Caulking Cedar Siding Seams

Because the staing will tint the caulk slightly.

Caulking cedar siding seams.

When caulking seams between windows and masonry siding including basement windows and windows on stucco or brick homes you ll need an exterior caulk that s compatible with. Caulking around windows doors eaves and trim edges gives added insurance that leaks will not occur. Me i would powerwash the house let dry overnight caulk the seams and around the edges with cedar colored caulk then stain. The answer depends on the manufacturer and installation method used when the siding was first installed.

Don t use a filler like wood filler as it will not move with the cedar siding. It is generally not a good idea to use caulking on wood siding. Use when installing bath fixtures to seal gaps between shower tiles between sinks and counters and around the base of the toilet. In my opinion caulking between the seams in any lapped siding either horizontal or vertical is not good practice but not just because of any potential vapor barrier effect.

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. Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement. I m not a painter but i do install cedar siding and i always caulk all the joints. Generally we do not recommend caulking butt joints on cedar siding.

The siding expands and contracts with temperature and humidity. Think of a wood home as a living thing. Use around sinks tubs and showers. If i am installing a prefinished product which i do mostly i use a color osi match caulk.

If i install a non finished product i usually go with a 3m paintable caulk. Grumpy chicago gutters. Paintable silicone caulk can be used around the outside of window units to properly seal the window and the siding edge or around the entire door unit.