The natural resistance provided by the oils and acids are what make these species more popular in outdoor applications. Properly finished, cedar will last for decades even in harsh environments. It has twice the stability of most commonly available softwoods due to its low density and shrinkage factors. It produces long, lightweight lengths of timber with a fine straight grain and uniform texture. This makes it easy to cut, saw and nail with common tools. It also can be planed to a smooth surface or machined to any pattern.
It can hold glue bonds and also provides a good base for many types of paints and stains since it lacks pitch and resin. It is also valued for its distinct aroma that is commonly believed to discourage moth and carpet beetle larvae infestations. All of these factors make it the premier choice for either interior or exterior home use. Used on residences and commercial buildings around the world, cedar roofing is available in shingles, shakes and hip and ridge unit formats.
If you're planning to install cedar roofing or siding, western red and eastern white will often be the two options available to you. These two types vary significantly in terms of style, color, durability, resistance and environmental friendliness. Color and style : When it comes to colors, shingles provide lots of possibilities. Eastern white shingles, if left unfinished or unpainted, will turn an elegant silver-gray. Western red shingles, which cannot be painted, have a rich color in their natural state.
Eastern white shingles can be painted in any color you desire, as they absorb paint very easily. Not only does this mean you can easily customize your white cedar roof to match the rest of your house, but the stain or paint you put on the shingles will help protect them from the elements.
Resistance and durability : White shingles contain oils that naturally enhance their ability to resist decay and insects — two common threats to wood. However, because eastern white cedar is also more fibrous, it's more prone to cracking and splitting — perhaps even during the installation.
This makes white cedar shingles less durable than their red cedar counterparts. Because red cedar shingles are more durable, they don't need as much maintenance and, if properly installed, can last for several lifetimes. In terms of resistance, western red shingles are good at resisting moisture, which prevents warping. However, although more durable than eastern white shingles, western red shingles have an acid that causes them to appear darker and blotchy over time, an issue that doesn't occur with white shingles.
Eco-friendliness : Western red cedar shingles are overall more eco-friendly and energy-efficient than eastern white cedar. This is in part because of the unique cellular composition of the red shingles that captures tiny air pockets and enhances its insulation capabilities.
Cedar Roof Coatings is the leading company for cedar roof restoration, preservation and repair in Fairfield County. If you suspect there's a problem with your roof — whether it's just some loose shingles or a more serious issue — we encourage you to get our Full Roof Inspection as soon as possible.
During the inspection, we will honestly evaluate your roof. We won't simply recommend that you replace it — if we can save you money by performing a roof restoration, that is what we'll recommend. We perform an in-depth inspection of your roof to determine the level of care it requires. You will find that getting an inspection can end up saving you lots of money in repairs in the long run. Even a tiny issue with a roof could become major in a short amount of time, so you should make sure to get an inspection as quickly as possible.
Our highly experienced roof inspectors will cover your entire roof to identify and photograph all deficiencies they observe and document their findings. Our inspectors' expertise allows them to discover not just the obvious deficiencies, but also the less obvious ones that could eventually lead to major issues and perhaps even premature roof failure. Then, a report is generated that documents the data gathered and suggests a course of action to correct the deficiencies.
This report will also provide estimates for the recommended repairs. Pressure-treated lumber can warp and weather within a few years if left untreated, while cedar is more capable of naturally keeping its shape.
However, cedar is more susceptible to cosmetic damages, such as dents and scratches. Rot resistant, it can last years as an attractive raised bed. It is also insect resistant because of oils in the wood — this is why it smells so good. The best clear Cedar finish stain for outdoors is Linseed oil, hands down. Linseed oil is the primary ingredient in any oil finishes, which dries clear.
You can find other clear water-based stains, but will not last nearly as long as a Linseed oil based stain will. A thorough coating or two of an acrylic-based paint is by far the most protective of the finishes on offer.
Basic items required for cleaning cedar siding are: bleaching oil, clear coat, paint, detergent, and sealer. As it ages, cedar loses some of its natural oils, hence the need for upkeep. Begin with a soap and water solution to scrub the siding and wash it down; then, apply bleach on any mold or mildew spots.
Over time, aromatic cedar loses its aroma, but it can be restored by sanding away the top layer of the wood. It is common to see sealed or just stained cedar wood, but jobs such as a birdhouse or rehabbing an antique cedar chest may need to be painted.
The general consensus is for hardwoods, such as ipe and teak. Since these species are extremely rot-resistant and durable, they have the best chance at a long life outdoors. Resistance to decay: Western red cedar is the most decay-resistant cedar, making it great for outdoor construction projects like shakes and shingles. It is also one of the longest-living North American softwood trees.
Stability: Western red cedar has twice the stability of other softwood species. Whatever your need, there is a rot resistant wood for your project. Search your local lumber yard for what is available in your area. I love old houses, working with my hands, and teaching others the excitment of doing it yourself! Everything is teachable if you only give it the chance. It caught my attention when you explained that pressure-treated pine timber can contact dirt directly without any risk of rotting.
When using cedar to make a raised garden bed, do you recommend putting anything on the cedar wood to make it even more rot resistant, or is that overkill? Thank you.
Specifically, I used their ash siding not their alder. It was gorgeous clear wood. I actually like the gray color and it is great that it does not require any maintenance whatsoever. The material cost is definitely higher than other typical wood siding options, but if you factor in not having to stain or maintain the wood, the cost seems more reasonable.
They make decking as well, and it is a great and more sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods. They are supposed to last for decades without any additional treatment. Thank you for this post. They are old houses constantly having to deal with wood rot damages.
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