Does Cedar Siding Rot

We heard that it s a myth that cedar is rot resistant.

Does cedar siding rot.

Similar to redwoods cedars naturally produce pest and rot resistant compounds. Despite a higher resistance cedar is still more prone to rot woodpeckers and insect damage than artificial alternatives. However redwoods and cedars have notably different physical weathering characteristics. As albany fence designs mentions the natural forces of nature such as wind and rain will slowly cause untreated cedar wood structures such as fences and furniture to fade.

If you leave cedar wood untreated it will not succumb to the devastating effects of mold rot and insect damage. The higher the solid count the more protective the paint. This will gradually weaken the wood and lead to rot. Stains are not as protective because they lack the high solid count.

Over the years the wood loses much of its tannin. 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. It doesn t need a sealer. Cedar is the most obvious choice for wood siding.

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. As is the case with other types of wood siding cedar is flammable unless specially treated. And while it is rot resistant it is not rot proof. 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. Aside from certain regional varieties of cedar such as aspens cedar exhibits weather resistance similar to redwood. However it will lose its typically golden brown color. Redwood cedar ipé and specially treated woods listed below can be very rot resistant.