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The Hydrology of Cedar Siding Failure
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The Hydrology of Cedar Siding Failure
Western Red Cedar is a premium siding material prized for its beauty and natural resistance to decay. However, despite its durability, cedar is highly reactive to moisture fluctuations. B. A. Harris Seamless Gutter has analyzed the failure points of cedar shingles and clapboards in Dover, and the data points to a specific culprit: uneven moisture absorption caused by gutter failure.
Wood is hygroscopic; it absorbs and releases moisture to reach equilibrium with the environment. When a gutter is clogged, it overflows, sending a cascade of water down the face of the siding. This creates a localized zone of high moisture. The exterior face of the cedar shingle becomes saturated, swelling rapidly. However, the back of the shingle, which is against the house wrap, remains relatively dry.
This differential swelling creates mechanical stress. The front expands while the back stays static. The result is “cupping,” where the edges of the shingle curl outward. Once cedar cups, it often cracks down the center as it dries out. This permanent deformation ruins the aesthetic of the home and breaks the weather barrier.
Furthermore, water runoff from clogged gutters is often acidic (from decaying leaves) and dirty. This reacts with the natural tannins in the cedar, causing “tannin bleed.” These are dark, reddish-brown stains that look like blood running down the siding. Data shows that once tannin bleed occurs, it is nearly impossible to remove without stripping and re-staining the entire wall.
For homeowners with wood siding, the cost of Gutter Cleaning Dover is a fraction of the cost of siding restoration. By keeping the water off the wood, you maintain stable moisture levels, preventing the physical warping that destroys cedar facades.
Conclusion Cedar siding is sensitive to moisture fluctuations, and overflowing gutters cause rapid, uneven swelling on the exterior face of the wood. This differential expansion leads to “cupping,” cracking, and permanent deformation of the shingles. Additionally, dirty runoff causes unsightly tannin bleed. Controlling water flow is essential to maintain the dimensional stability and appearance of cedar siding.
Call to Action Protect your cedar investment. Contact B. A. Harris Seamless Gutter for a cleaning. Visit https://www.guttahs.com/ for data.
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