Can Cedar Siding Be Stapled?
In the United States, the most commonly used types of exterior siding are cedar. Of the many varieties of cedar available, Western Red Cedar, Redwood, Alaskan Yellow and Port Orford Cedar are the most popular species. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Cellular Composition of Cedar
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Cedar can be painted or stained. Cedar wood contains millions of tiny air-filled cells. This makes it an excellent insulator. Cedar will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Cedar has a low shrinkage factor and will resist warping and twisting. Cedar absorbs and discharges moisture in order to stay in balance with its surrounding atmosphere.
Using Corrosion-Resistant Metals
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Homes built of cedar logs offer a rustic appearance. Cedar offers wonderful fastening properties. It contains a natural preservative that can have a corrosive effect on some metals, though. When nailing or stapling into all types of cedar, use corrosion-resistant fasteners such as galvanized or stainless steel.
If using a staple or nail made of an unprotected metal, a black stain will appear on the wood once it absorbs a certain amount of moisture.
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Stapling or Nailing into Cedar
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When using screws and nails on cedar, they should be one-third longer than those used to attach hardwood siding. Though many types of staples are constructed of mild steel alloys, the product used by manufacturers isn't coated and will rust when it comes in contact with moisture. It is possible to staple into any type of cedar, but cedar is a soft wood that will easily retain moisture. Over time the staple will cause discoloration to the wood and may allow moisture into the boards and the weather barrier product.
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- Photo Credit Cedar fence planks image by K. Geijer from Fotolia.com Weathered Red shingle siding on the side of a barn image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com house image by Dragomir Rafajlovic from Fotolia.com home sweeet home image by .shock from Fotolia.com
