Sell cedar siding with care

galvanized nails are recommended. Avoid electroplated nails and staples, as they may cause staining. Ring or spiral shanks will increase holding power, and blunt or diamond-pointed nails can help avoid splitting.

Nails with ring shanks should penefiate l-114" to l-ll2" into wood studs or blocking or into a combination of wood sheathing and these members. Drive nails carefully and predrill near the end to reduce splitting.

Once the cedar siding is installed, proper application of a finish will not only enhance the appearance of the

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Encourage customers to take special care in installing cedar siding stacking, fas' tening, finishing tips.

wood, but will protect the siding from water, mildew and ultraviolet light. Among the wide range of finishing products available, most fall into four categories: clear water repellents, bleaching oils, stains and paints. Clear water repellents are one way to achieve a natural look. Water repellents that contain a mildewcide will help prevent discoloration. While the clear water repellents give added protection, they will not maintain the brand new look of the wood, and the siding will eventually fade naturally. Some formulations contain ultraviolet inhibitors, or UV blocken that can temporarily reduce the effects of the sun.

Bleaching oils accelerate the natural fading of cedar siding in a more controlled fashion, and provide some added protection. The oils will bleach the wood in approximately six to 12 months, resulting in a uniform weathered look.

Stains are pigmented finishes that give added protection against sunlight. Semi-ransparent stains are recommended for rough or saw-textured cedar siding, while opaque stains are suggested for smooth-faced siding.

Paints allow the best protection by creating a film over the wood that resists moisture and blocks out ultraviolet light. Oil-based or acrylic latex primers containing a stain blocker are recommended for cedar to help minimize discoloration. While oil-based paints can be used, acrylic latex paints are more flexible and less prone to cracking.

- For additional information about installing and finishing western red cedar siding, contact the Western Red Cedar Lurnber Association, I I 00-S 55 Bunard St., Vancouver, 8.C., Canada V7X I37; (604) 6U-0266.