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Fiber cement siding is one of the lowest-maintenance options. The material’s formula is resistant to insect activities, moisture, and most physical impacts. Vinyl and aluminium siding is also fairly easy to upkeep. All these low-maintenance options only require basic surface cleaning, caulking, and regular gutter maintenance to prevent water dams from forming. 

Concrete log siding can last several decades, from 30 to 50 years or more, as long as you keep up with proper maintenance. Luckily, concrete log siding is much lower maintenance than typical types of wood siding, so you’ll also have fewer expenses during that time. To keep your concrete log siding in good shape, you’ll simply need to reseal it every two to five years. Confirm with your manufacturer to determine how often to reseal.

You can put new siding over clapboards, but it’s not recommended. Some sidings, like vinyl siding, can go over clapboards with sheathing like a foam layer in between. However, it’s best to remove clapboard siding if you plan on replacing it with new siding. Burying wood clapboards underneath new siding can create risks of rot and mold, or hidden insect damage. It can also create warping issues over time. Removing clapboards allows you to properly install a new sheathing, as well as clean up the exterior wall and look for any signs of damage.

You should plan to stain or refinish your home's cedar siding every three to seven years to maintain its appearance and provide maximum protection, though some estimates suggest a range of four to six years. The exact frequency depends on several factors, including your local climate, exposure to severe weather like direct sunlight, rain, and wind, the quality of the initial stain application, the type of stain used, and the overall condition and quality of the wood.

For homes in harsh climates with high humidity and significant sun exposure, you should plan on staining as often as every three years, while those in milder locations may only need to do so every seven years. For the longest-lasting protection in particularly harsh climates, consider using an opaque stain.

If you are looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, you might consider vinyl or aluminum siding. While the initial installation cost can be higher, they do not require as much upkeep and can offer more value over time, especially in areas with excessive rainfall or high humidity.