As Good Wood Should: Cedar Shake Roof Maintenance

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.

Cedar Shake Roof Materials: Providing Many Benefits for Homeowners

Wooden shake or shingle roofs may be more expensive and difficult to install than other roofing materials. However, they have remained the top choice of homeowners who want durable roofs that can withstand harsh weather conditions. At the same time, wood roofs provide the aesthetic appeal not found in other types of roofing materials. In fact, in spite of their relatively higher costs, many architects and building contractors prefer wood roofs because of their beauty and natural appearance. They are usually made of western red cedar shake roof materials like those offered by WoodRoof.com and blend perfectly well with their environment. An article by S.S. Niemiec and T.D. Brown, both from the Oregon State University (OSU), posted at the Pacific Northwest Handbooks.org provides valuable information on the care and maintenance of these wood shingle and shake roofs.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/cedar-shake-roof-materials-providing-many-benefits-for-homeowners

Wooden You Try It: The Many Virtues of a Classic Cedar Shake Roof

In areas where the risk of wildfire damage is rather low, cedar wood shingles can prove to be an irresistible option. Cedar wood resists rot quite well thanks to its natural oils, which act as preservatives. Interestingly, cedar resists termite infestation up to a certain extent. In any case, property owners would do well to hire professional roofers to install high-quality cedar shake roof, householders should remember to enlist skilled roofers to install the shingles. Folks worried about having a wooden roof that’s susceptible to fire, curling, and rot shouldn’t worry too much. The shingles can be treated to resist fire and rot, and daily maintenance can preserve the shakes for up to 50 years. Proper fastening can also secure wooden shakes, and protect them from high winds. In many ways, wooden shingles perform just as good as other types of roofing; homeowners only need to ensure that these roofing materials are treated properly beforehand.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/wooden-you-try-it-the-many-virtues-of-a-classic-cedar-shake-roof

Investing the Right Amount of TLC in Your Durable Cedar Shake Roof

Shell Busey, in a recent article that was featured on Canada.com, advises caution on the kind of TLC you give your biodegradable cedar shake roof. Roof cleaning products and methods remain largely unregulated, and the use of improper cleaning products and methods could damage your cedar shake roofing. In fact, even the act of pressure washing could inflict irreversible damage. However, this doesn't rule out the option of power washing, as it's a necessity for every roof. Just have it done by a professional about twice a year. An excerpt from Busey's article states that: “Cedar roofing should be cleaned regularly, spring and fall, with medium pressure or enough to remove debris that accumulated during the previous months, and inspected in preparation for the next season.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/investing-the-right-amount-of-tlc-in-your-durable-cedar-shake-roof

Getting One with Nature: Things to Keep in Mind when Installing a Cedar Shake Roof System

Shakes and shingles are usually made from redwood, pine, or cedar. Among them, Alaskan Yellow Cedar is reputed to be one of the best roofing materials around, offering decent durability, flexibility, and resistance against the cold. Despite the name, this type of cedar is also found in British Columbia, Washington, and California. The rarity of the material means that only a few reputable companies and online retailers like WoodRoof.com can offer them and install them for interested customers. Thankfully, other types of wood roofs are also recommended and ordinary homeowners can carry out basic maintenance on their shingles and shakes. By applying the proper treatments and preservatives, a cedar shake roof can be keep free of insects, moisture, and discoloration, thereby extending its lifespan.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/getting-one-with-nature-things-to-keep-in-mind-when-installing-a-cedar-shake-roof-system

Why Homeowners Should Choose Wooden Shake Roofing

Many materials have been developed specifically to serve as building materials due to their robust quality. Materials such as cement, steel, and even fiberglass make for very strong and long-lasting construction components, and many modern buildings are built using these. However, once in a while, natural components made from wood make for fine materials as well.

The roof is one part of the house that is constantly subjected to the elements, and homeowners will definitely want a superior material over their heads to protect themselves. Wooden shakes made from cedar might not strike some people as tough roofing components, yet the material can be surprisingly hardy. When treated with chemicals, cedar roofing can resist fire and be reasonably waterproof as well.

Homeowners should consider cedar roofing, not just for its improved durability, but also for its beauty. Wooden shakes are a timeless classic, and will give any home a warm and inviting look. It also helps that wooden shakes have superior insulation properties to prevent excess heat from entering or escaping the house. The next time you are deciding on what type of roof to install, you might want to give wooden shakes a chance. You will be pleasantly surprised with what wood has to offer.

All About Cutting Shakes: No Two Shakes are the Same

Have you noticed that cedar shakes don't always look uniform? It's a sign that the splitting was done by hand; to be more accurate, it was done by froe (or shake ax) and mallet.

Splitting a block of cedar is as easy as chopping firewood. The grain makes it easy for a block to be split, helping the blade cut all the way to the other side. Add the fact that cedar used for roofs or sidings are naturally resistant to decay and pests and you have a ready-to-use material. However, you need a good hand to cut shakes at a certain thickness.

Then again, even with a stable grip and control, shakes don't always come out level. One end of the shake can be thicker than the other by a few inches, with general thickness ranging between 0.5 to 2 inches. You can even expect some loose wood fibers along the sides of the shake, supporting the fact that it was cut by hand.

As a result of the varying thickness, cedar shakes may leave some parts of the roof exposed to wind and rain. That's why shakes are usually installed in no less than two layers and felt backing becomes necessary. More layers gives the cedar roof more chances of keeping the elements out of the home.

Leave Cedar Shake Installation to Reliable Roofers

Homes may use asphalt or composite shingles for their rooftops, but there are many homeowners who still stand by good old wood. Experts recommend cedar shakes or shingles for those who want a rustic and natural feel for their roofing systems, specifically because these wood-based materials offer the best in terms of aesthetics and function. However, it is also advisable to engage reliable roofers for such installation, rather than opting for a weekend DIY project.

The task is not simple because wood is very vulnerable to moisture, and can only be fixed with the careful application of preservatives. Some wood panels that have been treated with “fire-retardant” preservatives may even lose their coveted protective layer if the house has a history of extensively using heat sources (such as fireplaces and oil lamps). Professional roofers can work around this by introducing additional wood layers to the roofing system, something that an ordinary homeowner can't possibly know of from the get-go.

Cedar shakes can also be a bit picky when it comes to the selection of fastening materials. Experts recommend galvanized steel staples or nails to provide the best “grip” without damaging the wood material. When it comes to roof flashings, cedar shakes may need to incorporate a few metal plates to protect the wood from concentrated levels of rainwater and melted snow, which can soak even the strongest cedar shakes with dangerous levels of moisture.

Getting to Know Western Red Cedar

Cedar shake roofs instantly add a classic and elegant touch to any colonial-style home, making them a favorite among many American homeowners. Consumers have several choices when it comes to this elegant roofing material. Among these variants, Western red cedar (scientific name: Thuja plicata) scores highly in terms of beauty and durability.

The Western red cedar is an enormous tree that grows mostly in cool, moist areas of the Pacific Northwest region such as Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Hence, this material is also referred to as Pacific red cedar. The lovely reddish brown bark and wood distinguishes red cedar from other trees, making it quite the stylish option for roof shakes. Interestingly, red cedar shakes transform into lovely shades of gray as they age.

According to a study by Portland State University, Native American tribes where the first ones to appreciate red cedar's fine-grained surface and rot-resistant qualities. These tribes used the wood to create various objects such as wooden storage boxes, canoes, houses, ceremonial head dresses, and even coffins. These days, Western red cedar is used for various purposes other than roofing. For instance, you’ll find that red cedar is also used for building siding, fence posts, deck flooring, blinds, shutters, gazebos, and sheds.

Treatments for Prolonging Cedar Shake Life

For hundreds of years, cedar has been one of the most used types of wooden roofing, thanks to the material's inherent durability and elegance. Today, there are many wood roofing treatments that you can apply to even further this durability, as well as reinforce its resistance to rot and weather damage.

You can find many commercial chemical products in your local store that can be used to treat your cedar shake roof against fungus that can cause decay. For extra safety, be sure that the chemical that you use is specifically for cedar shake, and is guaranteed by the manufacturer to be water resistant, can prevent UV radiation and if possible, registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Pesky algae and fungal growth can also be treated with an appropriate amount of bleach solution. Use oxygen bleach for stains and dirt. Mix the solution with water and wait about thirty minutes before rinsing. Make sure to protect any plants directly below your roof

Moreover, you can give your cedar shake roofing a regular clean by hiring a power washing company to do it for you. Power washers can deliver excellent surface cleaning with the power of water pressure and chemical cleaners.