Category Archives: Exterior Siding

Natural wood, including Western Red Cedar, and other exterior siding products we offer

Mazama Meadows Project

Nestled in the foothills of the North Cascades near the little gem of a town Mazama, this rustic modern cabin holds all the amenities anyone would need along with the tranquility of wide open space.   Recognized as one of the region’s leading, architecture, urban design and planning firms, Designs Northwest Architects, along with Impel Construction, brought this innovative concept to fruition.

We were pleased to have the opportunity to supply our Premium Forest Products; not only to be a part of such a interesting and unique project, but also because the owner is a personal friend.

Please enjoy these enjoy these photos, captured beautifully by Lucas Henning.

rustic modern cabin

Knotty Western Red Cedar and distressed steel are used on the exterior of the structure to bring a unique and rustic feeling to this cabin

Western Red Cedar Siding with weathered steel

Western Red Cedar Siding

Western Red Cedar and distressed steel siding

Warm and inviting, the Western Red Cedar and weathered steel blend perfectly with the surroundings of the upper end of the Methow Valley located in Eastern Washington.

Western Red Cedar T&G Ceiling

Tight Knot Western Red Cedar tongue and groove paneling was installed on the interior ceilings to bring the warmth of wood and knotty charm into the living space.

Tight Knot Western Red Cedar on ceiling

knotty cedar for interior use

Imagine waking up in this room!  The interior accents of Western Red Cedar combined with an amazing floor to ceiling view make this retreat one to remember!

Western Red Cedar exterior trim

Before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

Tips for Re-finishing Your Western Red Cedar

For the best results, thoroughly inspect your Western Red Cedar siding, trim, and/or decking first for any damage, mildew, and dirt.  Make any necessary repairs, then clean the Cedar with warm water and phosphate-free soap.  If necessary, a stiff bristle (non-metallic) brush can be used.  If there is mold or mildew (brown or black spots), it needs to be killed with a commercially available mildew killer/cleaner or warm water and oxygen bleach.  Should water staining be evident, scrubbing the wood with an oxalic acid solution can be effective for removal.

Western Red Cedar Siding Cleaning Tips

If there is old paint or solid color stain that is peeling and cracking, you will likely need to remove the old finish before removing any mold or mildew.  First, scrape away all loose, cracked, or peeling finish.  In severe cases, all the old products must be removed and must be done with extreme care not to damage the wood underneath.  Should old paint or solid color stains not require full removal, you can feather the edges of the product to the bare wood that has mold or mildew on it by careful sanding.   Clean it thoroughly, rinse with clean water, and dry completely.

A pressure washer may be used for cleaning your Western Red Cedar; however, great care should be taken. Use a low setting so that the grain is not raised or damaged is caused to the wood.

If your Wester Red Cedar lumber has greyed and you would like to restore it back to its original color, that can be done fairly easily using commercially available wood brighteners following the manufacturer’s directions after you have sanded the exposed surface of the Cedar.

After you are certain your Cedar is completely dry after it is cleaned, it is time to refinish.  When choosing a refinishing product, it should be the same type as the original finish.  Old latex should be replaced with latex, and old oil-based finishes should be replaced with new oil-based finishes, with the exception of latex being able to be put on top of old oil-based finishes.  Always follow the manufacturer’s directions no matter which product you choose, and make sure that it is specifically formulated to help control extractive bleeding and is approved for use on Western Red Cedar.

how to prep to stain western red cedar

Caution:  Film-forming finishes such as lacquer, shellac, urethane, and varnish are NOT recommended for use on Western Red Cedar in exterior applications and should be removed with great care.

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

(360) 757.6343

WindsorONE Trim Boards, Specialty Boards and Moldings

Manufactured in the USA and distributed by Cedar Country Lumber, WindsorONE trim boards, specialty boards, and moldings are durable enough for outdoor use and safe for interior use.

WindsorONE boards are made of real wood, finger jointed, and coated with three coats of acrylic latex primer. With sharp, crisp edges on all profiles, WindsorONE provides clean, strong lines that make your projects stand out.  Builders use WindsorONE because every stick of WindsorONE is smooth, straight, and comes primed and ready to install.

WindsorOne Specialty Boards

Focusing on detail and craftsmanship is what has made WindsorONE a leader in the interior/exterior trim market since 1972. All products are made from wood that has been sustainably harvested with no added formaldehyde, which means no harmful odors.

WindsorOne Historical Moldings

There are a wide range of WindsorONE products available, including S1S2E and S4S Trim Boards, Tongue and Groove boards, Beaded Ceiling Boards, Beaded Casing & Shiplap, as well as a wide variety of Classic Colonial, Greek Revival, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival historically accurate moldings, wainscot caps and panel molding.

For a complete brochure, please click HERE.

WindsorOne Products

Before Your Next Project, Be Sure to Visit Us! We Ship Nationwide!

ph 360.757.6343

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street ~ Burlington, WA

WindsorOne Exterior Trim

Pre-Stained and Pre-Primed Western Red Cedar Shingles

Made from high-quality Western Red Cedar, renowned for even grain, weather resistance, thermal insulation, and longevity, our pre-stained or pre-primed shingles are available in natural, sanded, and grooved finishes, as well as fancy cuts.

Readily available “off the shelf” (as a special order) in 6 beautiful colors, as well as a transparent Cedar Tone, or in any custom color desired, including treatment with bleaching oil, our pre-stained Western Red Cedar Shingles can add a stunning signature look to any building, combined with lasting durability.

“Off The Shelf” Semi-Solid Oil Stain Colors

Water Lily

Coastal Mist

Iron Stone

 Traditional Brick

Beach Pebble

Thisis Brown

Teal Cedar Pre-stained shingle colors

  • Red Cedar Transparent Stain available with a 5-year warranty
  • Bleached Shingles are a mix of 50/50 Bleaching Oil and Cabot Driftwood Grey Stain
  • Custom pre-stained shingles are available using a quality brand of oil-based semitransparent, semi-solid, or solid one-coat finishes, including General Paint Products. Custom colors available.
  • Pre-stain and pre-prime (in grey or white) is available for natural, grooved, sanded, and fancy cut shingles
  • #1-16”, 18” & 24” Rebutted & Rejointed (R&R) Shingles, 100% vertical grain, 100%
    heartwood
  • #2-16”, 18” & 24” Rebutted & Rejointed Shingles
  • For more information on the grades, sizes, and definition of Western Red Cedar shingles, please check out our previous blog post by clicking HERE

prestained western red cedar shingles

Installation and Care of Western Red Cedar Shingles

Western Red Cedar Shingles owe their beauty, color, durability, and resistance to decay and insects to the presence of natural tannins produced during normal growth. These natural extractives in Western Red Cedar are water-soluble and may lead to discoloration of finishes on the exposed surface of the shingle. Discoloration from extractives usually appears when moisture from inside the home travels through the shingle to the exposed surface. As the moisture evaporates, it may leave reddish-brown vertical streaks. This discoloration is not caused by the stain, the paint, or any manufacturing process.

Cedar Shingles should always be stored in a dry, well-ventilated location. You must keep
the product dry throughout the application process. You also must take steps to minimize or eliminate interior sources of moisture before and after sidewall shingle application, including, but not limited to the following:

  • Maintain low interior humidity levels (this is the most common source of extractive discoloration)
  • Ensure proper ventilation during drywall installation, texture spraying, painting, or any other process which increases the humidity inside the building. It is more likely that extractive bleeding will occur if these processes are not completed prior to the application of the sidewall shingles
  • Apply over dry panels (OSB or plywood)
  • Use kiln dried studs

To minimize the potential for extractive discoloration, our supplier ensures that the shingles are dried to a moisture content that is less than 15%. They also coat the entire shingle with a primer, paint, or stain. Shingles coated with an oil-based solid primer that have a finished coat applied over the primer are less likely to experience extractive discoloration. Semi-solid, semi-transparent, and clear stains offer less protection.

Extractive discoloration may also be caused by external sources such as rain, dew, and/or water from a faulty roof and gutter drainage. These water sources combined with dust and other matter may cause stains on the exposed area of the shingle, which is not the failure of the shingle, paint, or stain.

Stain absorption may vary due to the density and/or porosity of old-growth Western Red Cedar fiber, as well as color variations in the actual shingles. The final color of the stain and how it adheres/absorbs into the material will vary. Due to this, color matches are not guaranteed to exactly match any previous sample or order.

In some cases, certain coatings are “1 coat only” applications. However, a second field coating is recommended after the stain has cured for best stain performance. Prior to any field coating, test a small inconspicuous area for proper absorption. Back brushing is recommended.  Be sure not to over-apply the stain or paint.

Western Red Cedar Stained Shingles

Limited warranties on coating/finishes are offered through the coating/finish manufacturer.

“Off the Shelf” Colors, as well as Pre-Primed & Pre-Stained Shingles are brought in per order and do require a small lead time. Sorry, we are unable to accept any returns or exchanges on special order items, such as these.

Because Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar is only grown in the Pacific Northwest, where Cedar Country is located, we are YOUR premium source for Cedar Shingles and Shakes. We ship nationwide from one bundle or carton to full truckloads and extremely competitive pricing ~ even with freight.

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA 98233
Toll-Free Phone (866) 757.6343    Fax (360) 757.1050

Renovated Farmhouse in the San Juan Islands

Super excited to receive these photos and message from our long-time customer, Craig Youngquist, of Craig Youngquist Construction.   His attention to detail and superior craftsmanship are evident in every project he takes on.  Please enjoy these photos!

“Hi Tom

Below are some photos of the project that you supplied siding, exterior trim, interior trim, and cedar for door replications. Some of the photos are not stellar but give you an idea of the scope of the job. The wainscot panels were actually recycled from the shiplap sheathing on the interior walls of the original structure. But all the rest of the fir was from you. I ended up buying a moulding machine to replicate the casings and various trim details. We saved a bunch of the original millwork but didn’t have enough to finish the main floor.

The photo with 2 doors shows the original with the transom above and the replication to the right. The stair skirt, newell, balusters, and railing are the original, but the frame and panel down the stairs and under are newly added. The new roof on the house is slate – which wasn’t original.

I appreciate your generosity and excellent supply sourcing.”

Craig Youngquist

before

Douglas Fir Wainscoting

This beautifully crafted door is made from Clear, Vertical Grain Douglas Fir we supplied

Beautifully crafted vanity and Doug Fir trim

Clear, Vertical Grain Douglas Fir was used to craft these doors

Stunning farmhouse remodel in the San Juan Islands by Craig Younquist Construction

Farmhouse renovation that we supplied the Clear, Vertical Grain Douglas Fir for

Stunning Farmhouse Remodel by Craig Youngquist Construction we supplied the materials for

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street ~ Burlington, WA

Toll-Free 866.757.6343

Fancy Cut Shingles

We are pleased to offer  Fancy Cut Western Red Cedar Sidewall Shingles manufactured by Teal Cedar Shingles to exacting standards in tribute to old-world charm and craftsmanship.

Western Red Cedar Fancy Cut Shingles

With 10 classic shapes available, these beautiful Fancy Cut Western Red Cedar Shingles will help you add fantastic character and personality to any residential or commercial project.  By incorporating these decorative shingles into your exterior design, you can accent gables, roofs, and windows; create eye-catching entryways or fences.   You can weave natural warmth and elegance to your interior design, as well, by using them to accent walls or to highlight your structure’s unique architectural features. Nothing warms an interior quite like real wood.  Because of Western Red Cedar’s natural properties, these shingles work well in high humidity areas, including greenhouses, saunas, atriums, and pools.

Indoors and out, Fancy Cut Shingles are a timeless favorite of architects, contractors, and homeowners around the world, providing warmth and beauty, as well as a wide range of ways to express creativity and make a custom project truly unique.

Western Red Cedar Fancy Cut Shingles

Product Specifications

  • Manufactured from Western Red Cedar Shingles
  • Clear Heartwood, No DefectsPrestained Shingles
  • 10 Patterns to Choose From
  • 3″ & 5″ widths, 18″ & 24″ lengths
  • Code conforming Class “C” and “B” fire-rated & CCA Treatments are also available.
  • Carton Coverage: Sidewall exterior exposure 7 1/2″ max = 25 sq ft
  • Interior sidewall 10″ max = 33 sq ft
  • Available Primed as well as Pre-stained
  • Custom Cuts and finishes to order

Fancy Cut Western Red Cedar Shingle Patterns

 Because of Western Red Cedar’s natural properties, fasteners should be corrosion resistant.  We recommend using stainless steel, aluminum, or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners when installing any Western Red Cedar product, including Western Red Cedar Shingles.   1-1/4″ nails are suitable for 16″ or 18″ shingle installation at standard exposures and placed 1″ in from the edge and 1″ – 2″ above the line of the next course of shingles.  These Fancy Cut Western Red Cedar Shingles should be installed about 1/8″ between each other.

Your Fancy Cut Western Red Cedar Shingles may be left unfinished.  Those installed outdoors will weather to an attractive silver-grey; indoors, they will darken and change based on the amount of direct sunlight they receive.  If you choose to apply a finish to your Fancy Cut Shingles, we recommend doing so before they are installed to ensure even protection on all four sides.  Use a good quality, top-grade oil-based stain, primer, and/or paint.

Before Your Next Project, be sure to visit us!

We Ship Nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Toll-Free 1.866.757.6343

Fire Treating Western Red Cedar and Doug Fir Building Materials

To help with your peace of mind, we are happy to offer custom fire treating to our Western Red Cedar or Douglas Fir products through our partner, CHEMCO. CHEMCO was one of the early pioneers in fire retardant technologies and became the only producer of fire-resistant wood roofing allowed for sale in California. CHEMCO uses Thermex-FR, a safe and environmentally friendly fire treatment formula that renders wood resistant to fire.

Products treated using CHEMCO’s proprietary fire retardant system have passed strict fire and weathering tests and comply with all building codes. However, we recommend checking with your building department to ensure compliance with your local regulations. The effectiveness of this fire retardant is proven by an independent laboratory and quality-control testing and verified by real-world stories in which it was subjected to both structural and wild fire scenarios.

Fire Treated clear, vertical Western Red Cedar Siding

The clear Western Red Cedar was fire treated prior to installation on this stunning Malibu, CA home

The process of fire retarding is done by using a vacuum-pressure impregnation to remove moisture and air from the wood cells and replace it with Thermex-FR. Next, the wood is cured in a kiln to lock the fire retardant into the cells. This process significantly increases fire protection for residential and commercial buildings without sacrificing the natural beauty of the wood.

To sustain fire, you need three main ingredients ~ Fuel, Heat, and Oxygen.  THERMEX-FR suppresses all three elements

1) Fuel: An intumescing foam is produced to protect the surface of the wood.

2) Heat: Intumescing foam insulates the wood, absorbing heat endothermically and surface
temperature drops below what is required for combustion.

3) Oxygen: A non-combustible gas is generated to dilute the amount of oxygen in the air around the flame.

Q: What is the difference between “fire-resistant” and “fireproof”?

A: All materials are vulnerable to fire damage, so the term “fireproof” is technically incorrect for any product. Nevertheless, engineers and fire technicians have developed tests to compare the fire-resistant properties of different materials. Products treated with Thermex-FR have proven themselves consistently on all such tests.

Q: What makes fire-resistant wood treatment last?

A: The patented fire-resistant formula bonds to the interior structure of the wood during a vacuum-impregnated treatment process. The result is fire protection that lasts for the useful life of the wood product itself.

Q: Are fire-resistant products hazardous to the environment?

A: No. Fire-treated wood products are composed of all-natural elements, and they are not toxic to the environment.

Q: Will my fire retardant-treated wood products have to be re-treated?

A: No. Fire retardant products never need to be re-treated. The unique formula that is used during processing at the facility is thermally cured in dry kilns. Upon reaching the right temperature, the treatment is bonded to the wood and is no longer water-soluble.

Q: What are the typical applications for fire retardant treated lumber and plywood products?

A: Lumber and plywood that have been treated with fire retardant are intended for above-ground exterior use. These include exterior decks and balconies, stairways, covered walkways, siding, molding and trim, soffits and fascia, open-air roof systems, stables, scaffolding, and construction staging.

Q: What wood species and sizes are available to have fire treated?

A: Douglas Fir, Southern Yellow Pine, and Western Red Cedar. All common sizes and most
construction species of lumber and plywood can be treated by Thermex-FR, including Shingles and Shakes, Exterior Siding, Soffit, Fascia, Decking, Timbers and Beams, Trim, and Interior Paneling.

Q: Does the fire treatment meet building codes?

A: Yes. These products meet the performance requirements of most local building codes. However, we suggest checking with your local agency to ensure compliance.

Q: Is there any reduction in strength compared to untreated wood?

A: Yes. The treating and drying processes may cause a slight reduction in strength that varies according to treatment, wood species, specific properties, and applications.

Q: Can these fire retardant products be used in ground contact?

A: Fire retardant treated Western Red Cedar and/or Douglas Fir is intended for exterior, above-ground uses only.

Q: Is it okay to cut wood that has been treated with fire retardant?

A: Yes. Cutting lengths, drilling holes, and light sanding are all permissible. It is not necessary to field-treat cut ends in order to maintain the flame spread rating.

Q: What types of fasteners should be used with fire-treated products?

A: Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel hardware is recommended, as the FRX wood treatment could increase the corrosion of bare steel.

Q: Why should I put fire-resistant shakes on my roof when I live in a relatively wet
climate?

A: No matter where you live, there always exists the danger of an errant firework or a flying ember from the burn pile of a neighboring home. When it comes to protecting your home, there is no such thing as playing too safe.

Care & Maintenance of Building Materials that have been Fire Treated

Fire-retardant lumber and plywood can be coated with a paint or stain, but caution should be taken in choosing the right product, as not all products will adhere to the unique finish. Shakes and shingles that have been treated with fire retardants should not have any additional coatings applied.

For warranty and other important information, including MSDS Sheets, please visit the Chemco website by clicking HERE

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

We Ship Nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA

General Guidelines for Installing Western Red Cedar Siding

Like all natural materials, Western Red Cedar responds to the environment; Cedar siding can swell or shrink to reach equilibrium with the surrounding air’s moisture content. By acclimating your Cedar siding prior to installation and by following these essential installation tips, your Western Red Cedar siding will provide many years of service ~ naturally!

Kiln Dried “Clears” have been dried (to approximately 12% moisture content) at the mill and are the most “ready to use” of all Western Red Cedar siding products and may be installed upon arrival, except in very hot and dry environments, or if wet. If the siding has gotten wet, it should be separated and allowed to dry completely before installation. In hot and dry environments, we recommend allowing the siding to acclimate for a good 3 to 5 days before installing.

Dry “Knotty” Sidings should be allowed to acclimate in most environments for 7 to 10 days before installation. In damp or high humidity environments, more time may be required for acclimation.

To acclimate your Western Red Cedar (or Alaskan Yellow Cedar) siding, stack pieces individually on evenly spaced vertically aligned “stickers” in a dry storage area, off the ground, and under cover. Air should be circulating all around the pieces of Cedar siding.  Unseasoned or “green” Cedar sidings that have not been dried with a moisture content exceeding 12% prior to delivery will require much longer to acclimate to their surrounding environment.

Narrower widths of channel, bevel, and board and batten sidings allow for shrinkage when supplied without prior drying. Acclimation of green siding products can take 30 days or longer depending on the environment. Store the stack by separating the pieces with vertically aligned stickers in a well ventilated, dry location off the ground by at least 4”. If it is to be stored over damp ground or new concrete, place a moisture barrier under the siding.

After your Western Red Cedar Siding has acclimated, a coating of primer, stain or oil should be applied to all surfaces, including the ends. The type of coating will vary depending on the final finish desired. If a solid color stain or paint will be used, an alkyd oil stain-blocking primer should be used as the first coat, applied on all four sides. Always follow the manufacturers’ recommendations to ensure the product you have selected is for use on Western Red (or Alaskan Yellow) Cedar and compatible with the intended finish coat.

To save money and time on the job site, we can arrange to have your Western Red Cedar siding coated with a product of your choice. Your siding will be completely covered on all four sides with a flood coat in a temperature-controlled environment, free of dust and debris, then back brushed to ensure even absorption and coverage. This quality of pre-finish is impossible to duplicate using on-site installation methods. Read more about the process HERE

Custom Milled Western Red Cedar Log Cabin Siding Pre-stained with Penetrating Oil

Stud walls generally require no special preparation when installing horizontal siding. The Cedar siding should be nailed into the studs at a maximum of 24-inch centers when applied over a wood-based, solid sheathing.  When installing vertical siding over stud walls, horizontal blockers are needed and should be spaced not exceeding 24 inches on center.

Walls made of masonry will require furring strips that are thick enough for nail penetration of 1-1/4” into sold wood with a ring shank nail.  Using rigid foam sheathing as a nailing base for Western Red Cedar Siding is generally not recommended and should only be done in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.  Proper wall construction includes the use of gas permeable building paper and vapor barriers.  Always check your local code to verify all building requirements.

Stainless steel nails are the best choice for installing Western Red Cedar siding, especially if the siding is to be finished with transparent or semi-transparent stain. No. 304 grade is fine for general siding applications, while No. 316 grade stainless should be used when installing near saltwater. Alternatively, hot-dipped galvanized nails that are corrosion resistant can be used.  Other types of fasteners are not recommended.

Prior to installing your Western Red Cedar Siding, make sure that corrosion-resistant flashing is properly installed to prevent moisture from entering wall and roof spaces above doors and windows, at the junctions of dormer walls and roof surfaces, and along the transition of siding materials such as cedar to brick or stucco.

Keep the lowest edge of your Western Red Cedar Siding at least 6” off the ground, and treat the end grain of the bottom of vertical siding with a water repellent preservative or primer.  Caulking is to be used where the ends of your siding contact vertical openings or trim. Use only non-hardening caulks such as polyurethane, polysulfide, terpolymer rubber, acrylic, or acrylic silicone.  Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

For tips on installing specific siding profiles, please visit our friends at the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association by clicking HERE

How to Install Western Red Cedar Siding

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!
We Ship Nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

ph 360.757.6343

950 B Fountain St, Burlington, WA 98233

Custom Pre-Staining Services

Looking to save time and money on the job site, as well as protect your siding, trim boards, shingles, shakes, wood decking or Cedar fencing? We can arrange to have your products pre-stained at the factory and delivered to your job site ready to install.

custom pre-stained interior Western Red Cedar paneling

With nearly every color imaginable, from clear products that allow the natural characteristics and colors of the wood to show through, to semi-transparent stains that add a subtle hue, to solid color coatings, the quality of the finish is impossible to duplicate using on-site installation methods. Your material will be completely covered on all sides with a flood coat of stain, in a temperature-controlled environment, free of dust and debris, then back brushed to ensure even absorption and coverage.

The pieces are then placed on racks in a drying room until cured.

Custom Pre-staining of your lumber will save time and money on the job site

In this photo, custom cut Western Red Cedar Airfoils are being individually coated with a penetrating oil

pre-stained air foils drying after coating

The Western Red Cedar Airfoils are left to dry completely in a drying room before packing up for shipment

No waiting for perfect weather! No over-spray, uneven application, or streaking! Having your materials coated prior to coming to the job site will help them stay cleaner, as well as help protect them during installation.

And save you money!

Stain absorption may vary due to the density and/or porosity of the Western Red Cedar or other wood fibers. The final color and how it adheres/absorbs into the material will vary. Due to this, color matches are not guaranteed to match any previous sample or order exactly.

A second field coat of finish following installation is required.

Generally, your order will be ready to ship in 10 to 14 days, ready for installation. To get the order going, we do require a deposit at the time the order is placed. Sorry, we cannot cancel a custom order once it has been placed.

Custom Stained Western Red Cedar Tight Knot Siding

For more information, please call us at 360.757.6343 to discuss.

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Rain Screen Siding Installation Q&A

What is Rain Screening?

In the quest to find better moisture management and energy efficiency, more architects and builders are experimenting with exterior siding using rain screen installation methods. Basically, rain screening is a system, not an actual “thing”, that is used to create an air gap between the exterior siding (cladding) and a water-resistant barrier that is installed over the sheathing of the structure.

By creating an air cavity between the moisture barrier and the exterior siding, this double-wall construction uses the outer layer (the exterior siding) to keep the rain out, while the inner layer (an air/moisture barrier) provides thermal insulation and prevents excessive air leakage. It also allows any moisture that may pass through the siding to easily drain away, as well as accelerates evaporation of any residual moisture within the walls.  In the event that any water does collect behind the exterior cladding, the air gap allows it to dry, which prevents moisture build-up and rot.

Rain screening is created by attaching vertical furring strips that are generally 1/4 – 3/8″ thick, by 2 – 3.5″ wide, using plywood or other treated wood strips, plastic mats, or other rain screen system creating materials, over a water-resistant barrier, such as tar paper.  Flashing is then installed over any penetrations and all vulnerable areas where water may pool or collect to allow it to evaporate and/or drain away.  Finally, the exterior siding is installed by adhering it to the furring strips, thus creating the air gap behind for airflow.

Red Balu Mahogany used as rain screening

Be sure to contact your local building department for specific codes on rain screen installation in your area and follow all manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the success of your project.

In these photos, 1×6 Alaskan Yellow Cedar dimensional boards were used as exterior siding over rain screening.  Simply beautiful, durable and eco-friendly.  Alaska Yellow Cedar, also referred to as Nootka Cypress, has almost always been identified by the species label nootkatensis (so named for the Nuu-chah-nulth people of Canada).  However, the genus of the tree has been changed many times, with the most recent being in the Cuypressus genus.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar Rain screen Sidingphoto and craftsmanship by Kreider Construction of Anacortes, WA 

Although rain screening installation costs more than more traditional U.S. exterior siding methods, it can prevent costlier problems, such as rot and decay, later on.  It can also add green benefits to your project due to the thermal insulation properties, and add to the longevity of the structure and the building materials used, thus reducing waste.

Dimensional knotty Western Red Cedar boards installed as rainscreen siding

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Toll-Free 866.757.6343    Fax  360.757.6343

We Ship Nationwide!