Does Cedar Siding Rot

Redwood cedar ipé and specially treated woods listed below can be very rot resistant.

Does cedar siding rot.

As albany fence designs mentions the natural forces of nature such as wind and rain will slowly cause untreated cedar wood structures such as fences and furniture to fade. Cedar is the most obvious choice for wood siding. For the interior of a raised bed a geotextile or landscape fabric can separate the bedding soil from the wood to wick moisture away from the wood and preserve its longevity. I would guess that along with the stain being at the end of its life with a lower level of protection the cedar has simply run out of time and run out of protection.

Over the years the wood loses much of its tannin. Similar to redwoods cedars naturally produce pest and rot resistant compounds. As is the case with other types of wood siding cedar is flammable unless specially treated. However redwoods and cedars have notably different physical weathering characteristics.

Stains are not as protective because they lack the high solid count. The higher the solid count the more protective the paint. However it will lose its typically golden brown color. Any time dirt debris and moisture are allowed to pile up on the siding and in the creases mold and mildew will grow.

And while it is rot resistant it is not rot proof. This will gradually weaken the wood and lead to rot. Resting raised cedar beds on gravel instead of soil is a smart move because the gravel will drain water quickly away from the cedar and does not retain moisture. Although it s not as inexpensive as some non wood options it s less expensive than shou sugi ban ipé and specially treated wood.

It has something to do with the wood we harvest now being from second growth trees that don t have the resins they had a hundred years ago. It doesn t need a sealer. We heard that it s a myth that cedar is rot resistant. If you leave cedar wood untreated it will not succumb to the devastating effects of mold rot and insect damage.