Maintenance tips for cedar homes

Cedar needs to be maintained regularly because, the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to restore to its natural look.  

Issues with Cedar homes

• Rotten timber
• Mould and mildew infestation
• Splitting boards
• Mitre joins splaying
• Cupped weatherboards

All the issues above are common on cedar houses in Wellington.  There is a myth that cedar house don’t require maintenance.  If you don’t maintain your cedar house regularly the timber will get to the point where a reclad is necessary.

Cedar is prone to getting mouldy, like all homes and should be washed down at least once a year. If you’re doing it yourself be very careful of the pressure you use as cedar is a soft timber and can be damaged. Get a professional to do it for you if you don’t feel confident.

Keep an eye out for rot or splitting boards and get them changed in a timely manner.  

Recoating regularly is absolutely necessary to protect the timber from mould, weathering and rot.  

We also recommend that mitre joins have either copper end soakers fitted or corner boards to prevent water ingress through the mitre join.  This can cause boards to split and rot.  It’s important also to make sure that rustic plugs are fitted on Wellington profile boards around window beadings and corner boards to prevent water ingress.  

To paint or to stain?

The experts advise staining should be done every second summer in order to protect the timber, this is especially true for the northern and western sides of the property. We actually recommend painting your cedar as a long lasting maintenance solution. As it only needs to be done every eight to ten years, paint will protect the timber better and save money over time, especially if you have to install scaffolding!