Why Should You Install Cedar Shingles for Your Roofing and Siding

Asphalt roofing shingles may be inexpensive, but they may also not be the most energy-efficient materials available. Millions of asphalt shingles end up in landfills each year, while those made from cedar can be recycled or reused. Indeed, installing cedar shingles for your siding and roofing can be the best thing you can do for your home as well as for the environment. Cedar roofing and siding shingles are resilient to extreme weather conditions, due in large part to their higher thermal resistivity (R-value) as compared to other materials like asphalt, concrete, and steel. Natural oils found in cedar wood also prevent rot, while the placement of cedar roofing encourages better airflow to keep roof mold growth at bay. Cedar shingle roofing and siding can last from 30 to 50 years depending on your area’s weather patterns and the way the products have been installed and maintained.

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Looking for the Warning Signs of Cedar Shingle Deterioration

Cedar shingles can provide your home with more than just visual pizzazz; they can also strengthen it with their natural ability to adapt to weather conditions. Getting them installed through a contractor who can set them up for you at a modest sum can stretch their value. However, while cedar shingles are rated to last many years, there are clues which can point to the need to replace them sooner.

Seeing the shingles curled or cupped shingles are part and parcel of the wood’s natural aging and brought about as a result of exposure to the elements. Poor installation of shingles may be evident if the curls occurred within a short time after the project, especially when a cursory inspection of the surface yields a clear view of the underlayment.

Sometimes, cracks may appear among the shingles themselves. If your area’s been battered by inclement weather, take note that the cracks may have formed as a result of the shingles frequently contracting and expanding. Hail damage may also trigger the cracks and open up the interior to water damage.

Replacing a whole square of shingles that have gone past their prime will be necessary to keep up the appearance of the house. Choosing the same variety can retain the aesthetics like nothing happened.

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.