Cedar Roof Maintenance

Generally cedar roof restoration and cedar roof maintenance are treated as the same process.

Although the words do not really imply the same thing, we will treat them as the same.

Cedar is a living organism as compared to asphalt, fibreglass roof, steel, tin or composite roofs. Cedar, therefore requires a different amount of maintenance that these other forms.

All roof types are affected by the ultraviolet rays from the sun. Asphalt/fibreglass shingles and cedar shakes being the most affected. The south and west exposures will always show the most damage first.

Cedar roofs are very susceptible to damage from all kinds of environmental influences. Leaves from nearby trees are one of the leading causes of premature aging. Excessive moisture caused by lack of roof slope or improper drainage is also a critical factor.

Other influences could be animals, high winds and people walking on the roof who do not know the proper procedures.

Cedar roof maintenance is a multi-step process. Once the roof has been determined to be in a condition worthy of a roof maintenance program, these are the steps required to fully protect the roof for the long term:

• Repair or replace any damaged ridge caps
• Light Power Wash the roof to remove any dirt, moss, lichen, etc
• Repair required shakes
• Replace or repair any metal parts such as valleys, vents, flashings
• Re-caulk any joints
• Apply treatment to roof to protect roof