The front of our cabin at the lake is covered with cedar siding, which was stained with a clear oil. We have done this several times over the last 20 years, but have noticed that the bottom 4 feet are turning black. We have been told that this is probably caused by heat. Do you have a suggestion as to what we can do? We all like the cedar siding, and wonder how to restore it. Thanks for your help.
Answer:
This probably has more to do with roof run-off splashing onto the siding than anthing else. It's not the dirt that splashes up with it but the fact that it stays wet longer than the rest of it and the cedar has just not been able to deal with the mould that can't help but form on damp, absorbent surfaces. It can be cleaned off with a biodegradable wood wash and you're back to original coloured cedar.
