CEDAR ROOF PRESERVATION
Wooden shingles or shakes once represented one of the few types of roofs available today it's a premium product that costs homeowners five times as much to purchase and install than the more common asphalt shingle roof.
The gradual aging of cedar is one of the many qualities owners enjoy about having a cedar roof. But that same aging can shorten your cedar roof's life dramatically if not cared for properly. That’s why it’s important to do regular inspections and create a maintenance plan. Treating your cedar roof with a quality moss and fungus killer with a UV wood preservative will reduce the chance of future costly repairs by reducing or eliminating moss and fungus growth. Cedar roof is the only type of roofing material where its life span can be greatly increased by regular maintenance and preservation measures. Doing so will ensure a trouble-free cedar roof for many years.
Real Cedar Roofing
Pros and Cons
PROS
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Cedar roofing has strong insulating properties and promotes energy-efficiency
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Cedar shake and shingles are durable, providing 40 or more years of reliable performance
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Cedar roofing is rigid and less susceptible than asphalt shingles to bending and cracking due to strong winds
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Cedar is naturally resistant to insect infestation, especially when the cedar shake is treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), which can also help prevent the growth of fungus, moss, and mildew.
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Cedar roofing has an special aesthetic appeal and distinctive style
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Cedar is a renewable resource
CONS
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Split shake is more expensive to buy, install, and maintain compared to other roofing materials
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In order to be fire retardant, cedar roofing must be treated with a product like Shingle Seal™ or Flame Stop™
CEDAR ROOF AGING
Two natural factors begin the aging process for cedar: sunlight and rain. The sun’s UV rays break down the top cellular layer of the wood and get washed away when it rains. Left untreated, the cedar roof will begin to show signs of curling and take on a silvery gray appearance. Although this aging is typical of cedar roofs in time, this aging process is a sign of deterioration. Rain slowly removes cedar's natural preservatives allowing water to enter the tiny cracks in the wood, causing the shingles to expand and contract.
Expanding and contracting shingles becomes an open invitation for fungi, moss, and algae. Fungi will begin feeding on the wood slowly, reducing its ability to protect the building's envelope, leading to repairs or even complete replacement.
Premature aging can be averted with seasonal inspections and removing all debris such as leaves, pine needles, dirt, etc., from between the cedar shingles, chimney valleys, and gutters. Trim overhanging branches that may prevent the cedar shingles from completely drying between rains. Inspect cedar shakes and shingles for cracks or curling, fasteners, nails, and all other roofing components.
