Caulking Cedar Lap Siding

If i install a non finished product i usually go with a 3m paintable caulk.

Caulking cedar lap siding.

Think of a wood home as a living thing. The answer depends on the manufacturer and installation method used when the siding was first installed. Width is a matter of taste and proper proportion. How to caulk the window trim on lap siding.

The corner boards and the ends of the siding are nailed to the corner studs which anchors the wood for a maintenance free joint. It is generally not a good idea to use caulking on wood siding. It needs to move and breathe. When you try to restrict either it is at your peril.

Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement. Whether you are repainting replacing a window or replacing the siding on your house the caulking around the window trim is a very important element. When deciding how to use caulk on your siding however it is generally more important to consider where you should not use it. If i am installing a prefinished product which i do mostly i use a color osi match caulk.

If overused or incorrectly placed siding caulk can cause more damage to your exterior than good. Corner boards are applied to the sheathing with siding fitting tightly against the narrow edge of the boards allowing for expansion and an adequate caulking bead. Generally we do not recommend caulking butt joints on cedar siding.