The 5 top threats to your Cedar

Although Cedar weather boards and cladding are beautiful additions to your property, they are under threat from a number of things:

(1) UV Rays: Our harsh sun can destroy the outer fibres of you Cedar. If left unprotected the sun’s UV rays will breakdown the lignin in the Cedar, causing it to grey or silver. In reality what is happening is that the outer fibres are loosening, drying out, and eroding. This creates “weathering” of your timber which is hard to reverse.

(2) Moisture: Our humid climate means the Cedar is exposed to high moisture levels. As the moisture is absorbed into the timber and then evaporated away, the timber starts to shrink on the outside surface, causing cupping of the boards and the eventual pulling away from the fastenings, or splitting. If constantly exposed to moisture the Cedar will discolour and start to rot.

(3) Water blasters: Our DIY cultures means that we think we can do it ourselves, but incorrect use of the water blaster will remove the protective coating and can irreversibly mark your cladding. In most cases the pressure from even a domestic water blaster is too high for safe use on Cedar timber.

(4) Poor advice: Well-meaning people offer advice on what to do. The internet contains pages of information on how to treat or not treat your Cedar. Most are not Cedar specialists and are only giving general advice. Often it is not based on our unique New Zealand conditions or the products we have available. You need specialised advice for your own unique situation.

(5) Delayed maintenance: Leaving the maintenance until it is obvious that it is needed allows damage to occur that is difficult and more costly to repair. Regular, timely, and specialised maintenance is the best way to protect your investment in your Cedar.

As specialists in the maintenance of Cedar timber we are happy to provide a no obligation assessment and give you advice on what is needed to care for the Cedar on your property.