Welcome back to our series on the lifespan of different types of residential siding. So far, we’ve covered vinyl siding, cement board siding, and composite siding. In this installment of the series we shift our attention to wood siding.
In addition to the lifespan of wood siding, we’ll also touch upon pricing, as well as the top pros and cons of wood siding. But first, let’s take a quick look at a handful of popular wood types that are used for siding …
POPULAR TYPES OF WOOD USED FOR SIDING
- Cedar: This type of wood is naturally resistant to both insects and rot. It is also an excellent choice for humid climates.
- Pine: An affordable choice (upfront), pine will wind up costing more time and money in the long run because it requires more maintenance than other types of wood.
- Redwood & Cypress: Both of these types of wood are incredibly durable, stable and long lasting. They’re also innately weather- and decay-resistant. That said, they are on the more expensive side.
- Douglas Fir: This stable “softwood,” is durable and strong, resisting warping and decay.
WOOD SIDING LIFESPAN
WOOD SIDING LIFESPANAs we’ve seen throughout the series, there are a handful of factors that determine the lifespan of any type of siding, including wood siding. With that said, wood siding has a lifespan of anywhere between 20 to 100+ years, which is quite a wide breadth, so let’s break it down by wood type.
- Cypress: 100+ years
- Cedar & Redwood: 50 to 75+ years
- Fir: 30+ years
- Pine: 20+ years
Let’s take a look at the major factors that contribute to the lifespan range of all types of wood siding:
The Quality of the Wood
When it comes to wood siding, keep in mind that we’re measuring the quality of the wood based on its ability to endure. That said, as mentioned above, cedar, redwood and cypress are your best bets. Check with your siding installer to see which price point suits your budget best if you are looking for one of these wood types. Typically, redwood is the most pricey option, with cedar in the middle and cypress being the least expensive of the three.
Climate & Weather
Things like rain, snow, humidity, and exposure to intense sun all play a role in the lifespan of wood siding. Plus, high winds can cause damage from debris, or from siding pull off that’s caused by negative pressure (suction).
The Quality of the Installation
If your siding is not installed properly, for example if the nailings are overly tight, or there’s insufficient nail penetration, that siding pull of we mentioned above could be more likely. That said, installation plays a huge role in how long your siding will last, which is why we always recommend choosing a LOCAL siding contractor in the Madison, WI, area, who is fully insured, reputable in the community, and committed to consistent professional training.
Proper installation, including flashing and moisture barriers (not just the siding), helps avoid problems like moisture infiltration.
Maintenance
If you choose a wood siding solution, expect that you (or a hired professional) will need to perform regular maintenance. Wood siding has more maintenance needs than other types of siding like vinyl or composite. If you adhere to the maintenance schedule for the particular siding solution you choose, you can greatly extend the lifespan of the product.
What wood siding maintenance looks like:
- Painting, approximately every 5-7 years, although a quality paint can last about 10 years
- Solid or semi-solid staining, approximately every 3-5 years
- Clear sealers/stains, approximately every 1-2 years
- Resealing is required approximately every 3-5 years
- A gentle cleaning is also recommended every year or two to remove things like dirt, mold and mildew. This can be accomplished with a soft-bristle brush along with a mild detergent. Stay away from power washers unless you have solid experience using them, as too high of a pressure can damage your wood siding
COST RANGE
COST RANGEHere’s a quick rundown on the cost of wood siding by wood type. Please note that this pricing is an approximation …
- Total Cost (installed) can range between approximately $8,000-$20,000+, depending on home size and wood type.
- Material Costs Breakdown (installed):
- Cypress: $4–$16 per sq. ft.
- Cedar: $6–$16 per sq. ft.
- Redwood: $6–$20 per sq. ft.
- Pine: $3–$11 per sq. ft.
- Fir: $4–$12 per sq. ft.
WOOD SIDING PROS
WOOD SIDING PROS- It’s Eco Friendly: Wood is a renewable, natural resource, which means it has a lower environmental impact than other non-biodegradable siding options.
- It Provides Natural Insulation: Possessing superb natural thermal properties, wood siding has the innate ability to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer — which can lead to lower utility bills.
- Wood Siding is Gorgeous: As beautiful as non-wood siding products are these days, there’s something special about the use of actual wood on your home (as long as you don’t mind the maintenance we mentioned). Wood delivers a warm, natural, grounding aesthetic that makes it a top choice for some homeowners.
- It Can be Incredibly Durable: When you’re using higher-quality wood like cypress, cedar or redwood, and keeping up with maintenance, your siding can last for decades.
- It’s Easy to Repair: With wood siding, you can often simply replace individual boards that have been damaged. This isn’t always the case with other types of siding.
WOOD SIDING CONS
WOOD SIDING CONS- Maintenance: At this point, you’re probably not surprised by this, but it’s worth mentioning again. If you’re not interested in the higher-maintenance needs of wood siding, speak with your siding contractor about other options that still give the appearance of wood without the upkeep.
- Rotting: Since wood is a porous, natural material, it is prone to absorb water. This can lead to siding issues from rot, mildew and mold. This is especially true in humid or wet climates.
- It Can Attract Pests: Bugs, like carpenter ants and termites, as well as small animals, can infest wood siding, leading to structural damage.
- Cost: Wood can be a more expensive material as compared to other siding materials like vinyl or cement board. The higher cost derives from two factors: materials, as well as installation.
- Flammability: Wood is considered the most flammable siding material
- Longevity: As we’ve mentioned, quality wood that’s properly maintained can last for decades. That said, without that proper care, wood siding can experience a shorter lifespan than materials like vinyl, cement board, composite or hardboard.
Get In Touch
If you would like to schedule a complimentary inspection of your siding, or just have questions about siding, feel free to contact Legacy Exteriors anytime. We’re always happy to help!