How to prevent paint from peeling

Question
I recently purchased a house 3 years ago and have noticed a lot of peeling and cracking problems reoccurring every year on the sunny side of the house. I don't know the painting history of the house. I have cedar clapboard with the smooth side out. The peeling occurs at the base level leaving bare wood exposed. I was told the best way to cure the problem is to strip the house to get all the paint off down to the wood. Sand and power wash the wood. Then apply one coat of oil based primer and finish with acrylic latex paint. They said the first paint job on the house which is 10 years old must have been bad and the expanding and contracting of the smooth clapboard on the sunny side of house keeps causing the problem. They say oil primer and latex paint will provide more flexibility. Is this true? Should I use solid stain instead? What do you feel will cure the problem. Thanks !!!

Answer
There are several things that could be causing the problem, so you'll have to take steps to address them all. Yes, it will be best to remove all the old paint and primer, using scraping, sanding, etc. Then, all exposed wood should be sanded with medium (#120) grit garnet paper. Be sure excess moisture can get out from behind the wood.

Consider installing "button" vents at the top of the wood siding, away from the weather. Consult with your building supplies house for guidance on type, size and spacing of the vents. All cracks and joints should be cleaned of old paint and sealed with a TOP OF THE LINE quality acrylic or siliconized acrylic latex clear (guns white/dries clear) caulk. Do NOT seal the lower edge of the clapboard siding, where it meets the next piece. Moisture must be allowed to make its way out. Any rough edges of wood or any remaining paint should be feather-sanded. You can use either a latex or oil-based exterior wood primer: oil types will block stains better; latex will resist cracking better.Apply a heavy coat of the primer. Dry over night, then apply one or two coats of top of the line 100% acrylic latex flat or satin house paint.

Don't apply primer or paint in the direct, hot sunshine. If the rest of the house is OK, then just prepare the surface for repaint (without removal of the old paint) and apply the same finish coat.