The decision to re-side your home comes with a lot of considerations. The materials you have to choose from each have varying lifespans, maintenance needs, and aesthetic qualities that should be carefully weighed to select the right one for your taste and your budget.
The longevity of the siding is the most important attribute for many homeowners. If you are considering cedar siding and are wondering how long it will last, we can help you. We researched this material in depth so that you'll know what to expect.
Cedar siding can last up to 40 years on a house. How soon you'll need to replace the siding will depend on several factors, including:
- The type of cedar that is used
- What climate it is exposed to
- How well you maintain the siding
Now that we know how long cedar siding can last, we'll take a look at how to get the most out of this material. You might also be curious about the pros and cons of cedar siding or what type of house siding lasts the longest. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what our research has uncovered.
![Front of rental cabin with cedar plank siding. - How Many Years Does Cedar Siding Last? [Pros, Cons, & Considerations For Homeowners]](https://homedecorbliss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Front-of-rental-cabin-with-cedar-plank-siding.-How-Many-Years-Does-Cedar-Siding-Last-Pros-Cons-Consideration.png)
Getting The Most Out Of Your Cedar Siding
The decision to have new siding applied to your home should not be taken lightly. This will most likely be one of the biggest financial investments to the exterior of your dwelling, so you will want to pick the one that is right for you.
Because of the time and cost that goes into new siding, you'll want to make sure that it lasts. While cedar siding can last upwards of 40 years, getting the material to that age will depend on several factors.
The Type Of Cedar That Is Used
Treated cedar siding will last the longest. The chemicals applied to the wood will seal out most of the moisture that it is exposed to. It also serves to repel insects, which are also known to slowly decay wood siding.
In an ideal climate, treated cedar can last up to 40 years. Maintaining it will still be required, however. But no matter what wooden siding you select, maintenance is going to be necessary.
Untreated cedar will normally last about five years before it begins to soften and deteriorate. This type of siding is much less expensive, but you'll find that it will need to be replaced more often. Painting it or sealing it will make it last much longer, however.
Expect painted cedar siding to last anywhere from 5 to 15 years before it needs to be repainted.
What Climate It Is Exposed To
Being a natural material, wood siding is going to decay and degrade on its own over time. But some conditions will accelerate this process. Where you live is another consideration that will help determine how long cedar siding might last you.
Moisture is the enemy of anything wooden. The wetter your climate, the faster your cedar siding will decay. Expect well-maintained cedar to last at least 20 years in wet and snowy locations.
Mostly dry climates are ideal for cedar. If you take care of the wood, you can count on cedar siding to last between 30 and 40 years in these conditions.
How Well You Maintain The Siding
Wooden siding is going to require some maintenance. Whether you do this yourself or pay a professional to tackle it, it's an important part of maximizing the lifespan of your cedar siding.
Walk the perimeter of your house once a year looking for aberrations in the siding. Loose nails that need to be hammered back in place, the rot that has set in, or loose and/or missing cedar shingles that need to be remedied should be spotted. Additionally, look for insect infestations, trees or shrubbery that might be too close, or guttering that could be leaking onto your siding.
If you inspect the siding each year and fix any issues, you can count on cedar to last. This will also allow you to determine whether or not the shingles need to be painted (if applicable) or if entire sections need to be addressed.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Having Cedar Siding?
No matter what siding you choose, there will be pros and cons to weigh. These shouldn't be taken lightly, as you will be investing a good deal of money into the siding that you select.
The Pros Of Having Cedar Siding
Cedar siding is a beautiful, natural material that gives almost any home great curb appeal. Though treated cedar can be on the pricey side, it can be replaced shingle by shingle as time and deterioration warrant, making ongoing maintenance costs not as bad as one might think.
In ideal climates, cedar siding can last decades, making it a great option for many homeowners. This material is also fairly easy to install.
This siding material can also be painted. This will not only make less expensive, untreated cedar last a lot longer but will also allow you to change the color of your home as often as you like.
The Cons Of Choosing Cedar Siding
Cedar siding will take more maintenance than many other siding types. It is also not suited for the wettest climates, requiring more maintenance if you live in wet or snowy areas.
Treated cedar will last upwards of 40 years in the most ideal of conditions. But the treated cedar shingles that will last this long will be quite costly when compared to other types of siding.
In the end, you will need to balance the aesthetics against the constraints of your budget. Though you can save money by doing the installation and maintenance yourself, the time and energy you'll need to invest might be a deterrent for some to use cedar siding.
What Type Of House Siding Lasts The Longest?
There are many siding options out there, each with its own set of pros and cons. When it comes to longevity, vinyl siding has led the pack for years.
If it is properly installed and well maintained, this material can last well over 50 years. But there has been a more modern material that has a reputation of lasting even longer.
Fiber cement siding is starting to rival vinyl as the most popular siding type. Like vinyl, fiber cement is inexpensive, easy to install, and doesn't require much maintenance.
Though neither of these siding materials has the desired aesthetic appeal of any wood siding, it can be hard to argue against the pros of vinyl or fiber cement, especially when it comes to a household budget that might be a little tight.
Fiber cement is estimated to last upwards of 80 years, with some estimates stating that it can last a century or longer. This great lifespan is more than triple some of the other siding options, making it grow in popularity among homeowners in the last few years.
Final Thoughts
Cedar siding is a great option for homeowners that don't mind a bit of extra maintenance work every year or so.
This siding material has a lifespan with quite a range, and the type of cedar and climate it's exposed to contribute greatly to how long it will last. If you live in a dry climate and use treated cedar shingles, expect well-maintained cedar siding to last for 40 years.
We hope this post on cedar siding answered all of your questions. For additional helpful information, we suggest reading the following posts:
Should Soffit Match Siding Or Trim? [And What Color To Paint It]