While working on a cedar-sided home in southwest Rochester—right between Baihly Meadows and Fox Croft—we uncovered something we’ve seen far too often: serious rot and decay hiding beneath the surface. From the outside, the siding looked fine. But underneath, moisture had compromised even the structural components of the home.
That’s not just cosmetic—it’s a safety concern.
Even worse, the mold had reached the insulation, creating a hidden breeding ground for poor air quality inside the home. It’s shocking, but not surprising. Many homes in neighborhoods like Fox Croft, Baihly Meadows, and along Paxton Street were built with cedar siding 20–30 years ago. Without regular upkeep, that beautiful natural wood turns into a sponge for moisture—setting the stage for rot, mildew, and costly repairs.
Cedar is beautiful and natural, but it needs consistent care. Here are the top causes of rot and decay we find in Rochester’s southwest neighborhoods:
Even with great care, cedar siding typically lasts 20–30 years—and many homes in southwest Rochester are right at that age.
Between winter snow, spring rains, and humid summers, Minnesota weather puts cedar through extremes. Once moisture seeps in, it spreads quickly through the boards and into the framing behind them.
If your home has cedar siding, regular inspection is your best defense. Look for:
If you notice any of these, don’t wait. A quick, professional inspection can catch small issues before they become structural damage.
If your cedar siding is showing widespread rot—or maintenance costs keep stacking up—it may be time to replace it with a low-maintenance alternative.
At All Craft Exteriors, we install James Hardie® fiber cement and LP® SmartSide® engineered wood siding—two materials that replicate the look of cedar but resist rot, mold, and weather damage.
Both options are designed for Minnesota’s climate and come in styles and finishes that look just as warm and natural as real wood—without the maintenance headaches.
Cedar siding gives homes in Fox Croft, Baihly Meadows, and Paxton Road timeless curb appeal—but only if it’s maintained. The hidden rot we’ve uncovered behind older cedar siding serves as a powerful reminder: what you can’t see can cost you.
If you’re unsure about your siding’s condition, schedule a siding inspection with All Craft Exteriors. We’ll assess the damage, explain your options, and help you protect your home before it’s too late.
Q: How long does cedar siding last in Rochester, MN?
A: Most cedar siding lasts 20–30 years with proper maintenance. Without regular sealing, it can deteriorate much sooner in Minnesota’s climate.
Q: Can cedar siding rot be repaired instead of replaced?
A: Minor areas of rot can sometimes be repaired, but if moisture has reached structural components or insulation, full siding replacement is usually more cost-effective.
Q: What are the best alternatives to cedar siding?
A: Fiber cement siding (like James Hardie®) and engineered wood (like LP® SmartSide®) offer the same classic look with far less upkeep and much better weather resistance.
