They say not to judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to houses, each type of siding tells a different story. When a homeowner sets out to select a particular type of siding, he really needs to ask himself what kind of impression he wants his home to give. Does he want it to blend in or stand out? Does he want his home to look modern or classic? For many, the goal of siding installation is to create a welcoming external atmosphere that reflects the aura and overall mood of the house, and when it comes to siding materials, nothing is more inviting than cedar.
Ruben Jeruco has been installing siding throughout New Jersey for over a decade, and although advances in the siding world enable him to offer his customers a variety of siding options, something about cedar speaks to people. For this reason, many homeowners still come to Jeruco Exteriors to inquire about cedar shake siding.
Cedar shake siding is made of smaller pieces of cedar that are attached to the home’s exterior walls in shingle formation. Customers have numerous options when it comes to finishing their cedar shake siding. They can choose to have it painted or stained, but they can also go au natural and let the cedar age naturally to create a pure, rustic appearance. Jeruco finds that his customers are drawn to the warm and inviting look of cedar. For this reason, many prefer untreated cedar so that they can benefit from its natural appearance.
Drawbacks
While cedar shake siding is certainly pleasing to the eye, it does come with a few disadvantages. First of all, the installation process is rather lengthy and far from inexpensive. Homeowners with limited budgets and low tolerances for longer construction timelines might find that cedar is not worth the cost and the hassle. Also, as is the case with regular wood siding, cedar shake comes with its fair share of maintenance. While cedar is more resistant to rotting and warping than other types of wood, it, too, is eventually bound to deteriorate. Cedar is also prone to insects that can eat through and destroy it.
When it comes to cedar, perhaps the biggest disappointment is the fact that over time, its rich color is bound to fade. Weather and sun are unavoidable elements that just naturally degrade the wood, and while some homeowners don’t mind a more rugged look, there comes a point where the cedar will begin to look unflatteringly old. When you compare the lasting value of cedar to something like vinyl, there’s no question that cedar shake siding will have to be replaced far more often.
When it comes to home improvements, emotion can play a big role in key decisions. While cedar shake siding comes with a number of drawbacks, there’s just something about the rich, inviting look of cedar that captivates homeowners from both an aesthetic and sentimental perspective. And after all is said and done, cedar shake siding can truly turn a house into a welcoming home.
