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Minnesota Siding Options: Cedar Pros & Cons

Minnesota Siding Options: Cedar Pros & Cons

Choosing a new siding for your home is a large investment, and if you've been considering cedar, you might wonder how it compares to other material options. 

Its rich and beautiful aesthetics give it an undeniable appeal, and while it is one of the top favorites for home siding, there are a few things to consider before making the purchase. Our team is here to break them down below. 

What is Cedar Siding?

There's no doubt that cedar siding has beautiful aesthetics and is notoriously durable. It's made from either white or red cedar, a native United States species, and offers a traditional and classic aesthetic that homeowners love. 

It's an excellent addition, and if you are planning a new installation, we always recommend choosing professionals over DIY for any home restorations so you end up with an amazing finish that you will want to show off!

What are the Pros of Cedar Siding?

Cedar is a trusted and preferred material in the industry for multiple reasons, including:

Beautiful Aesthetics

For those seeking a rustic look, cedar is a great option and works well with almost any home style. Its natural grain and texture make it a stunning addition, especially when combined with a cedar shake roof, for a warm and welcoming feeling. The material is also highly customizable and can be painted or stained to ensure it matches the aesthetic of your home.

Eco-Friendly

Unlike some materials that are engineered and eat the use of fossil fuels, cedar is a renewable and naturally grown material. It's also a lightweight material, making transport less expensive, and it can be recycled when it's time for a replacement.

Highly Durable

Durability is another great feature, and while cedar is considered a soft wood, it's one of the most durable choices on the market. Its hardiness can be increased by applying weather-resistant treatments to help ensure it's protected through the years.  

It's also important to note that cedar has a component called tannin, a natural repellent to insects and rodents. It's commonly used in closets and trunks as a preservation method, so there's less worry about mice, termites, and carpenter ants targeting your home.

Easy Install 

One of the main drawbacks of siding materials is their lack of flexibility. This means traditional options will be more challenging to install, costing you more time and money. Because cedar is softer, it can be cut, nailed, and carved more easily for a quick, professional installation.

It's a Great Insulator

Most siding isn't very effective at insulating on its own, and while cedar will require insulation like any other product, it's more efficient than most materials. It also has soundproofing abilities, giving you a quieter and more peaceful space inside your home.

Drawbacks of Cedar Siding

While the list of advantages of cedar siding is long, there are a few drawbacks to consider to ensure you're getting the right product. The biggest cons are:

Maintenance Level

While maintenance can help extend the life of the material, its upkeep is one of the biggest drawbacks to cedar siding. It requires frequent resealing and cleaning to help preserve its beauty and structural integrity, which may not be the best option for some.

Shorter Longevity

Even with the best care on the market, cedar siding is more prone to needing repairs because it is a softer wood. Most cedar siding will need to be replaced between 10 and 20 years; however, with consistent maintenance and protection, it can last much longer. 

More Costly 

Cedar siding may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget because it's priced at almost twice as much as other popular siding materials. Even if the installation is budgeted, keep in mind that maintaining it will be an additional expense. 

Other Types of Siding

While cedar is one of the more popular siding options available, there are several others to consider, including classic options like vinyl and asphalt or more modern options like steel or fiber cement. Each can help increase the aesthetics and value of your home, and our design team is happy to help you decide which one would be the best fit for your property.

Premium Siding Services for Your Home or Business  

While cedar siding might require more maintenance, it offers a beautiful aesthetic, excellent insulation properties, and stylish customization. Restoration Geeks are your experts when it comes to cedar siding and have been providing exterior restoration in Minnesota for over 20 years, specializing in residential and commercial roofing services.

When you need expert quality restoration and installs, call us at 952-500-9546 or contact us online to connect with our team.