Prcper handling of cedar avoids prcblems

llllOST complaints about product lUlservice could be avoided if users would handle materials properly, according to an association executive who often mediates between dealer and customer.

"Dealers must sffess again and again the proper handling of the materials which they sell," he says. "Tbke-home brochures on handling should be attached to every invoice."

Cedar is no exception to the need for careful handling. Following the rules will assure your customer of getting the best out ofthe product. Each ofyour employees should be familiar with the westem red cedar siding and paneling product specification and installation lecommendations made by the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association.

They sEess one simple de for handling cedar bevel siding-keep it dry. Storing all cedar under cover and avoiding rough handling is recommended.

Paneling, too, can be damaged by too much moisture. It's a good practice to stack paneling in the room in which it will be installed with one inch separators. lraving it there for a week to l0 days before installation will allow the wood to match local moisture conditions. Plaster work should be completely dty before paneling is delivered. Masonry or concrete walls must be waterproofed before any paneling is applied.

Using proper nails is another way to avoid problems. Sales people recommending or selling nails to be used with cedar should remember that there are only three kinds suitable. Recommended nails are galvanized (hot-dipped zinc); aluminum, which since it is corrosive resistant will give minimum discoloration or deterioration of cedar siding, and stainless steel which is considered very satisfactory for working with cedar. Nailing always should be recommended over stapling.

Rigid foam sheathing is becoming widely used because of the need to improve energy efficiency. Applying cedar over it requires special techniques which dealers should emphasize to customers. Guidelines with complete details are available from the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association and the Western Wood Products Association.

Briefly, corrosion-resistant nails long enough to penetmte beyond the siding and sheathing into the stud are needed.

Brief customers on keeping cedar dry before application... recommend proper type and length of nail...hand out installation brochures.

Ring shank nails can provide increased holding power. Both the sheathing and cedar must be dry. Cedar siding should be stored under cover until it is applied.

If wood bevel siding is used, better performance can be achieved with thicker patterns. A rabbetedbevel pattem or other pattern that does not leave a space between the back side of the siding and sheathing reduces the chance of cupping and splitting during application. It also reduces the chance of moisture accumulation. Cedar siding pattems of 8 inches or less in width are recommended.

Since nail diameters often increase with length, it may be necessary to drill holes at the ends ofthe siding to prevent splitting. Bevel siding should be lapped a minimum of I inch over the underlying siding board. Nails should clear the thick edge of the covered board by approximately l/8 inch to allow for expansion. Nails that are overdriven may cause splitting or cupping of the siding. All end joints must fall over studs.

Take the word of our association friend and brief your customers on the proper handling of cedar. It's not a difficult wood, but a little prevention goes a long way in any situation involving wood products.

Brochures and further information are cwailable from the Westem Red Cedor Lumber Association, Yeon Building, Ponland, Or. 97204-ed.