There are many different siding materials on the market today. From popular and durable vinyl siding to traditional brick to rustic-looking wood, there is no shortage of options for modern homeowners. Cedar shake cladding is a great choice for Carolina homeowners who want an authentic, lived-in aesthetic without sacrificing style. However, maintaining this sort of siding does require some effort.
Whether you are thinking about buying a house that already has cedar shakes or you have been looking into renovating your home’s exterior with this material, the information in this guide will be useful to you. Below, you’ll learn everything you need to know about cedar siding upkeep. Hopefully, this information will help you make an educated decision about which type of exterior cladding is right for your home.
The cost of regular upkeep.
Let’s dive right into the typical cost associated with maintaining cedar shakes. As a general rule, people have to paint, stain, or treat all wood siding, including cedarwood, every year or two. This usually costs somewhere between $1.00 and $5.00 per square foot depending on what type of paint, stain, or treatment you decide to use. The average cost for a whole house is anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000.
If you are putting new cedar siding on, rather than just maintaining existing siding that is in relatively good condition, you can expect to pay $5 to $10 per square foot — or an average of somewhere between $7,500 to $18,000 for your entire house — for new installation. The final cost, of course, does depend largely on the size of your North Carolina or South Carolina residence, and on what types of bells and whistles you decide on in regard to wood treatments.
Avoiding major expenses.
You are not alone if you love the look of cedar shakes. Many homeowners around the world are fans of their aesthetic. If, though, you are concerned about the expenses associated with the upkeep of this material, there are some preventative measures you can take to make sure damage doesn’t occur between paint jobs or sealant treatments.
- Check for any loose shakes and, if you find any, nail them back into place. If you discover any pieces of siding that are damaged beyond repair, make sure you replace them or have them professionally replaced.
- Do not have any tree or shrub growth within 24-inches of your house. Not only will this prevent your siding from getting scratched and scraped, but it can make it more challenging for certain species of insects and vermin to travel from foliage to your siding, ultimately doing damage.
- Fill cracks or gaps in your shakes with wood putty.
- Clean your siding annually with a garden hose. Many homeowners don’t realize that power washing, which is fine for both vinyl siding and brick exteriors, can be damaging to wood.
If you have any additional questions about cedar shakes and whether or not they suit your needs, the Hatch Homes team is here for you. We look forward to getting to know all about the plans you have for your property and hope to be part of turning your house into the home you’ve always wanted.