Just like any other
roofing system, a cedar shake roof requires periodic maintenance.
However, cedar shakes require special attention.
Some
recommend high-pressure washing or “powerwashing” the cedar roof,
albeit it can damage the latter if not applied properly. As much as
possible, a professional should assess
the roofing system on a case-to-case basis if it qualifies for
powerwashing. The assessment entails factors such as the age of the
roof, gallons sprayed per minute, and pressure per square inch.
Moreover, if the cedar
roof retains moisture, fungi infestation or mold growth can occur.
Those, in turn, can compromise the integrity of the shakes and lead
to water and structural damage. That scenario can be resolved by
cleaning out the moisture and removing the infestations, which allows
the roof to breathe again.
Another way to maintain
the cedar roofing is to use a water repellent treatment product to
clean and preserve the cedar wood. Professionals recommend using an
EPA-registered wood preservative and checking its material safety
data sheet for precautions. With proper maintenance, a cedar roof can
last from 40 to 60 years – or even more.
While some homeowners can
do these maintenance methods their own, it helps to call certified
roofers to do the job. This ensures superior and long lasting results
to preserve the durability and aesthetics of the cedar shakes.
