Caulking Cedar Siding Seams

James hardie recommends the use of caulks and sealants that remain permanently flexible.

Caulking cedar siding seams.

Z flashing z flashing z flashing min. 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. I m not a painter but i do install cedar siding and i always caulk all the joints. Grumpy chicago gutters.

Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement. It needs to move and breathe. If i am installing a prefinished product which i do mostly i use a color osi match caulk. 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.

Siding caulk can be used on several different areas of your exterior siding to help prevent water damage and moisture buildup. Me i would powerwash the house let dry overnight caulk the seams and around the edges with cedar colored caulk then stain. Because the staing will tint the caulk slightly. 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.

Do not caulk extend shingles at least 1 in. Think of a wood home as a living thing. Don t use a filler like wood filler as it will not move with the cedar siding. Nichiha panels bring the look of wood stone brick metal more to your commercial or residential projects with high performance fiber cement.

Generally we do not recommend caulking butt joints on cedar siding. The siding expands and contracts with temperature and humidity.