Cedar Shake Roof Care

Routine Maintenance

• Regardless of the region in which you live, certain basic maintenance tasks need to be performed routinely to extend the life of the cedar shakes. Keep the roof clear of debris such as leaves, twigs and pine needles. Ensure that no debris wedges under the shakes. Wood naturally attracts moisture which, in turn, attracts wood-rotting fungi. By removing roof debris, the shakes dry out easier and prevent the fungal formation of mold and mildew.

High Pressure Washing

• After removing leaves and other roof detritus, clean the cedar roof shakes with a solution of laundry detergent, bleach and a small amount of trisodium phosphate or TSP. Expert opinions differ in regard to the use of high pressure washing methods. Most of the leaves and roof debris can be removed effectively with the use of a garden hose. Generally this is all the pressure needed. Some contractors believe that power washing is an acceptable option that will not damage the integrity of the cedar shakes. If a high pressure washing method is used, follow that up with a topical chemical treatment to restore the beauty of the cedar.

Chemicals or Solvents

• Do not use any solvents that are not specifically labeled for use on cedar wood roofs. Avoid those solvents with sales hype claims of being fire retardant or a claim of eight or more years of effectiveness. Use a solvent that is water repellent as opposed to waterproof, and do not use any type of sealant. Look for chemicals labeled as wood preservatives. Cedar shakes need to breathe, and the application of waterproofing or any other type of sealant prohibits this and decreases the life of the wood.

Pesticides

• Even with basic care routines in place, under certain weather conditions mold, mildew lichens and mosses can still form on cedar shakes, especially in warm, moist climates. Preventative measures to avoid this are to allow the shakes to breathe and keep them as dry as possible at all times. Treat fungus formations, mosses and such immediately to avoid further spreading. The use of chemical pesticides is sometimes necessary, but exercise caution when so doing. Bleaching stubborn stains with a strong solution or even at full strength also helps to keep down the fungi and bacteria.