Why Use Cedar Log Siding?
From totem poles to siding, cedar has always been the wood of choice for exterior use. Here’s why:
General Advantages of Western Cedar
Modulog uses western cedar, one of North America's great renewable resources. Slow growing and naturally durable, cedar has one of the longest life spans of any North American softwood. It produces long lengths of timber with true, straight grain, it’s free from pitch and its heartwood has natural decay resistance. Cedar’s low density gives it an insulation value superior to most other species. Lightweight, easy to work, easy to finish and possessing outstanding dimensional stability, cedar is the preferred wood for nearly all purposes where attractive appearance and resistance to weather is important.
Increase Your Insulation
The insulation value of wood is directly related to its density. With its low density and high proportion of air spaces, cedar is the best thermal insulator among the commonly available softwood species.
Fend off Decay
Decay resistance is one of cedar's most valuable and well-known characteristics. Cedar is one of the most durable coniferous species and can be counted upon to give long and trouble-free service under most conditions. Cedar's decay resistance comes from the presence of naturally occurring fungicidal compounds in the wood called thujaplicins. Another extractive present in the wood, thujic acid, helps make the wood resistant to insect attack. Properly finished and maintained, cedar will deliver decades of good looks and durability.
Improve Dimensional Stability
Like all woods, Cedar is hygroscopic and will absorb and discharge moisture to obtain equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere. However, cedar has a very low shrinkage factor and is superior to all other coniferous woods in its resistance to warping, twisting and checking. Shrinkage in both radial and tangential directions is minimal.
The Bottom Line
What all this technical data comes down to is this: Western cedar is far superior to all other types of wood for outdoor use. It is the premium option by homeowners around the country who desire quality and durability.
"It just makes sense to use cedar." says Ron Berge of Modulog Industries, Inc. "We've experimented with other woods in the past, but we just won't use them anymore.
Cedar stays straight - and you can't believe the problems you get into if you have to try to put up siding that has warped. ... Let alone worry about it warping after it's up. It looks so nice, and there is very, very little waste.
You're money ahead in the long run if you go with cedar. That's why it's all we'll use."