Cedar shakes are one of the original roofing materials – they have been around for centuries! And for a good reason. When well cared for, this roofing material can last for upwards of 50 years, much longer than today’s standard asphalt shingle. The key to making your cedar shake roof last for many decades is doing periodic maintenance that ensures the shakes will be able to dry out.
Cedar shakes can last so long because as long as they can dry, they do not decay on their own. However, moisture leading to issues such as moss, mildew, mold, or fungi can wreak havoc on cedar shakes. The only way to get the longevity you need out of this roofing material is to maintain and clean it regularly.
Originally, cedar shakes were installed with a lathing strip system, where the shakes were laid over top strips that were spaced so the shakes could dry out. Now, with modern homes and roofs, we use decking and underlayment. While the decking and underlayment do a great job at keeping your home insulated and repelling water, sometimes they do not give the shakes the right amount of room to dry out. Without regular cleaning, this leads to moisture retention, which allows for the issues mentioned above to form.
After about ten years of not performing maintenance on cedar shakes, you will start to see mold, mildew, and even moss or fungi growth. They will also naturally age from a warm brown to silvery grey. Many homeowners assume that the roof will need a full replacement when this happens. However, cleaning can remove issues, allow the shakes to properly dry out, and return the warmer color.
Cedar shakes should be cleaned every 6-8 years. It is strongly recommended that you hire a professional to do the cleaning. Older cedar shake roofs may be fragile and crack underfoot, leading to even more significant issues and maybe even full replacements. A professional will have the right ladders, safety equipment, scaffolds, and will know where they can set foot to ensure that no damage is caused.
The cleaning solution for cedar shakes is relatively simple, with one part bleach to three parts water. It can be applied with a simple pump sprayer and rinsed with a garden hose. A nylon bristle brush can be used to get to more challenging spots. If you decide to clean your roof yourself, do not use a power washer. It will reduce your cedar shakes’ lifespan and, when sprayed incorrectly, will force water up behind the shingles.
While you are cleaning your roof, make sure there is no debris collecting in the valleys and no trees hanging over the top providing shade. Both of these things cause spots where the roof cannot properly dry out.
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