How to Lighten Cedar Shakes

Cedar is a lightly scented conifer noted for its strong and durable wood. One particular use of cedar is for making shakes, or shingles for roofing and siding houses. With exposure to the elements, the natural hue of cedar becomes discolored and darkens. A simple process of treating and cleaning can lighten your cedar shakes and return them to their original glory. By regularly performing shake cleaning, you can keep the darkening at bay.

Household bleach
Garden sprayer
Low-powered pressure washer

Instructions

- 1
  Mix equal parts household bleach and lukewarm water together in a garden sprayer. Allow 1 1/2 gallons of mixed solution for every 100 square feet of shakes you have to lighten.
- 2
  Hold the sprayer 1 foot away from the shakes and apply the bleach solution. Work slowly to apply an even layer of solution all over the shakes until they are fully saturated. Refill the sprayer if you use up the solution to ensure thorough coverage.
- 3
  Leave the solution to soak into the cedar for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes. The bleach needs time to work into the wood, but too long can cause unsightly discoloration.
- 4
  Fill a low-powered pressure washer with cold water, then clean the shakes of the bleach solution. Warm or hot water will damage the wood and strip the shakes of their natural finish. If you refill the washer, make sure to use cold, clean water.
- 5
  Hold the pressure washer 1 foot away from the shakes and direct the stream at the wood. Create a 15-degree angle with the roof and the stream of water to prevent damaging the wood with too much impact. Rinse the cedar until the water runs clean and no more bleach remains on the wood.

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