Wood siding has been around since the early 1900s. It was originally used to cover buildings and homes. Today, wood siding is still popular because it looks beautiful and adds value to your home. However, there are several factors that affect how long wood siding lasts.
If you want to learn how long wood siding lasts, then keep reading. In this article, I will explain how wood siding ages and give you an idea of how long it takes for wood siding to start showing signs of wear and tear.
A well-maintained wood siding will last 20-40 years. The siding should be resealed and painted every few years. Repair holes or cracks if they develop and replace if needed
Pine Siding
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Pine is relatively resistant to warping and rotting. It may be less durable than cedar, but on the other hand, it is way cheaper. If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative to cedar, then pine might be the answer.
You can generally rely on pine siding to last at least 20 years.
It will last longer if you have it treated and maintained on a regular basis.
Fir Siding
With proper maintenance, fir can survive for over 30 years in heat and humidity.
Despite not being as insect- and rot-resistant, it is a beautiful wood. You might want to consider using a different type of material if you are concerned about these issues.
If you would like your siding to last as long as possible, it is important to seal it. There are plenty of products available today which do exactly what they claim to do.
Cedar Siding
To maximize the life of your cedar siding, it must always be maintained properly. In just 10 to 15 years, many planks need to be replaced.
In some climates, even properly maintained cedar siding could only last for about 20 to 30 years. Cedar siding has been known to be durable up until now, but in some regions where there are extreme weather conditions, cedar may not hold up as well as expected.
Therefore, if you are building a home with cedar siding, make sure that you have a good inspection done before construction begins so that any issues can be addressed early on.
Redwood Siding
Redwood siding can last up to 30 years with regular maintenance. It provides good sound insulation and muffles rain, hail, and wind.
Depending on how well the redwood is maintained, it may need repainting or re-staining every 3 to 5 years.
Since the wood is relatively soft, it is prone to rotting. In appearance and longevity, it is similar to cedar. The wood is reddish and resists insects and rot.
Cypress Siding
Cypress wood siding typically lasts for 40 years. It is also relatively expensive.
It has a long lifespan, so it is worth buying. It can last for more than 100 years with proper care.
It’s one of the most durable options for wooden siding that’s lasted for generations. A beautiful, dense, honey-colored wood, Cypress is ideal for siding. The wood is naturally resistant to fungi, insects, and decay.
Cypress has been used throughout history for building houses because of its durability. Its ability to withstand extreme temperatures makes it ideal for use outdoors.
If you maintain your siding correctly, you can expect it to last that long as well!
Engineered Wood Siding
The lifespan of vinyl siding, aluminum siding, Hardie Board, or any other siding should be extended with proper maintenance.
A fresh coat of paint every 10 years should extend the life of engineered wood siding to 20-30 years. It’s also easy to install and requires little maintenance.
Wood Siding Maintenance
Inspect
Inspect twice a year and look for any signs of damage such as cracks, splits, warping, or missing boards.
You should also check for termites, ants, roaches, and other pests. If you notice anything suspicious, contact an exterminator immediately.
Keep your siding clean by removing debris from around the house.
Re-treat
You need to Re-treat every 2-5 years and ensure that the siding stays protected from the elements.
If you don’t keep your siding clean, it will attract moisture and mildew. This will cause the wood to rot and deteriorate over time.
Maintain your siding by cleaning off dirt and debris regularly.
Clean Annually
Make sure to clean annually as this will help prevent mold growth. Remove any dirt and grime from the surface of the siding.
Use soap and water to wash away dirt and grime. You can also use a pressure washer to get rid of stubborn stains.
Inspect Regularly
One of the key things you need to do is inspect regularly to ensure that your siding looks new.
Check for signs of wear and tear, such as broken nails, loose screws, peeling paint, or damaged areas.
Check for cracks, gaps, and other problems. Make sure that the nails are held securely and that they haven’t loosened.
Wash Annually
This is not a big job but definitely Wash annually with warm water and detergent. Use a brush to remove dust and dirt.
Apply a quality sealer once per year to protect against weathering. Remove moss and algae from the surface of the siding. Repair cracked, chipped, or damaged areas.
Remove Debris
Debris can accumulate under the siding and make it difficult to remove when washing. Get rid of weeds that can grow underneath the siding and create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Damaging Elements
Keep damaging elements away when installing your siding. You need to make sure that it doesn’t come into contact with water. Water causes wood to swell and expand, which leads to cracking.
Ensure that you keep your home free of harmful elements like salt, sand, and gravel. These can cause damage to the siding if they come into direct contact with the surface.
Try to avoid using garden tools on your siding. They can scratch and crack the surface, which will lead to more damage.
Paint as needed
Paint can fade over time, so you might want to repaint your siding at some point. Use high-quality exterior latex paint. Using darker colors might cause warping, so watch out for these issues.
Using light colors such as white or light grey will prevent warping.
How Do You Keep Wood Siding From Rotting?
To prevent the wood siding from rotting, you should first check for any cracks or holes in the wood. If you find any, then fill them up with caulk. Next, apply a coat of paint to the outside of the house. Finally, use a sealant to protect the wood from moisture.
How Long Does Paint Last On Wood Siding?
The average life expectancy for paint on wood siding is about 10 years. However, some paints last longer than others. If you want to extend the life of your paint job, try using a high-quality exterior sealant instead of regular paint. These types of coatings help protect the surface from moisture damage, which can cause cracking and peeling.
Can Wood Siding Be Pressure Washed?
Yes, wood siding can be pressure washed. However, it is important to use a high-quality product such as a power washer from a reputable manufacturer. If you do not know how to properly wash wood siding, then hire a professional who knows what they are doing.
High-pressure washing can also remove many stains. But you need to take care because the jet from a pressure washer can damage the wood.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have answered your question, “how long does wood siding last?” We hope this article has helped you understand the answer to your question.
