Siding
Cedar Siding
Cedar siding, in both clapboard and shingle forms, was the original exterior material on many New England homes built before 1940. This traditional choice remains a highly valued option, particularly in coastal towns and historic districts across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, where its authenticity and appearance are often required or strongly preferred.
The Installation Process for Cedar Siding
Installing new cedar siding typically begins with preparing the exterior walls. This often involves the careful removal of existing siding, whether it is old cedar, asbestos shingles, or other materials. During this stage, the underlayment and sheathing are inspected for any water damage, rot, or structural issues, particularly on older homes that may have original skip sheathing or plank boards.
After the wall is clear and any necessary repairs to the sheathing are completed, a new moisture barrier, such as house wrap or felt paper, is applied. This layer is critical for protecting the home from water intrusion and air leakage. Windows and doors are flashed properly to integrate with the new siding system, ensuring a watertight seal at these vulnerable points.
Cedar clapboard is installed horizontally, overlapping each course to shed water effectively. The exposure, or the visible portion of each board, is kept consistent across the wall. Cedar shingles, on the other hand, are nailed individually, often with staggered butt lines for a more rustic look or precise, even courses for a refined finish, especially common on Shingle Style homes. Proper fastening methods, using corrosion resistant nails, are essential for the longevity of both types of cedar siding, preventing issues like cupping or splitting down the line. Trim work around windows, doors, and corners is installed after the main siding, completing the exterior envelope.
Comparing Cedar Clapboard, Shingles, and Shakes
Cedar siding offers distinct aesthetic and functional choices, primarily between clapboard, shingles, and shakes. Cedar clapboard consists of horizontal boards, typically tapered, that overlap. This style provides a classic, clean line and is a common sight on many center chimney colonials and triple-deckers throughout New England. It offers a relatively smooth surface that can be painted or stained.
Cedar shingles are thinner, uniformly sawn pieces, often installed with a consistent exposure. They are a defining characteristic of coastal cottages and Newport Shingle Style houses, known for their ability to weather to a soft, natural grey when left untreated, particularly in salt air environments. Shingles can also be stained or painted, offering versatility.
Cedar shakes are hand split or machine split from logs, resulting in a rougher, more textured surface compared to shingles. They are generally thicker and have a more rustic appearance, often used to create a strong visual statement. While visually distinct, both shingles and shakes offer similar durability; the choice between them largely depends on the desired architectural effect for a given property. The installed cost for cedar shingle typically ranges from $11 to $19 per square foot, while cedar clapboard is between $10 and $17 per square foot.
When Cedar Siding is the Right Choice, and When Alternatives Fit Better
Cedar siding is often the correct answer for homeowners seeking historic accuracy, natural beauty, and a specific architectural aesthetic. For houses in a local historic district, such as many found in Boston's South End or Providence's East Side, local regulations often mandate the use of cedar or other historically appropriate materials. Cedar's ability to weather naturally and its genuine wood appearance are difficult to replicate with other products.
However, cedar siding requires regular maintenance, which can be a significant consideration. If low maintenance is a primary concern, then alternatives like fiber cement siding or vinyl siding may be better options. Fiber cement siding, with an installed cost of $9.5 to $16 per square foot, offers a longer lifespan of 40 to 60 years and can mimic the look of wood with significantly less upkeep. Vinyl siding, at $4.5 to $8 per square foot installed, is a cost effective choice for projects where budget and minimal maintenance are top priorities, though it does not offer the same natural warmth or historic character.
For homes where budget is the driving factor and a wood look is still desired without the full maintenance of cedar, engineered wood siding, costing $7.5 to $12.5 per square foot installed, provides an intermediate solution. It offers a wood appearance and decent durability for 25 to 35 years, but still does not carry the same historic weight or natural weathering properties of genuine cedar.
Understanding Cedar Siding Costs in New England
The cost of a full cedar re-side project in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut can vary considerably, typically falling within the broader siding category range of $14,000 to $38,000 for an 1,800 square foot wall area. Cedar siding, being a premium natural material, generally positions projects towards the higher end of this scale. The specific type of cedar chosen, whether Eastern White Cedar or Western Red Cedar, clear grade or knotty, will impact material cost.
Key cost drivers include the removal of existing siding, especially if it is lead painted or asbestos, which incurs specialized disposal fees. The complexity of the house design, such as multiple gables, turrets, or intricate trim details, increases labor time and material waste. Scaffolding requirements for taller homes also add to project expenses. For instance, a two story Colonial with many architectural features will require more labor hours and specialized equipment than a simple, single story Cape.
The choice between natural weathering, staining, or painting also affects the total cost. Staining or painting adds material and labor expenses, but can extend the life of the finish. Other variances include the cost of flashing materials, house wrap, and the quality of the trim boards used. A project involving cedar shingle can range from $11 to $19 per square foot installed, and cedar clapboard from $10 to $17 per square foot installed, reflecting these factors.
Project Duration for Cedar Siding Installation
A complete cedar siding installation project for an average 1,800 square foot home typically takes between 10 to 20 working days, though this can vary. The duration depends heavily on the size and complexity of the house, the number of crew members on site, and prevailing weather conditions. Good weather allows for continuous work, while rain or strong winds can cause significant delays.
Removing old siding is often the first variable. If the existing material is difficult to take off, or if extensive repairs to the underlying sheathing are required due to rot or pest damage, the initial phase can extend the overall timeline. The type of cedar also plays a role; individual cedar shingles, especially if installed with intricate patterns or staggered butts, generally take longer to install than standard cedar clapboard.
Additional elements that can lengthen the project include window and door replacement concurrently with siding, elaborate trim details, or the application of multiple coats of stain or paint. For a historic shingled coastal cottage, the detailed work around windows and dormers might push the timeline towards the longer end of this range, ensuring all historic elements are respected.
Common Issues from Poorly Installed Cedar Siding
When cedar siding is not installed correctly, several problems can arise that compromise the home's integrity and appearance. One common issue is cupping or warping of the clapboard or shingles, which occurs if the cedar is not adequately dried before installation or if it is fastened improperly. Incorrect nailing, such as nailing too tightly or using non-corrosion resistant fasteners, can restrict the wood's natural movement with changes in humidity and temperature, leading to splits or cracks.
Another significant failure mechanism is water intrusion. This often happens due to inadequate or incorrectly installed flashing around windows, doors, and corners. Water can seep behind the siding, leading to rot in the cedar itself, as well as in the sheathing and framing underneath. On older homes with original board sheathing, moisture trapped behind poorly installed cedar can quickly accelerate decay.
Pest infestation, particularly from insects like carpenter ants or woodpeckers, can also be exacerbated by poor installation. Gaps left by poorly fit siding pieces or unsealed edges provide easy entry points. Over time, these issues not only detract from the home's aesthetic but can lead to costly structural damage and require extensive siding repair or even premature replacement, well before the cedar's typical 30 to 50 year lifespan is reached.
Cedar Siding Across New England Housing Styles
Cedar siding takes on different roles and aesthetics across the diverse housing stock of New England. On a classic Cape Cod or a grand Newport Shingle Style house along the coast, cedar shingles are the quintessential choice, often allowed to weather naturally to a soft grey. This appearance is historically accurate and resilient in the salty coastal air, reflecting the original building traditions of the region.
For many center chimney Colonials and other pre-1940 homes, particularly in established neighborhoods in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, cedar clapboard was the original material. Replacing it with new cedar clapboard maintains the historical character and is often a requirement in local historic districts. These homes might have had board sheathing or minimal insulation, and a re-siding project can be an opportunity to improve the wall's energy performance while preserving its authentic look.
Even on postwar Capes or simpler mill worker housing, while not always original, cedar siding can be a suitable upgrade. A well executed cedar clapboard or shingle installation can elevate the home's perceived quality and integrate it more deeply into the traditional New England vernacular. However, the existing substrate, such as old asbestos shingles or other materials, must be carefully considered during removal to ensure a clean base for the new cedar.
Essential Elements of a Detailed Cedar Siding Quote
A comprehensive quote for cedar siding should itemize more than just the material cost. It should clearly outline the scope of work, starting with the exact square footage of siding to be installed and the specific type and grade of cedar chosen, whether clear vertical grain clapboard or knotty shingles. The quote should also specify the method of installation, including nail type, exposure, and any patterns for shingles.
Key line items to look for include the removal and disposal of existing siding, ensuring proper handling of any hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint. The quote should detail the preparation of the wall, including the installation of a new house wrap or moisture barrier and any necessary sheathing repairs. Costs for flashing around all windows, doors, and penetrations must be included.
Furthermore, a thorough quote will specify trim materials for corners, frieze boards, window and door casings, and any decorative elements. It should also include painting or staining, if applicable, noting the number of coats and type of finish. Scaffolding rental, debris removal, site cleanup, and any permit fees should be clearly itemized. A thin quote that lumps these critical steps into a single, vague figure risks unexpected additional costs and potential disputes during the project.
Common questions
Cedar siding requires periodic maintenance to preserve its appearance and extend its life. This typically involves cleaning every 3 to 5 years to remove mildew, dirt, and debris. If the cedar is stained or painted, re-staining or repainting is usually needed every 5 to 10 years, depending on exposure and product quality. Regular inspection for loose fasteners, minor damage, or signs of rot also helps address issues before they become larger problems.
Cedar siding is frequently required in historic districts because it was the predominant exterior material used on homes built in New England during certain historical periods. Architectural review boards in places like Newport, Rhode Island, or Concord, Massachusetts, aim to preserve the authentic character and appearance of these areas. Cedar's natural aesthetic, texture, and ability to weather in a historically accurate way make it the preferred or mandated choice.
Yes, cedar siding can certainly be painted. Painting offers a wider range of color choices and a more opaque finish compared to staining. However, painted cedar typically requires more frequent maintenance, as paint is more prone to peeling, cracking, or blistering, especially in areas with high humidity or intense sun exposure. Proper surface preparation and the use of high quality primers and paints designed for wood are crucial for a lasting finish.
With proper installation and consistent maintenance, cedar siding has a lifespan of 30 to 50 years. Factors such as the quality of the cedar, the type of finish applied, and the local climate can influence its longevity. Coastal homes exposed to salt air and harsh weather might see the lower end of this range without diligent care, while well protected cedar in a mild environment can last even longer.
Yes, cedar siding typically adds value to a home, particularly in New England markets where its traditional aesthetic is highly appreciated. Its natural beauty, durability, and historic appropriateness contribute to a home's perceived quality and uniqueness. While the initial investment can be higher than other siding options, cedar can enhance resale value and appeal, especially for buyers looking for authentic materials and classic architectural details.
Cedar contains natural oils that provide some resistance to insects like termites and carpenter ants, making it less susceptible than some other wood species. However, it is not entirely impervious to pest infestation, especially if the wood is consistently wet or poorly maintained. Proper installation, including good flashing and sealing, along with regular inspections, helps prevent pests from finding entry points or settling into damp areas of the siding.