Cedar is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, with leaves resembling pine needles. It has been used for centuries and we can see the importance of it just from the following two facts. The native tribes in North America call it the “tree of life” ”and in Lebanon cedar tree is depicted on its national flag. Today cedar trees can be found in many regions of the world, from New Zealand and Australia to North America and Siberia. Overall, we (AZ construction) consider cedar siding as the best possible option in construction and here are some of the reasons why. It is highly durable and resistant to moisture which is a big bonus for people living in and around Vancouver.
Wood (cedar) siding can be integrated with just about any style or design. Be it Victorian style architecture or a modern day high tech building. Cedar contains high concentration of natural compounds (tropolone, thujaplicins) that give (cedar) its characteristic aroma, and at the same time act as a natural barrier to fungi and wood-eating insects. Cedar siding is considered to be an environmentally friendly material. Most of the tree is harvested and any debris left behind is reclaimed by nature. It is also a renewable source and completely biodegradable, unlike aluminum, vinyl, or many other materials. It does not require factories to produce it, which amounts to a minimal environmental foot print, compared to other siding products (such as vinyl, aluminum or hardy).
It is important to know that the term “cedar siding” is commonly used to describe any siding made out of different (types of) wood such as: cedar, redwood, pine, spruce, and fir.
The main reason most people choose cedar or some other type of wood siding is its natural beauty. It smells great, and gives a welcoming aura to any home. Most wood species take stain and sealant quite well. When the staining, sealing or painting is done properly, the finish is almost maintenance free. Hosing off dirt or using a mild soap and sponge is all that is required to keep it looking good, until it needs to be painted or stained again. Cedar and redwood naturally repel insects and any wood that is properly sealed or painted will keep them out. Most wood siding, when it is properly maintained, will last 30 years minimum and might easily last over 100 years.
Some woods are more readily available closer to where they grow. For example, Western Redwood is easier and less expensive to obtain in the West. Fir is very common and affordable in the East. There are many things in life that we like, without actually knowing why we like it. We are part of Nature and so is the wood. That is perhaps the “why” of our subconscious love, desire and attraction for all things natural, such as the wood (cedar) siding? Let’s not be the conquerors of Nature, instead let’s all be part of it!
Types of cedar siding
Joints
The joints between adjoining pieces are usually v-shaped but flush jointed, reveal and radius joints are also available. The different joints and surface textures in tongue and groove siding combine to provide a range of shadow line effects that enhance the product’s versatility.
Grades
Tongue and groove siding is manufactured in clear grades suitable for a more formal, elegant appearance, particularly when pieces are smooth faced. Knotty grades are in demand for their smart, casual look.
2. Channel cedar siding
Channel siding is a popular type of lap siding and is used whenever a rustic appearance is desired. A versatile siding, it can be installed vertically, horizontally or diagonally. In channel siding the profile of each board partially overlaps that of the board next to it creating a channel that gives shadow line effects, provides excellent weather protection and allows for dimensional movement.
Grades
Channel siding is normally supplied in unseasoned knotty grades. The face side is saw textured. Commonly available sizes are 1″x6″, 1″x8″, and 1″x10″. Clear grades are manufactured to order.
3. Bevel cedar siding
Bevel siding is the most widely-used siding type. It is produced by resawing lumber at an angle to produce two pieces thicker on one edge than the other. The manufacturing process results in pieces with one face saw textured. The other face is smooth or saw textured depending on the grade and customer preference. Bevel siding is installed horizontally and gives an attractive shadow line which varies with the thickness of siding selected.
Grades
Bevel siding is available in clear and knotty grades. Clear siding gives premium quality appearance and is ideal for prestigious, upmarket applications. Knotty siding has warmth and casual charm and is ideal for homes, cottages, club-houses and applications where a rustic appearance is desired.
4. Board-n-batten cedar siding
Board-and-batten is a vertical design created using wide clear or knotty cedar boards spaced apart with narrower boards (battens) covering the joins. There are no set board or batten widths – various combinations are used to create different looks suitable for large or small scale applications. A frequent combination is 1″x3″ battens and 1″x10″ boards. This can also be reversed with boards installed over battens to create a deep channel effect.
Texture and Sizes
Rough sawn, unseasoned boards or boards surfaced on one side and two edges (S1S2E) are commonly used for board-and-batten siding. Sizes are from 1″x 2″ to 1″x12″.
Technical Literature from our supplier The Western Red Cedar lumber (http://www.wrcla.org/index.htm)
Download Or Print – How to specify cedar siding
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