Cedar Shakes and Shingles: Care and Maintenance Tips

Few materials can match the natural beauty that cedar shakes and shingles provide. This is why many homeowners are willing to put up with their high-maintenance requirements. In this blog, residential roofing contractor, Jack the Roofer, shares tips for caring for and maintaining a cedar roof.

Have a Preventive Maintenance Program in Place From the Beginning

The key to keeping a beautiful cedar roof is regular preventive maintenance. Today’s wood shake and shingle roofs are made with treated wood, but they are still vulnerable to extended exposure to moisture, despite naturally occurring enzymes that help preserve the wood.

If you already have a maintenance agreement with your roofing contractor, never skip or postpone it. Preventive maintenance lets your contractor address potential problems before they can become bigger ones. While preventive maintenance does cost money, it’s only a fraction of what it would cost to repair neglected cedar roofs.

Clean the Roof Properly

While there are many off-the-shelf cleaning products made for removing moss, algae and mildew, not all of them are formulated for use on cedar roofs. Cedar is made of naturally occurring cellulose and can be affected by household products like vinegar or bleach.

Cedar roofs can be cleaned using a power washer, but first ask your roofing contractor what the settings should be. You may need to reapply a layer of waterproofing after cleaning your roof. Copper or zinc has certain properties that are hostile to moss, algae and mildew. Flashing made from these metals can help keep your roof free of them.

Leave It to Professionals

If professional roof cleaning is available, you can save a lot of time and effort in keeping your roof clean. Professional roof cleaners have the right equipment and know-how to keep your roof (and other parts of your home’s exterior) clean. Roofing work carries the risk of injury, which is not a problem for professionals, thanks to safety training and use of safety equipment.

Jack the Roofer is your leading provider of cedar and concrete tile roofing install services. Give us a call at (720) 230-4484, or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Parker, CO, and the surrounding areas.