Do cedar shingles need maintenance?

To be able to ensure the longest life possible, a cedar shake roof requires careful, dedicated maintenance. To help preserve its longevity, you’ll need to apply a treatment, which you’ll also need to reapply when necessary.

How do you keep white cedar shingles new?

If you like the natural cedar siding look, you can apply a clear coat solution to them. This clear coat solution will help prolong the life of the wood and will slow down the weathering process to help preserve the natural unfinished look of cedar.

How do you maintain cedar shingles?

Cedar shingle maintenance must include protective treatments every one to three years. Without treatments, cedar shakes can degrade, buckle, rot, and even burn. To protect and preserve your roof, every few years, professionally apply water and fire repellents, fungicides, and algaecides to the shingles.

How long do cedar shingles last on a house?

Generally, all sources agree that when a cedar shake roof is properly installed and maintained, a cedar roof life expectancy is around 30 years. Deterioration prevention maintenance needs to be performed every 2 to 4 years for the longest cedar shake roof life possible.

How do you clean white cedar shingles?

Step 1 Clean Shingles The Cedar Bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayer let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.

Is it better to paint or stain cedar shingles?

The best answer is based on your home’s current cedar condition. Stain lasts longer and often looks more natural, but can only be applied if cedar is paint-free. Paint offers more protection and can be a good choice for badly worn homes with previous peeling issues from past painting applications.

Should I seal cedar shakes?

No. Never seal your cedar roof. Sealing the roof will lock in moisture that would otherwise naturally evaporate during normal weather conditions. Cedar needs to breathe and thus a water repellant type product, rather than a water proofer is the best route to follow.

How long does white cedar last?

However, the good news is one can prevent knots with thorough inspection. White cedar fencing lasts longer than red cedar fencing. In most cases, white cedar fences can last for a good 10 years or more.

How do you keep cedar shakes looking new?

If you have weathered and discolored wood siding, you can regain the new look of cedar by cleaning off the dirt and mildew with a solution of one third cup liquid household detergent (be sure it is ammonia-free), one quart liquid household bleach (containing 5% sodium hypochlorite), and three quarts warm water.

What is better red or white cedar shingles?

Overall, red cedar shingles are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than white cedar shingles. This is partly due to the red shingles’ unique cellular composition that results in the capturing of small pockets of air and improves insulation capabilities.

Should you seal cedar shakes?

Never seal your cedar roof. Sealing the roof will lock in moisture that would otherwise naturally evaporate during normal weather conditions. Cedar needs to breathe and thus a water repellant type product, rather than a water proofer is the best route to follow.

Should you spray or brush cedar siding?

Hand-brushing is recommended. For refinishing, especially, hand-brushing is always preferred. If one chooses to spray the paint on the cedar, the best results will be achieved by back brushing the finish during application.

Who makes the best cedar shingles?

Squarely the best. Maibec is the largest manufacturer of Eastern white cedar shingles in North America. It’s a title we’ve enjoyed since 1964.

How do you get rid of white spots on cedar shingles?

The Cedar Bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayer let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.

What is the architectural history of white cedar shingles?

Tom starts with some general information about the architectural history of white cedar shingles: Eastern white cedar is a prevalent species in the Northeast, which is why it is common to see it in the Northeast. It is naturally insect and rot resistant, so Native American tribes were using it to build canoes for hundreds of years.

How often should cedar shingles be replaced?

Cupping – Especially on the South-facing sides of the house, the hot sun can dry out the shingles too quickly, which will cause them to cup and break. White cedar shingles should be replaced roughly every 20 years.