Replies

1. 
   calvin | Sep 27, 2010 09:26pm | #1

   This from the Cedar Siding Assoc.

   http://www.wrcla.org/cedarspecs/installing/primebeforeinstalling.asp

   I seal all edges, back and cuts b/4 installing.

   Old wood is more likely to last longer than new-why?  not a forester nor chemist-but it's pretty much the thinking.

   Last year I pulled off some 130 yo poplar lap siding.  Not painted at all on the rough sawn back-nailed with cut nails and where away from real problem areas-very good condition. 

1. 
   Tyr | Sep 28, 2010 04:19am | #2

   Backpriming

   I use a stain/sealer on every surface of cedar.  Cedar has sap that will color (darken) the surface from exposure to sunlight (this is on the sides that are "baked" by direct sunlight). The stain keeps the color closer to the sap color as the sealer wears off--you might be setting up a job for yourself in 10+ years resealing the cedar.   Helps the cash flow even if you have to work from a ladder.  I stain and seal all new stuff on sawhorses before installation or cutting.

   I do the same for cedar fencing.   Tyr

2. 
   semipro | Oct 20, 2010 08:07pm | #3

   back-priming cedar siding

   Our 22 year old house is sided with western red cedar.  The siding was originally installed without treating the back side at all.  I've noticed that this seems to cause the boards to warp since water entry is restricted on the front by stain while moisture in the air may enter the back side of the siding.  On sections of the house where I've installed new siding or re-used old siding I've stained the backs and edges and see no warping occuring after a year's time. 

3. 
   Hokuto | Oct 21, 2010 11:41am | #4

   According to the WRCEA,

   "When applying paint and solid-color stains to previously unfinished cedar it is very beneficial to

   apply one coat of primer paint to the back (sometimes called back priming), edges and ends of

   siding boards before the cedar is installed. Back priming helps reduce wetting up the back side

   of the siding. Coating the ends and edges helps prevent water penetration in those areas. It’s

   always important to remember that good finishing practices, proper siding installation and proper

   siding venting are a necessity for good cedar performance and for the longest lifetime for the

   finishes. Applying the finish by brush is usually the best procedure to use for the best durability"

4. 
   Scott | Oct 21, 2010 12:26pm | #5

   >>>and this old siding is

   >>>and this old siding is usually in good shape...

   That's because it was bought in the days when you could get good cedar siding, clear, old-growth, tight-grain wood. You won't find that stuff anymore, unless you pay big bucks.

   Today's construction techniques are also a factor. The old walls allowed a lot of drafty air to flow back and forth, which kept the siding somewhat stable, but wasted a lot of energy.

   I would definitely back-prime today's cedar being installed on a modern-day wall.

1. 
   DanH | Oct 21, 2010 07:32pm | #6

   Of course, one should keep in mind that there was probably also a lot of cr*p siding back in the olden days.  It's the stuff that's been replaced already.  Kinda like saying that people must live longer in an old folks home, since there are so many old people there.