There is some cedar siding maintenance you can do over the years to help keep your siding in good condition. But, if the siding has been installed for a while, you may start to suspect that it needs to be replaced.
Learning how to replace cedar siding boards may seem like a daunting task. But, knowing some of the specifics like when it’s time to do so and how much you can expect it to cost can help you be more prepared when the time comes.
So, how can you know when to replace cedar shingle siding, and what will it cost? Continue reading through this article as we lay out how much does it cost to replace cedar siding, how you can determine when the time is right, and provide you with some helpful tips for replacing cedar siding.
Quality Cedar Products can meet all your cedar board needs. Â This blog is informational only and not a replacement for expert advice. Please consult a professional before starting any building project as your needs and specifications may vary and it may not reflect the most current building codes, regulations, or industry standards.
When to Replace Cedar Siding: Signs it’s Time for Replacement
Before we talk about the details of how to replace cedar siding, we need to discuss how you know it’s time to replace it in the first place.
Signs of Deterioration
For starters, you’ll want to look for visual signs that the siding has deteriorated past the point of repair. Keep an eye out for decay and rot that may have come from moisture exposure, mold and mildew, pest infestations, and other causes.
Other visual signs of wear and tear that you’ll be able to see include any warping, bulging, or cracking, which could indicate that the siding has been compromised and needs to be replaced. If these issues are widespread across your cedar siding, it’s probably time to consider replacing it.
Structural Issues and Safety Concerns
There are structural and safety issues that can come about if you don’t replace your cedar siding in a timely manner. Your siding is what keeps the interior of your home protected from the elements, and seals your home so it stays insulated and secure from the outside world.
For these reasons, you don’t want to hold off on replacing your cedar siding once you’ve noticed an issue. If the boards have become seriously damaged, warped, or cracked, you can assume the issue will continue to develop and cause safety and structural concerns until it’s been addressed.
Average Timeline for Replacement
If you know how long cedar siding lasts, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s a generally long-lasting material that is more durable than other materials. But, there will eventually come a time when it needs to be replaced.
You may be surprised to learn that the durability of western red cedar siding means it can last for a few decades. So, most people with cedar siding can expect to replace it every 20-40 years, and in some cases, even less frequently.
Plus, it’s important to consider that you may only need to replace a board or two if the damage is concentrated. But, a total replacement will be necessary at some point.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Cedar Siding
You may know it’s time to replace your siding, but you probably want to know how much does it cost to replace cedar siding. Here are some helpful details to keep in mind as you go through this process.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Replace Cedar Siding
Keep in mind that how much of the siding you are replacing can be a big factor in how much it costs you. If you are only replacing a few boards rather than re-siding the whole house, you will naturally face a much lower price tag.
Plus, you need to consider the quality of cedar wood you are purchasing. It may seem like you are saving money by going with the cheaper option. However, this likely will be of lower quality and have a shorter lifespan, meaning you’ll end up saving money in the long run by investing in quality cedar from the start that doesn’t need multiple replacements and a lot of upkeep.
Average Cost Ranges and Potential Cost-Saving Tips
If you’ve figured out when to replace cedar shingle siding, you’ll want to know the cost you can expect. Depending on the factors we’ve discussed above, you can see replacement costs ranging from $10,000 on the lower end to $40,000 on the higher end.
On average, many people will spend $15,000-$20,000. You can make budget-friendly choices by shopping around to receive quotes from different vendors. Consider if the seller will deliver the cedar, or if you can save a little on delivery costs by picking it up yourself. Plus, you will save quite a bit of money if you learn how to replace cedar siding board rather than hiring someone else to install it.
How to Replace Cedar Siding: Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Cedar Siding
Let’s now break down the steps for how to replace cedar siding on your home. Once you go through these steps on how to replace cedar siding boards, you can head over to Quality Cedar Products and pick up your lumber to begin the project.
Assessing and Preparing the Area
The first step to replacing cedar siding is to see how big of a problem you’re facing and assess how much you’ll need to replace. Once you have a better idea of the scope of the project, you can start prepping the area by moving items and structures away from the home so it’s easier to reach.
Make sure you have the proper quantity of siding on hand so you’re ready to start installing it once the area is prepped.
Removing the Old Siding
The next step is to remove the old siding that’s already installed on your home. You’ll likely need to remove other trim and accessories that are attached to the siding for easy installation of the new siding.
You can carefully pry off old cedar siding with a pry bar. Be mindful of any nails and snapping or cracking boards, so make sure you’re wearing the proper safety gear and eye protection to stay safe throughout this step.
Depending on the local regulations and guidelines where you live, make sure you dispose of the old siding properly once you’ve completed the project.
Preparing For New Siding Installation
Sealing or treating cedar siding is one of the preparations you can do before you actually install the siding. This helps protect the siding and seal it off from the elements, helping to extend its lifespan and encourage a graceful aging process. Plus, it can help keep other troublesome issues like mold, mildew, and pests at bay.
If you decide on staining or painting cedar siding, it will also be much easier to do so before you install it.
At this point, you’ll want to do an inspection of the substrate to make sure it’s free from mold, mildew, and decay and ready for new siding installation. Install any necessary moisture barriers or insulation before the siding, then you’re ready to get started with the actual siding installation.
Actually Installing the New Siding
Now you will actually start to install the siding on your home. With all the prep work behind you, you can get to work with the installation.
Get the proper fasteners on hand for the cedar siding you selected, and make sure you have enough for all the siding you will install. Move in sections around your home, starting at the corner of your home and working in a deliberate pattern so the siding looks cohesive and consistent throughout.
Maintain the proper spacing between the boards while you work, using spacer tools to help you out if needed. Make sure to take frequent steps back to ensure you’re following a logical pattern and overlapping the boards consistently around your home. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an uneven installation that could leave gaps and expose the interior of your home.
Finishing Touches and Maintenance
To finish off your siding installation, re-install the trim and accessories you removed, or replace them with brand new pieces as well.
Go around and inspect your installation job, assessing the quality of your work and seeing if there are any obvious errors or mistakes that need to be addressed right away. After your thorough inspection, you can step back and enjoy your brand new siding!
When it Comes Time to Replace Cedar Siding, Quality Cedar Products Has You Covered
When it comes time to replacing cedar siding, you need to know where to find the most quality cedar products. At Quality Cedar Products, we have incredible exterior cedar siding that you can choose from for your next replacement job.
We are family owned and operated, and take pride in the quality of cedar products that we offer. We personally inspect, sort, and grade each new shipment we receive to ensure it meets our quality standards. We know you need cedar products with quality you can trust, so we don’t take quality lightly.
We offer a wide range of cedar products for any project you might have, including
cedar deck boards, cedar fence boards, and cedar for sauna construction. Plus, we have the materials you need for sound barrier fencing construction to help you or your clients block out the outside world and maintain the peace at home.
Final Thoughts on How to Replace Cedar Siding
Hopefully after reading through this guide, you now have a better idea of when to replace cedar shingle siding, how much it will cost, and the steps to do so. Cedar is known for being a very long-lasting material, though the day will eventually come when it needs to be replaced.
At Quality Cedar Products, we are the premier cedar lumber supplier in Ontario, and provide wholesale lumber to vendors all across Canada and the United States. No matter what type of project you plan on using our cedar for, you can feel confident in the quality and durability of our wood.
Visit Quality Cedar Products online today for all your cedar wood needs.
G&B Wholesale Lumber Incorporated does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information provided in this blog post. The reader is solely responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented. Any reliance on the information is at the reader's own risk.
G&B Wholesale Lumber Incorporated is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage that may occur as a result of following the suggestions, tips, or recommendations provided in this blog post. Building projects involve inherent risks, and it is essential to exercise caution, obtain proper permits, and engage qualified professionals to ensure safety and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The inclusion of external links, references, or recommendations in this blog post does not constitute endorsement or guarantee the quality, reliability, or suitability of the linked sources. The reader should independently verify the information and assess its relevance to their specific circumstances. The author reserves the right to modify, update, or remove the content of this blog post at any time without prior notice. It is recommended to check for the most recent updates or consult with professionals to ensure the information is current and applicable. By reading this blog post, the reader acknowledges and accepts the above disclaimer and agrees to use the information provided responsibly and at their own discretion.