Does Cedar Siding Rot

Cedar is the most obvious choice for wood siding.

Does cedar siding rot. As is the case with other types of wood siding cedar is flammable unless specially treated. Similar to redwoods cedars naturally produce pest and rot resistant compounds. Redwood cedar ipé and specially treated woods listed below can be very rot resistant. Any time dirt debris and moisture are allowed to pile up on the siding and in the creases mold and mildew will grow.

Resting raised cedar beds on gravel instead of soil is a smart move because the gravel will drain water quickly away from the cedar and does not retain moisture. And while it is rot resistant it is not rot proof. We heard that it s a myth that cedar is rot resistant. Despite a higher resistance cedar is still more prone to rot woodpeckers and insect damage than artificial alternatives.

Over the years the wood loses much of its tannin. However it will lose its typically golden brown color. It requires regular maintenance in the form of repainting or re staining every three to five years. Although it s not as inexpensive as some non wood options it s less expensive than shou sugi ban ipé and specially treated wood.

Stains are not as protective because they lack the high solid count. The higher the solid count the more protective the paint. However redwoods and cedars have notably different physical weathering characteristics. It has something to do with the wood we harvest now being from second growth trees that don t have the resins they had a hundred years ago.

I would guess that along with the stain being at the end of its life with a lower level of protection the cedar has simply run out of time and run out of protection. It doesn t need a sealer. This will gradually weaken the wood and lead to rot. Aside from certain regional varieties of cedar such as aspens cedar exhibits weather resistance similar to redwood.