Caulking Cedar Siding Seams

The answer depends on the manufacturer and installation method used when the siding was first installed.

Caulking cedar siding seams.

Grumpy chicago gutters. Paintable silicone caulk can be used around the outside of window units to properly seal the window and the siding edge or around the entire door unit. If i am installing a prefinished product which i do mostly i use a color osi match caulk. Don t use a filler like wood filler as it will not move with the cedar siding.

Think of a wood home as a living thing. Me i would powerwash the house let dry overnight caulk the seams and around the edges with cedar colored caulk then stain. If i install a non finished product i usually go with a 3m paintable caulk. When james hardie siding products butt into wood based materials a 1 8 gap will allow for expansion and contraction of the wood based product.

Use when installing bath fixtures to seal gaps between shower tiles between sinks and counters and around the base of the toilet. Because the staing will tint the caulk slightly. In my opinion caulking between the seams in any lapped siding either horizontal or vertical is not good practice but not just because of any potential vapor barrier effect. It is generally not a good idea to use caulking on wood siding.

When caulking seams between windows and masonry siding including basement windows and windows on stucco or brick homes you ll need an exterior caulk that s compatible with. It needs to move and breathe. I m not a painter but i do install cedar siding and i always caulk all the joints. Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement.

Caulking around windows doors eaves and trim edges gives added insurance that leaks will not occur. The siding expands and contracts with temperature and humidity. Generally we do not recommend caulking butt joints on cedar siding.