Java Man (Espressopithecus) wrote:

In article ,
says...
~ 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?
~
Our old house (near Vancouver BC), built in 1949 and demolished this
summer to make way for a new one, still had the original cedar siding
in many areas. I scraped, primed and repainted it in 1992, and the
paint lasted until 2003. There wasn't a trace of rot in it when the
house was demolished. My neighbour came by and salvaged some of it,
and it's now on his house.

I chose Hardiplank for the new house.

Rick

Yep.. cedar is pretty resistant to rot naturally, and if you keep it
painted, will last a very long time.