Save Money By Preserving Your Cedar Roof

The natural aging of cedar is one of the many qualities homeowners love about a cedar roof. But that aging can also be problematic if it occurs prematurely. That’s why it’s so important to have basic cedar roof maintenance and cedar wood preservation done on a regular basis. With proper care, you’ll enjoy a trouble-free cedar wood roof for 50 years or more. This kind of longevity highlights the unique charm of cedar—when maintained well, its life can far exceed other roofing materials.

Cedar wood is the only type of roofing material where its life can be actively prolonged through basic maintenance and preservation measures. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Do cedar shingles need to be treated?”, the answer is yes. Treating cedar wood is the single most impactful step homeowners can take to protect the natural beauty and resilience of their cedar shingles.

If you’re considering investing in a cedar roof or already have one, here’s everything you need to know to keep your roof healthy, beautiful, and weather-resistant over the years.

Cedar Wood’s Natural Aging Process

Two primary environmental factors play a role in the natural aging process of cedar wood:

1. Sunlight
2. Wet Weather

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays break down the uppermost cellular layer of the wood, leaving it vulnerable. When it rains, this weakened layer is washed away. This continual process of UV exposure and rain results in the cedar shingles becoming an aged cedar with a silvery gray patina over time. This color transformation is part of what makes cedar roofs so desirable, as the aged cedar’s appearance exudes a timeless and elegant charm.

However, while this aging is normal over many years, premature aging is not. Premature aging is a sign of deterioration and can hinder the life of a cedar shake roof. Rain also slowly erodes the natural preservatives in cedar wood, making it far more susceptible to damage. Without these natural oils providing protection, water infiltrates the wood, causing shingles or shakes to repeatedly expand and contract.

This persistent cycle of expansion and contraction creates cracks and openings in the cedar shingles—an open invitation for fungal growth like moss and algae. Such fungi not only mar the look of your roof but also feed on the wood itself, accelerating the deterioration process and jeopardizing the roof’s structural integrity. The inevitable consequence? Premature failure of your cedar roof system.

Maintenance During the Cedar Wood Aging Process

Aging is a natural part of any cedar roof’s life cycle. However, proactive cedar roof maintenance can delay the process and prevent premature roof failure. If you’re wondering, “Do cedar shingles need to be treated regularly to maintain their appeal?”, the answer is reinforced here. Yes, maintenance and treating cedar wood are essential to preserving both the functionality and appearance of your roof.

Basic maintenance for a cedar roof includes:

• Debris Removal: Clearing all debris, such as leaves, tree needles, and dirt, from the surface of the cedar shingles helps prevent blockages and water retention. Pay extra attention to areas around chimneys, roof valleys, and corners, where debris often collects.
• Removing Fungal Growth: Algae, moss, or other fungal growth not only look unsightly but also break down the cedar fibers. Effective removal can save years off the premature aging process.
• Trimming Overhanging Tree Branches: Shade and moisture are the worst enemies of cedar roofs. Overhanging branches can cast constant shade and trap moisture, hindering proper roof drying and encouraging fungal growth.
• Inspection: Regular inspections by professionals familiar with cedar roofs are critical to identify damage early. This includes checking the condition of the shingles, shakes, fasteners, and ridge caps.
• Repair and Replacement: Any damaged shakes, shingles, or ridge caps should be promptly repaired or replaced to prevent water infiltration that could compromise the entire roofing system.

By addressing these tasks annually, homeowners can significantly extend the life of a cedar shake roof while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Cedar Wood Roof Preservation

Although cedar contains natural oils and preservatives, these deplete over time, making your roof more vulnerable to the elements. Professional treatments focus on preserving the integrity and longevity of your roof. By applying specialized treatments, homeowners can protect their cedar roof from:

• Curling
• Splitting
• Cupping
• Structural decay from fungi and bacteria
• UV Damage

Key Benefits of Professional Cedar Treatments

1. Extended Lifespan – Treated cedar can last up to twice as long as untreated wood.
2. Enhanced Appearance – Treatments maintain the natural beauty of the wood, whether you prefer its original color or aged patina.
3. Cost Savings – By delaying the need for roof replacements, preservation treatments save money in the long run.

Timing is Everything

• Initial Application: Treatments should be applied 3 to 12 months after installation while natural oils are still present in the wood.
• Subsequent Applications: Reapply treatments every 8 to 10 years, depending on environmental conditions such as heavy rain or constant sun exposure.

Extending the Life of Cedar Shake Roofs

If extending the life of your cedar shake roof is your goal, there’s no question that regular maintenance and preservation efforts are necessary. By protecting your roof from harmful UV rays, repeated cycles of wetting and drying, and fungal growth, you not only maintain its striking natural beauty but also avoid costly repairs and premature replacements.

Maintaining a cedar roof ensures you can showcase its allure for decades, but the responsibilities should not rest solely on the homeowner. Partnering with professionals experienced in handling cedar wood is crucial to maximizing the lifespan and performance of your investment.

Here are some additional tips:

• Schedule cleaning and treatment services during dry seasons for the most effective application.
• Monitor your roof for uneven aging patterns, indicating areas that need extra attention.
• Use only professional-grade treatment products specially formulated for cedar wood.

The Shake Guys’ Expertise

From treating cedar wood to addressing its specific maintenance needs, having the right experts in your corner makes all the difference. The Shake Guys specialize in preserving cedar roofs and are equipped with the expertise required to handle every facet of cedar roof care and preservation. Their trained professionals can help reduce premature aging, protect against fungal growth, and maintain the unique character of your roof as it transitions through its natural aging cycle.

If you’ve been wondering about the intricacies of treating cedar wood, questions like “Do cedar shingles need to be treated?” and how the life of a cedar shake roof can be prolonged, they have the answers. Whether your cedar roof is fresh off an installation or has already aged into its silvery gray patina, their team develops tailored solutions to meet your roof’s needs.

Contact the Shake Guys for all your cedar roofing questions and concerns. Whether you’re curious about the life expectancy of a cedar shake roof, the benefits of treating cedar shingles, or you need guidance on preserving your aged cedar roof, we’re here to help. Get the most out of your investment with professional care from the experts!