Recommendations that are useful in the maintenance of your cedar siding are as follows.
Caulking cedar siding knots.
If i am installing a prefinished product which i do mostly i use a color osi match caulk.
I m not a painter but i do install cedar siding and i always caulk all the joints.
Preventative maintenance is the key to controlling cedar bleed.
Generally we do not recommend caulking butt joints on cedar siding.
Caulk is most often used to seal joints and cracks.
Make sure the siding is installed properly.
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 is generally not a good idea to use caulking on wood siding.
Width is a matter of taste and proper proportion.
How to repair cracks in cedar siding with wood filler.
The corner boards and the ends of the siding are nailed to the corner studs which anchors the wood for a maintenance free joint.
The answer depends on the manufacturer and installation method used when the siding was first installed.
When deciding how to use caulk on your siding however it is generally more important to consider where you should not use it.
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.
If i install a non finished product i usually go with a 3m paintable caulk.
If overused or incorrectly placed siding caulk can cause more damage to your exterior than good.
However if the wooden exterior of your new home is pitted with nail holes ice damage or other.
While cedar stands up to the elements fairly well on its own putting a seal or a coat of paint on it can enhance the color and protect the wood from inclement weather.
Grumpy chicago gutters.
How to caulk to fill exterior wood holes.
Whenever possible use the best available materials including pre primed and pre finished if possible clear vertical grain cvg cedar clapboards.