Caulking Cedar Siding Joints

I am in agreement with martin not to use caulking as it seems to cause more.

Caulking cedar siding joints.

The answer depends on the manufacturer and installation method used when the siding was first installed. 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. If i install a non finished product i usually go with a 3m paintable caulk.

My question is limited to the seams in which the siding contacts vertical trim. This is a high performance formula that comes in a 10 1 oz bottle. It needs to move and breathe. Think of a wood home as a living thing.

All butt joints will be flashed. Most other areas were caulk is necessary should be lightly smoothed with your finger. The hole should be about 3 16 of an inch for most caulking joints. The siding expands and contracts with temperature and humidity.

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. If you re in the market for the best exterior caulk for cedar siding you will appreciate what the red devil 077010 has to offer. When you try to restrict either it is at your peril. It dries in just an hour and serves for up to 35 years.

The siding will be a combination of lap wood siding front and colorplus hardie plank the rest. Caulk by its adhesive nature will try to limit this movement leading to widespread failure and cracking in the caulk over time. Should they always be caulked. If i am installing a prefinished product which i do mostly i use a color osi match caulk.

Caulking on the exterior siding joints at the corner board if done carefully does not need to be smoothed with a finger. A lot of moisture from rain snow misdirected sprinklers or exuberant water fights can get in there enough to do some serious and expensive damage. 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 about to put up siding on a building enclosure that includes a wrb taped xps and furring strips.

Where two pieces of siding meet.