If overused or incorrectly placed siding caulk can cause more damage to your exterior than good.
Caulking cedar lap siding.
The corner boards and the ends of the siding are nailed to the corner studs which anchors the wood for a maintenance free joint.
When deciding how to use caulk on your siding however it is generally more important to consider where you should not use it.
Caulk by its adhesive nature will try to limit this movement leading to widespread failure and cracking in the caulk over time.
Width is a matter of taste and proper proportion.
I m not a painter but i do install cedar siding and i always caulk all the joints.
It needs to move and breathe.
It is generally not a good idea to use caulking on wood siding.
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.
How to caulk the window trim on lap siding.
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.
The answer depends on the manufacturer and installation method used when the siding was first installed.
If i am installing a prefinished product which i do mostly i use a color osi match caulk.
Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement.
Think of a wood home as a living thing.