I live in central Maine and have a home sided with cedar clapboards. I’ve seen old homes with cedar clapboards that don’t look to have ever been treated with any kind of sealant/stain/urethane etc. Although these homes look weather-beaten, the cedar itself doesn’t look any worst for wear. It makes me wonder whether or not it is really necessary to apply any kind of sealant/stain/urethane to cedar clapboards?
Truth is, my wife and I are selling a house that is sided with cedar. My wife thinks one of the reasons it’s not selling is because the cedar looks like it needs to be refinished. I’m trying to complete the home that we just moved into and have no interest in spending 2 weekends applying clear-cote to a home that we’re selling. Those of you that are married probably get the picture…
Thanks for your thoughts!
Sco
Replies
I also live in Maine. We have many old structures that were done in pine clapboards, smooth side out and painted. Somewhere in the 80's, builders started using cedar, rough side out. Most builders do not nail the clapboards close enough. Stains have been used for the finish and these clapboards have warped away from the wall. Trying to nail them back usually results in cracking the clapboard. The mistake in my opinion is going rough side out. This exposes more of the cellular structure of the clapboard and provides a place for water and microbes to collect. Mildew is the bigest culprit. If the siding has no treatment these problems get bigger. Paint is not a good choice with red cedar since it leaches oils and tanins that lift the paint. Stains are the way to go but they need maintenence.
To improve the black streaked look, use a garden sprayer filled with water, a cup of TSP and 2 cups of chlorox. Spray on liberally. The mildew will flow right off the wall. This may take more than one application. Wash off with a garden hose. Do not use a pressure washer. I've had long lasting results with Pratt&Lambert Waterbeader, a clear protectant. This can be applied with a garden sprayer too. Buyers don't want to be faced with maintenence problems outside. A good wash will improve the looks.