No matter what type of roof you decide to install, all of them will require some type of maintenance at some point, even cedar roofs. If you've already gone through the effort of installing cedar shake roofing, you want to make sure that it remains top quality and lasts as long as possible.
That's why it's important to know how to maintain your cedar roof, especially during some of the most extreme weather seasons. This article will be your guide to preserving your roof so you can keep repair costs low and get the most life out of your cedar shingles.
How Long Does Cedar Last?
Cedar shingles and shakes are very similar when it comes to their lifespan and both add a unique element to any home. This style of roofing can be more than the average roof to install, but a properly maintained cedar rood is more than it in the long run. Typically, the average cedar roof can last for over 50 years.
Cedar siding does not last as long, but well-maintained cedar shakes siding typically lasts between 20-40 years. It's important to keep in mind that not all cedar roofs will reach this long life expectancy. The longevity of your cedar roof and siding will largely depend on the quality of the cedar you purchase, the installation method and whether or not maintenance was kept up throughout the years.
With little to no upkeep, cedar roofs can last for around 30 years. To boost it up to at least 50, you will need to take proper care to prevent any unnecessary damage and replacements. In some cases, we have seen cedar roofs that have lasted over 100 years! This is due to cedar's natural weather resistance and the quality of the material. Their longevity is what makes cedar roofs so appealing as long as they are properly maintained.
With just their long lifespan alone, cedar shake roofs have become one of the prominent choices for homeowners and businesses across the nation. But how do you get such long life out of this incredible material? How can you make the most out of your investment and reduce the amount of money you will spend on repairs in the long run?
How Do You Preserve Cedar?
Cedar roofs can provide you with comfort and security like no other roof if you take care of them properly. Most roofs don't require the upkeep that cedar roofs do, but they also don't provide the long life and the other array of benefits that make cedar roofs so appealing. There is some general information you should know if you want to keep your cedar roof of top quality.
Cedar acts as a natural insect repellent due to the cells that naturally exist within this wood, so bugs shouldn't be a significant concern in the maintenance of your cedar roof. However, wood naturally absorbs water or excess moisture, which can cause moss, fungus or even mold growth. These growths can cause significant damage if you don't take care of them swiftly. To prevent these growths you should clear out gutters as often as possible so that water can be properly drained after rain and in excessively humid climates.
Make sure the roof also has access to enough sunlight as this will help dry up any moisture that can't be taken away by your gutter system. This can be done by making sure the location of the roof is in a sunny location before installment, or you can manually clip away tree branches to allow sun rays to pass through.
Clipping away excess branches will also keep this material out of the way during any storms or inclement weather, stopping them from potentially pulling away or damaging your cedar roofing.
Don't stop your cleaning efforts at the gutters and tree branches. Clear away any other build-up that may occur, such as pine needles or leaves as these materials can wedge their way in between your roofing material and weaken the material, potentially allowing it to get underneath and lift the cedar shake or shingle away from the rest of the roof.
With the natural barrier that cedar provides, if any of your cedar shingles does come off at any point, it is important to get it replaced as soon as possible. This will prevent any fungus or moss growth and will also keep insects away.
Another option would be to have your shingles CCA treated before they are installed and every few years to help protect the roof from mold and mildew.
Cedar Roof Summer Maintenance
Other than the general maintenance that cedar roofs call for, there are more specific things you can do to take care of your roof depending on how harsh your climate is and the season. Cedar roofs in hotter climates with intense summer heat will require more attention than those in milder climates, but it is still important to take the necessary steps to keep your roof looking just as lovely as when it was first installed.
The summertime is the perfect time to call in a professional to help assist you with roof maintenance. With the summer comes more intense sun rays, and UV light can damage a cedar roof if not properly treated. The UV light can break down a natural material called lignin that is produced naturally by the cedar and acts as a bond between the wood.
To prevent this from happening, a professional who is familiar with the maintenance of cedar roofs can help you clean and treat your roof so that it won't sustain UV damage. During this treatment, the professional will also clean away any mold, fungus or other invasive growth that has appeared on your roof to prevent it from damaging the bond between wood fibers.
Get ahead of the game by preparing your cedar roof for the summer heat during the springtime. This means keeping up with regular cleanings of the gutters and the roof after spring showers or storms. This would also include planning any treatments in advance.
Cedar Roof Winter Maintenance
While the summer heat can be particularly damaging, the winter can brings its own effects upon cedar roofing. It is important to note that roof maintenance in the winter months can be very dangerous due to ice, so you should do it with caution. In almost all cases, it is better to let a professional handle winter maintenance to ensure your personal safety.
Depending on your climate, maintenance in the winter may be unnecessary as long as you've made the proper steps in the fall to prepare your roof for the winter season. You can prepare your roof for the winter season by looking for any damaged shingles or shakes and get them replaced as soon as possible. This will maintain the structural integrity of your roof and will also keep out any excess moisture that the winter may bring.
The fall is also an ideal time to check the insulation and ventilation of your roof. You should also check for leaks to make sure your roof has no early signs of decay present because it will be difficult to fix these come winter if you live in a climate where it snows regularly.
If you end up requiring maintenance on your cedar roof in the winter, consult a professional as winter conditions are typically unsafe for the average person. When it comes to snow, it acts as a natural insulator so in most cases, having it removed is unnecessary.
One of the main reasons for needing to do cedar roof maintenance in the winter is due to the build-up of ice dams, which typically result from a lack of maintenance in the fall. Ice dams are the excessive build-up of ice or snow on the lower eaves. Warm air from the attic is often the cause of this, as it causes snow to melt on parts of the roof and then refreeze on the lower eaves.
This warm attic air is usually a result of a lack of fall maintenance when you're meant to check insulation and ventilation. If you check and repair these during the appropriate season, then ice dams likely won't be an issue for you.
To stop the ice dams from becoming an issue to your cedar roof, call a professional who works with cedar roofs to ensure your safety and that the proper steps are taken to ensure your roof doesn't sustain any further damage.
Benefits of Cedar Roofs
You could be asking, why cedar roofs? Why are they worth all the effort to maintain? Well, now that you know how to properly take care of a cedar roof, learning about the rest of its wonderful benefits can help you determine if it's the right type of roof for you. Here are some of the benefits that cedar roofing has to offer:
Longevity: As we mentioned earlier, cedar roofs, whether they are shingles or shakes, have a long life. They can last up to 100 years if taken care of properly, which will reduce the cost of repairs or replacement, making them a sound investment.
Naturally repellent and strong: Cedar is known to naturally repel bugs, so as long as you maintain the quality of your cedar roof, you won't have to worry about insects invading your home. Cedar roofs are also resistant to natural elements, such as strong winds, storms and harsh weather conditions. However, this is only true if you maintain your cedar roof by replacing any missing or damaged shingles or shakes. If you keep up with the maintenance, a cedar roof will serve you well for a very long time.
Aesthetically appealing: Cedar roofs are known for being naturally beautiful pieces of any home or business. The aesthetic appeal of cedar roofs will add value to your home or business. If you ever try to sell your property in the future, the cedar roof will make your overall return on your home higher.
Different style choices: Cedar roofs don't just come in one uniform style. You can choose from either shingles or shakes, which each provide something different to your home. Shingles are great for those who want a more sophisticated and uniform look, which works great for businesses. Shakes will give a more rugged appearance, which is becoming more popular among homeowners. Regardless of what style you pick, cedar roofing will make your home stand out in style.
Several color choices: Once you've picked a style, you can now pick a color that will compliment your home or business perfectly. Cedar roofs will vary in color depending on the wood species you choose, with red or white cedar or alaskan yellow all bringing different dues. But you are not limited to these three common tones. With so many staining options available, the color choices you have for your cedar roof are nearly endless.
Environmentally friendly: Many people wouldn't think that cedar roofs are environmentally friendly due to cedar trees needing to be cut down to make the shingles or shakes. However, when shingles or shakes are made with cedar wood, a new sapling is planted for each tree that is used during the process. So not only are cedar roofs a natural source, but their use is also sustainable.
Finding the right roof can be overwhelming, but cedar roofs can provide you with the safety and security you've been looking for. While cedar roofs can be expensive, the benefits more than make up for the cost. If you choose to install a cedar roof for your home, you get to personalize your home or business to your liking, contribute to the environment by doing so and provide a sturdy roof to live or work under.
Contact Our Roofing Specialists For Custom Wood Shingles
Now just imagine how a new cedar roof will compliment your home or business. Not only will you reap the many practical benefits that cedar shake roofs have to offer, but you will have one of the most aesthetically appealing roofs on the block. You can be sure that the custom wood shingles we provide you with will transform your roof into an artistic and bold statement.
Look no further than Custom Shingles for all of your cedar roofing needs. We have been working diligently for over 40 years to hone our craft and assist our customers in finding custom-built shingles that will fit their homes. Contact us today for an estimate or to speak with a roofing specialist and start your journey to making your dream roof a reality.