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When cedar siding is installed right, your energy bills drop. Your home value climbs. And you stop worrying about the next storm.
The difference isn’t just in the material—it’s in understanding how North Fork weather hits your walls. Salt air that destroys vinyl in five years barely touches properly installed cedar after twenty. Winter winds that crack fiber cement slide right off cedar’s natural grain.
You’re not just covering your house. You’re investing in decades of protection that actually gets better with age, weathering to that classic coastal silver-gray that makes your neighbors ask who did the work.
We’ve been protecting Suffolk County homes for decades. We’re not the guys who learned about coastal construction from YouTube—we’re the family business that’s seen what happens when siding isn’t built for Long Island.
Every cedar installation we complete in Southold comes with the kind of local knowledge you can’t get from a national chain. We know which cedar grades handle North Fork humidity. We know how to detail corners so salt spray doesn’t find its way behind your siding. We know because we’ve been doing this work since before “coastal resilience” was a buzzword.
When your neighbors see our trucks in your driveway, they know you’re serious about quality.
First, we inspect your existing siding and substrate. No shortcuts, no assumptions—we need to see what we’re working with before we quote anything.
Next comes the prep work that separates professional installation from weekend warrior mistakes. We remove old siding completely, check for moisture damage, and ensure your house wrap and flashing can handle decades of coastal weather. If something’s not right, we fix it before we install a single cedar board.
The installation itself follows time-tested techniques that have protected North Fork homes for generations. Proper spacing for expansion, stainless steel fasteners that won’t corrode in salt air, and attention to detail around windows and corners where most problems start. We finish with a protective treatment that gives your cedar the best possible start against the elements.
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Not all cedar is created equal, especially when you’re this close to the water. We source Western Red Cedar and Eastern White Cedar that’s been kiln-dried and graded specifically for coastal installations.
Southold homeowners typically choose from cedar shingles, clapboard siding, or board-and-batten depending on their home’s architecture and their maintenance preferences. Shingles give you that classic North Fork look and weather beautifully. Clapboard offers clean lines and easier maintenance. Board-and-batten works perfectly for modern farmhouse styles that are popular in new construction here.
We also offer pre-dipped cedar that’s been treated with protective stains before installation. This option costs more upfront but extends the time between maintenance cycles—something busy homeowners appreciate when they’re dealing with Long Island’s demanding lifestyle.
Properly installed and maintained cedar siding can last 30-50 years in our coastal environment, with some installations lasting much longer. The key is using the right grade of cedar and following proper installation techniques for salt air exposure.
Western Red Cedar and Eastern White Cedar both contain natural oils that resist rot and insect damage, making them ideal for humid, coastal conditions. With regular maintenance every 3-5 years, your cedar siding will actually improve with age, developing that distinctive weathered patina that makes North Fork homes so attractive.
The biggest factor in longevity is installation quality. Cedar that’s installed with proper ventilation, appropriate fasteners, and correct spacing will outlast cheaper siding materials by decades.
Cedar shingles and clapboard siding offer different aesthetics and maintenance requirements, both suitable for Southold’s coastal conditions.
Shingles provide the classic New England coastal look with their irregular, textured appearance. They’re installed in overlapping courses and can be laid in various patterns for visual interest. Shingles handle moisture exceptionally well because water naturally sheds from their surface, making them ideal for homes close to the water.
Clapboard siding offers clean, horizontal lines that work well with traditional and contemporary home styles. It’s typically easier to maintain and repair since individual boards can be replaced without affecting surrounding areas. Clapboard also provides slightly better insulation due to its uniform thickness and tighter installation.
Cedar siding installation in Southold typically ranges from $12-25 per square foot installed, depending on the cedar grade, style, and complexity of your home’s architecture.
Several factors affect pricing: the type of cedar (clear grade costs more than knotty), the style you choose (shingles vs. clapboard vs. board-and-batten), the condition of your existing siding, and any additional prep work needed. Homes with complex rooflines, dormers, or detailed trim work require more labor and materials.
While cedar costs more upfront than vinyl or fiber cement, it’s important to consider the long-term value. Cedar siding increases your home’s resale value significantly and can last decades longer than cheaper alternatives. Many Southold homeowners find that the energy savings from cedar’s natural insulation properties help offset the initial investment over time.
New cedar siding should be stained or sealed within 3-6 months of installation for optimal protection, though some homeowners prefer to let it weather naturally for a year first.
Fresh cedar contains moisture that needs to escape before staining. If you stain too early, you can trap moisture and cause problems later. However, leaving cedar completely untreated in our coastal environment exposes it to salt spray and UV damage that can cause uneven weathering.
We typically recommend a clear or lightly tinted penetrating stain for the first treatment. This protects the wood while allowing it to breathe and develop its natural character. After the initial treatment, you’ll need to reapply stain every 3-5 years depending on your home’s exposure to weather and sun.
Properly installed cedar siding performs exceptionally well in coastal storms, often outlasting synthetic siding materials during severe weather events.
Cedar’s natural flexibility allows it to move with wind loads without cracking or breaking like brittle materials. The wood’s cellular structure absorbs and releases moisture naturally, preventing the expansion and contraction problems that plague other siding types during temperature swings common in coastal storms.
The key is proper installation with appropriate fasteners and spacing. We use stainless steel nails that won’t corrode in salt air and ensure adequate ventilation behind the siding to prevent moisture buildup. Cedar’s natural resistance to rot and decay means that even if moisture does penetrate during a severe storm, the material can dry out without permanent damage.
Cedar siding in Southold requires cleaning every 1-2 years and re-staining every 3-5 years, depending on your home’s exposure to salt air and direct sunlight.
Regular maintenance starts with gentle cleaning using a soft brush and mild detergent to remove salt buildup, dirt, and any mildew. Avoid pressure washing, which can damage the wood fibers and force water behind the siding. Pay special attention to areas that don’t get much sun, where moisture tends to linger.
Re-staining frequency depends on your home’s orientation and exposure. South-facing walls and areas hit by prevailing winds may need attention more often. The good news is that cedar maintenance is straightforward—you’re not dealing with the cracking, peeling, and complete refinishing cycles that painted siding requires. Most homeowners find the maintenance schedule manageable and appreciate how the wood continues to look better with age.
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Specializing in roofing, siding, chimney, and gutter services, SkyLuxe Construction is committed to delivering top-tier home transformations in Suffolk County, NY.
