Caulking Cedar Siding Seams

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Caulking cedar siding seams.

Siding caulk can be used on several different areas of your exterior siding to help prevent water damage and moisture buildup. Generally we do not recommend caulking butt joints on cedar siding. Do not caulk extend shingles at least 1 in. Don t use a filler like wood filler as it will not move with the cedar siding.

Some of the most commonly caulked areas of siding include both corners and crevices as well as some butt joints and window and door trim boards. Slabs path steps to siding figure 7 deck to wall figure 8 ground to siding figure 9 gutter to siding figure 12 drip edge figure 13 block penetration figure 14 valley shingle extension min. Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement. Me i would powerwash the house let dry overnight caulk the seams and around the edges with cedar colored caulk then stain.

It needs to move and breathe. Z flashing z flashing z flashing min. If i am installing a prefinished product which i do mostly i use a color osi match caulk. James hardie recommends the use of caulks and sealants that remain permanently flexible.

Out from the fascia. If i install a non finished product i usually go with a 3m paintable caulk. When james hardie siding products butt into wood based materials a 1 8 gap will allow for expansion and contraction of the wood based product. I m not a painter but i do install cedar siding and i always caulk all the joints.

The siding expands and contracts with temperature and humidity. Think of a wood home as a living thing.