The 3 Best Tips to Maintain Your Cedar Home
Cedar needs to be maintained regularly because, the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to restore to its natural look. The good news is, at least it’s easy!
1. Repairing any damage
To begin, walk around your cedar home with hammer in hand and bang in any nails sticking out of the wood.
Look for any missing or damaged boards. In general, you want to avoid adding new timber as it will not match your existing cedar. The nature of cedar is that each tree has a lot of variety and cedar changes with age. Any new boards can be obvious.
However, rotten boards should always be replaced with new cedar boards and this new board will fade over time, blending in with the rest. For an even better fit, wash your home down and re-stain/paint it. Your home will look great!
2. Washing Up
Next, have a look for mould and give that a good wash down. The most effective way is to use a water blaster. If you intend to do it yourself be very careful not to use too much pressure. Cedar is a soft wood, so it can be easily damaged. To get the “feel” of the pressure washer, practice on the sidewalk, or a piece of 2×4.
Your home may have become bleached by the sun on one side of the house. This can take extra work to restore, so if you are in this position, its best to give us a call.
3. Protecting your cedar home
After you have checked for damage, inconsistencies and given your home a good wash down, you’re ready for the final step.
Staining/painting your home will protect it from the elements as it seals in the pores of the wood. This will help prevent it from weathering to an unsightly grey.
To paint or to stain?
The experts advise staining should be done every second summer in order to protect the wood. This is why we actually recommend painting your home as a long lasting maintenance solution. Paint will protect the timber better and save money over time, especially if you have to install scaffolding!
Its best to avoid rain during this process so follow this guide in the warmer months or get us to take care of it for you and book us in on 0800 765 137 or email us at info@paintersinc.co.nz today.