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RB
 
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Default Life Expectancy of Cedar Siding?

I've had cedar on my home for the past 12 years with no decay and I'm in
a harsh northern sea coast environment. Like anything, cedar will
deteriorate if not maintained. I have a standing contract with a good
painter to apply stain to mine every two years. He came to me last year
and said that it didn't even need staining on all sides that year, just
those sides that see the worst weather. The exterior looks great; much
nicer than plastic of Hardi Board.

Make sure that all surfaces (back side too) are finished, stain or
paint, before applying the siding. Cedar is expensive enough today that
I wouldn't use it if all I was going to do was paint it.

RB

Paul Rouse wrote:
I am building a new house (Mid-West - Near Chicago) and I am trying to
decide between natural cedar clapboard (primed and painted) or a
synthetic such as primed and painted cement fiber board (i.e., Hardi
Board). My builder is strongly discouraging me from deciding on
natural cedar. I have also asked all of the building suppliers in the
area about natural cedar - they all look at me like i am crazy to want
to use natural cedar. The collective opinion is that natural cedar
will only look good for 5 to 10 years (regardless of paint job).
After 5 to 10 years, they claim that the cedar will show serious signs
of decay.

Is this an accurate description considering the cold winter climate?
I am concerned that they are pushing me towards a solution that may
have a higher profit margin (or some other motive).

What kind of life expectancy should one expect from natural cedar?

Thanks in advance for your input.