How to Keep Cedar Shingles Looking New
Cedar shingles add an exquisite and rustic aesthetic to a home, cottage or cabin. However, like anything exposed to the elements, cedar shingles will eventually break down over time. However, there are steps homeowners can take to keep their cedar shingles looking brand new while protecting them against rot, mildew, mold and water damage.
Cleaning regularly is essential to keeping a cedar shingle roof looking its best and healthy. This can be accomplished using either a pressure washer with low or no pressure settings or manually using soft bristle brushes and cleaning solutions with soft bristles – however beware not to overdo it as this could damage wood fibers and cause it to split or crack.
Use an eco-friendly cleaner formulated specifically for cedar shakes and shingles. Such cleaners typically contain chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach and should be mixed with water in order to eliminate dirt, mildew, mold or algae build-up on the surface of shingles. Once applied, rinse it off using a garden hose after each application of cleaner.
Staining cedar shingles is another excellent way to preserve their appearance. There are various stain treatments available, including water-repellent preservatives (WRP), semitransparent and solid-color stains; generally WRPs are recommended due to not containing pigment and providing protection from water damage, however semitransparent and solid-color stains contain pigments which will alter their natural hue and alter your cedar shingle’s natural hue more drastically.
As well as keeping your shingles clean, proper ventilation in your attic is also key for keeping humidity at a manageable level which could negatively impact their condition.
Finally, an efficient gutter and downspout system is also an invaluable asset in protecting cedar shingles against rot, wood rot, mold and mildew. A properly functioning gutter system will make sure rainwater, sand debris and leaves don’t sit on them and contribute to their eventual decomposition.
Care and maintenance for cedar shingles will extend their longevity for many years to come, giving you years of enjoyment from them.
If you are considering installing cedar shingles on your roof, we suggest seeking professional help. A specialist can assist with selecting and installing the ideal type of shingles for your roof while avoiding common mistakes that could damage them – including not allowing them to fully acclimate and installing incorrectly – thus leading to misalignments and tears caused by expansion and contraction over time. Hiring an expert will save both hassle and costs associated with repair or replacement work for your cedar shingles.
