How To Identify Cedar Siding

Written by jon on march 4 2019 posted in blog.

How to identify cedar siding. Fiber cement siding identification photos markings. How to inspect for damage. Properly maintained pine siding can last just as long as cedar but if the stain maintenance isn t cared for or is overlooked for a few years the cedar log siding will outlast the pine. Cedar siding is an exterior building product that s made from cedar trees.

It feels like plastic is dyed the same color throughout and when pushing on the wall of a house it tends to flex. One hint to narrow the field might be to look at the cut of the wood. Observe the wood grain. If it is showing a vertical or edge grain meaning a series of lines representing the growth rings then it is likely more the western cedar redwood or fir.

Cedar is strong but not as strong as redwood so redwood is often preferred for outdoor projects. This eliminates the chances of a stain or natural aging skewing the color diagnosis of the wood. Aside from the windows front door and roof it s your home s first impression on everyone who walks in. If the siding is painted it s hard to tell.

It is found on a range of home types and the product has been used on homes since the 1800s. With processed cedar log siding it s possible for the siding to effectively last the lifetime of your home. This article describes the characteristic embossed fingerprints of woodgrain or knots on some fiber cement siding products the markings and stampings on others and the dimensions or details on still others all of which can. Ask yourself these questions.

The difference in grain and color should be fairly obvious to any woodworker familiar with white pine and red cedar. Cedar is durable and cheaper than redwood and has a slightly yellowish reddish tone that goes well with a lot of decor. The most predictable baseline to use when identifying wood is in a freshly sanded state. If the wood is unfinished then look at the texture of the grain.

The name is fairly descriptive. Like masonite siding it is also usually labeled by the manufacturer or it may have a manufacturing code on the back side of the siding panel. The types of cedar siding cedar siding can be formed into a variety of thicknesses and widths and it can be stained or painted. However if you can remove a piece of siding look at the back.

Does the wood have an open porous texture. Look for a siding that is made to look like roof shingles. Vinyl siding too is also pretty easy to identify. Siding is one of the central components of a home s appearance.

When in doubt use some sandpaper to rough up the back and then smell the wood.