We’re building a house right on the Oregon coast and debating siding. We’d like to be as low maintenance as possible, which is asking a lot in a saltwater environment. We aren’t willing to do vinyl or stucco though. That seems to leave cedar and Hardie. As I understand it, Hardie will need to be painted frequently. I read conflicting things about cedar though, from frequent maintenance to set it and forget it.
What is the ultimate coastal siding? Can cedar be ignored?
Thanks!
Replies
Hardie acts more like stucco. I have it at my cabin at Big Bear Lake, CA and the paint has lasted over 20 years. The wood trim on the other hand is over due now. Check around your area or go to local lumber yard that carries Hardie and ask if any of their customers have Hardie installed. Get their opinion.
My inlaws have home on SW Washington coast (north of Astoria, OR). Hardie works if you rinse it off occasionally and watch your caulking and wood trim. Just remember, only stainless and cedar ultimately last in heavy salt air. If you do cedar, you will need to respray with linseed or other appropriate oil treatment every year or so, but it will overall last better.
Thanks! I'll have my builder ask the lumber yard at the coast.
I have a house in lincoln city, right on the beach. Cedar shingles have been great.
cfr
The lowest maintenance siding will be Hardilap plus PVC trim properly flashed and caulked using high-grade polyurethane caulk. The paint on both these products will last 20 years or more since moisture won't be coming through the back.
Check the FH back article file on stories on beach front homes.
Will do! Didn't know PVC trip was paintable and don't want white. Thanks!
Right. The only thing I've found that lasts is Hardie siding, stainless hardware (specifically 316), PVC trim, and copper flashing (20 oz).