Red Cedar Siding & Roofing

Advantages

• Red cedar is a hard wood that can last a long time even in areas with a lot of precipitation. Relatively lightweight, it is naturally resistant to insect and moisture penetration. Red cedar siding and roofing also has a rich, red color. With time and wear, the red cedar will develop a silver-gray color; some homeowners prefer this finish and encourage the wood to naturally age. Red cedar is also a fast-growing tree and a renewable resource, whose use has a lower ecological impact than some other woods.

Disadvantages

• Red cedar siding and roofing, like all types of wood, is susceptible to absorbing water, causing the wood to buckle and warp and making the siding pull from the sides and top of the house. Wood siding and roofing also requires several coats of paint or sealant, which can add to the total cost installing siding or a roof on your home. Red cedar siding also tends to be more expensive than vinyl siding.

Sealants

• Covering the siding and roofing with a thin layer of sealant will impede the absorption of water by closing the wood's pores and preventing them from soaking up water. This prevents wood rot and buckling. Some homeowners choose to follow up by painting the wood with an exterior pigmented paint.

Roofing Considerations

• Cedar roofing shingles can give your home a rustic look that is not as common as tile or asphalt roofs. Some counties, however, particularly those in more fire-prone areas, do not permit red cedar shingle roofs because they are more flammable than asphalt roofs.