Cedar Siding Replacement
Why James Hardie® Siding Outperforms Traditional Cedar Siding

Cedar Siding Replacement

Cedar siding comes in various types, each with its own aesthetic appeal and installation method. It’s important to note that a Cedar Siding Contractor uses proper flashing and best practice installation to prolong the life of Cedar. As a local Cedar Siding Contractor, Here are some common types of cedar siding:
Bevel siding, also known as clapboard siding, is one of the most common types. It features boards that are thicker at one edge and tapered, creating a wedge shape. This allows for water runoff and provides a traditional look. A Cedar Siding Contractor installation is the most common here in the Pacific Northwest.
Shingle siding consists of small, individual pieces of cedar that overlap to create a textured and rustic appearance.
Cedar shakes are thicker than shingles and have a more rustic, textured appearance. Shakes are applied in various pattern, including staggered or uniform for a rustic look.
This type of siding involves wide vertical boards (boards) with narrower boards (battens) covering the seams. It creates a distinct, often rustic, and vertical pattern on the exterior of a structure.
Tongue and groove siding features interlocking boards that fit together snugly. This type provides a tight, seamless look and is often used for a more finished appearance on walls or ceilings.
Channel rustic siding has a channel or groove cut into one edge of each board. This creates a distinctive shadow line and can give a building a textured or patterned appearance.
Cedar planks are wider boards that cover the exterior of a building. This type of siding can provide a more modern or contemporary look, especially when installed horizontally.
Drop channel siding features a groove or channel running along the bottom edge of each board. This design allows for water drainage and is often used for a rustic or traditional look.
There are several reasons why Cedar siding just does not stand up to the Pacific Northwest climate and is generally not recommended, including:
Cedar siding can be more prone to rot in the Northwest, including regions like Portland, due to the specific environmental conditions prevalent in this area. Some factors contributing to the increased susceptibility of cedar siding to rot in the Northwest include:
By taking these precautions, homeowners can help protect cedar siding from rot and extend its lifespan in the damp conditions of the Northwest. Elite Home Exteriors NW is a Cedar Siding Contractor that is ready to partner with you on your siding project.
The wet, humid climate of the Pacific NW can test the limits of your home exterior, but not with James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding.
James Hardie siding is the perfect siding for Pacific NW homes and is durable enough to withstand the weather and climate for years to come.
James Hardie siding requires little to no maintenance and is way more cost-effective than other siding options like Cedar.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, natural-looking exterior and long-lasting investment, you can’t go wrong with James Hardie siding.
Elite Home Exteriors NW proudly serves the Portland and Vancouver areas as a James Hardie Certified Preferred Contractor.
We comply with James Hardie ELITE Installation Best Practices and maintain a satisfactory credit report so we can provide all of our customers with a 30-year non-prorated warranty on James Hardie siding.
With Elite Home Exteriors NW, you can expect a professional James Hardie siding installation or replacement with a satisfaction guarantee.
Cedar siding has a rich history dating back centuries, with roots in North America and Europe. Here’s an overview of its development:
Indigenous Use: Cedar has been used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples in North America for various purposes, including building materials. Native tribes such as the Pacific Northwest Coast tribes utilized cedar wood for constructing longhouses, totem poles, and canoes due to its abundance, durability, and natural resistance to decay.
Colonial America: European settlers in North America also recognized the value of cedar wood for construction. Cedar siding became a common choice for colonial homes and buildings due to its availability in regions such as the northeastern United States and its resistance to rot and insect damage.
Traditional Siding Material: Cedar remained a popular siding material throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, prized for its natural beauty, durability, and insulation properties. It was often used in the form of clapboard or shingles, with each piece handcrafted and installed to create a weather-resistant and visually appealing exterior cladding.
Industrialization and Mass Production: With the advent of industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cedar siding production transitioned from manual craftsmanship to mechanized manufacturing processes. Sawmills and lumberyards began producing cedar siding in large quantities, making it more accessible and affordable to builders and homeowners.
Architectural Styles and Regional Variations: Cedar siding became synonymous with various architectural styles, including Cape Cod, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman. Different regions developed their own preferences for cedar siding styles, finishes, and installation techniques, leading to a rich diversity of cedar-clad buildings across North America.
Modern Applications: Cedar siding continues to be a popular choice for residential and commercial construction projects, valued for its natural beauty, durability, and sustainability. It is often used in upscale homes, cabins, and resorts seeking a rustic or traditional aesthetic, as well as in contemporary designs where its warmth and character complement modern architecture.
Maintenance and Longevity: While cedar siding offers many benefits, it requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and structural integrity. Periodic cleaning, staining, or sealing helps protect cedar wood from moisture, UV damage, and fungal growth, extending its lifespan and maintaining its natural color and texture.
Overall, the history of cedar siding reflects its enduring appeal as a versatile and timeless building material, rooted in centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. Despite advancements in construction technology and the availability of alternative siding materials, cedar continues to be cherished for its beauty, sustainability, and connection to nature.
Elite Home Exteriors NW is the #1 most trusted and affordable siding contractor serving Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, with a strong reputation built on quality craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and outstanding customer service. Being the best siding contractor, Elite Home Exteriors NW specializes in James Hardie siding, Cedar siding, and fiber cement siding installation, providing expert exterior solutions for homeowners throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our local service area includes Vancouver WA, Portland OR, Camas WA, Ridgefield WA, Battle Ground WA, Washougal WA, Hazel Dell WA, Salmon Creek WA, Gresham OR, Beaverton OR, Tigard OR, Happy Valley OR, and surrounding neighborhoods. Whether you’re in Clark County or Multnomah County, we’re the go-to siding company for reliable siding replacement, custom exterior upgrades, and home remodeling services that stand the test of time. Choose Elite Home Exteriors NW as your preferred siding contractor for exceptional results, fair pricing, and unmatched professionalism.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation siding quote in the Portland-Vancouver metro area!
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At Elite Home Exteriors NW, we’re passionate about educating homeowners throughout Portland, Oregon, Clark County Washington, and surrounding areas on the best siding solutions for their homes. Elite Home Exteriors NW Siding blog page features detailed guides on premium products like James Hardie® siding, vinyl, cedar, and other durable exterior materials. Whether you’re exploring design ideas, comparing products, or looking for before-and-after project highlights, our blog is your go-to resource for expert advice, local project showcases, and real-world tips to protect and beautify your home for years to come.