rot without proper drying conditions.
Wall drainage planes, rain screens, and proper sealing of all 6 sides of each wood piece lead to lower incidence of premature deterioration. Splitting and cupping can be avoided by utilizing the correct fasteners and spacing, allowing room for natural expansion and contraction of each shingle or plank.
Roof overhangs can protect against driving rain, depending on the direction, as well as direct UV rays. Both break down wood fibers over time.
Cedar has natural tannins, which repel pests, but that doesn’t mean that it’s immune to fungal rot, which can occur if moisture becomes trapped in the wood.
Practicing vigilance for damage or signs of decay is an important part of regular maintenance for cedar siding.
Spending a small amount of time doing the following tips regularly could add years of life to your cedar siding.
Using low pressure, gently washing your siding with oxygen bleach can remove dirt and grime. High-pressure washes can destroy wood fibers and speed up deterioration.
Inspecting your siding to finish thin spots or peeling often, and addressing those areas, could mean a 10-minute fix now saves you from a 2-week repair or replacement next year.
Keeping gutters clear and trimming nearby branches back reduces shaded dampness and prevents rot.
Ensuring your hired contractors seal all sides of each siding piece, including cut ends and butt-joints prevents pets and rot.
If you’re trying to determine if a spot repair or full replacement is required, the team at Hoffman Weber Construction can help! We have the know-how to evaluate if it is in your best interest to replace individual planks, shingles, and shakes, or if when considered holistically, it’s best to pursue a full replacement.
Cedar siding’s return on investment and natural aesthetic make it a great choice, but it’s important to consider your material options when it’s time for a full replacement. Hoffman Weber also offers lower-maintenance alternatives, such as fiber cement siding from James Hardie, for homeowners who would prefer a low-maintenance option.
Cedar siding is a durable and high-value investment when maintained properly. Many home buyers find this material provides high curb appeal and desire the aesthetic. If you have cedar siding and would like a free inspection to get an accurate picture of the state of your siding, contact us to schedule a time that works for you. We’ll evaluate the health of your exterior and provide our best recommendations to keep your investment in your home safe.
Cedar siding is one siding material that is on the higher end for the required upfront cost, but is resistant to pests, and has a specific aesthetic that is a draw for many. The price for cedar siding materials is generally in the range of $3.00 – $7.00+ per sq. ft.
Vinyl siding is a much cheaper siding material option that has very low maintenance, with low likelihood of pest issues. This lightweight material comes in many colors and is typically in the range of $1.50 – $3.50 per sq. ft.
Fiber cement goes one step further where pest concerns are unlikely, and is fire resistant. It is very heavy, however, and installation takes more time than other material choices. The cost of this material, installation not included, is typically in the $2.50 – $6.50 per sq. ft. range.
The value depends on the priorities of you, the homeowner. If you have questions, reach out to the Hoffman Weber team to help you choose the best option for your home.
Cedar has a natural resistance to pests and rot, which some other siding materials and wood do not possess. The oils produced by cedar trees are unappealing to many pests and help to maintain the wood fibers longer than some other wood siding options, meaning less rot.