Crafted from natural wood, various types of cedar wood shingles work well in different climates — despite threats like rain, wind, ice and sun. Whether you have cedar shakes or shingles, regular inspections and protective coatings help preserve the beauty of naturally aged cedar and protect it from your climate.
For professional services, homeowners in Connecticut and New York turn to Cedar Roof Coatings. Our knowledgeable pros know all about the local climate and can help your cedar roof thrive. With a little background on how the weather affects your cedar shake roof or cedar shingles, you can keep your roof lasting as long as possible.
The Climate Durability of a Cedar Roof
As with most other roof materials, cedar wood is not immune to the often harsh effects of Mother Nature. Natural cedar is a wise investment for homeowners in regions with moderate or cool weather. It performs best in climates with mild summers and moderate winters.
A cedar roof reacts uniquely to solar radiation — the wood will change color as it ages to create weathered cedar shingles and shakes. Naturally aged cedar is undoubtedly stunning. However, in extreme heat, sun exposure can amplify this weathering process, shortening the roof's life span. Excessive moisture exposure can also impact longevity. Cedar will swell when wet and contract again as it dries. Over time, this wet-dry cycle can wear down the wood and its waterproof properties.
Cedar Roof Performance in Various Climates
This material can last up to 30 years with routine maintenance and care, but its durability and longevity largely depend on the weather conditions. Even though cedar is a durable choice that offers natural insect-repellent and decay-resistant properties, some climate conditions can shorten its life span or cause problems. Fortunately, knowing what to expect can help you prepare for these challenges and identify possible issues.
Dry and Arid Climates
Arid and semiarid climates receive limited rainfall throughout the year. The light, scarce rainfall in these climates is ideal for cedar roofs. However, these regions tend to experience lengthy periods of intense heat and sunlight. The harsh ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure can cause cedar shakes and shingles to weather rapidly. The wood can also become dry and brittle.
Fortunately, homeowners can minimize the effects of the sun by applying a protective UV-resistant coating to cedar roofs. Our experienced technicians can reapply these coatings every few years to improve longevity.
Wet and Rainy Climates
Tropical climates experience high precipitation levels throughout the year, resulting in high humidity and constant rainy conditions. Moisture is a primary challenge for homeowners in rainy climates with cedar roofs. Cedar wood can become prone to mold, mildew and eventual rot when unprotected and exposed to excessive moisture. Shingles and shakes can cup and curl in rainy conditions, creating gaps that lead to leaks. These effects can deteriorate the material and shorten its life span.
In these climates, homeowners must ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of blockages and functioning properly throughout the year. Applying a water-resistant coating can also help prevent water damage from occurring in rainy climates. We use TWP 200® Series coat to prevent cedar roofs from absorbing water.
Cold and Snowy Climates
Cold and snowy climates often experience harsh conditions like blizzards and heavy winds. While cedar roofs are snow- and ice-resistant, homeowners must prepare their roofs for chilly winters with thorough inspections and general maintenance. Following moderate snow storms and intense blizzards, snow buildup can weigh the roof down, risking damage.
Snow buildup can also melt during the day and then freeze again at night when the temperature drops. This melting-freezing process can create ice dams, which block melting snow from draining off your roof and can ultimately cause leaks. In these climates, homeowners must periodically remove snow buildup and treat ice dams early to prevent damage. Professional inspections and a water-resistant TWP 200® Series coat can also help protect cedar roofs in cold, snowy climates.
Sunny Climates
Sunny climates are cooler than dry, arid climates and experience less rain than tropical climates, where rainfall occurs all year. Also, sunny climates don't typically experience snowfall. Temperatures remain moderate throughout the year, with occasional thunderstorms and rainfall in summer.
While cedar roofs are more wind-resistant than many other materials, they can take damage from debris. Wind may also cause shakes to shift out of place. Promptly check your roof after any storms and remove debris, such as tree branches and leaves. Call for a professional inspection after particularly bad weather.
Due to the moderate temperatures, cedar roofs perform well in these climates. Still, ongoing maintenance and care are key to keeping your cedar roof in good condition over the years.
Maintenance Tips for Extending the Life of Your Cedar Roof
You can extend the life span of your cedar roof in quite a few ways. Your roof maintenance checklist should include the following:
Biannual inspections: Routine inspections can help you identify problems before they spiral into costly repairs. A professional roof inspection will highlight aging materials that need replacing, minor flaws in shingles or shakes and damage to other roof components. It also reveals issues like animal infestations, clogged gutters and wind damage.
Protective treatments: Cedar roofs need protective treatments to ward off the effects of extreme heat and moisture. Cedar wash products can remove mold and mildew buildup. You'll need professional protective coat treatments every few years to prevent UV and water damage.
Replace damaged shakes and shingles: Promptly replacing missing and damaged shakes and shingles is crucial. Neglecting this repair can lead to further damage.
Keep the roof clean: Leaves, twigs and other debris can build up on the roof and cause gutter clogs, leading to water and structural damage. Clearing out gutters and debris from the roof is an essential task to prioritize biannually and following rain or snow storms.
Ensure proper attic ventilation: Your attic influences your roof's performance. Poor attic ventilation can increase the risk of ice dams forming in cold snowy climates, while proper insulation helps prevent moisture from collecting on the roof.
Cedar roof maintenance and repairs are crucial for keeping the structure in top condition. By prioritizing these tasks, you can help your cedar roof last up to three decades.
The Environmental Advantages of Choosing a Cedar Roof
Cedar wood is an eco-friendly material. It offers timeless beauty sourced from Mother Nature. Many manufacturers use sustainable sourcing methods for this renewable and biodegradable material. Plus, manufacturing cedar shingles and shakes typically creates far fewer greenhouse gases than synthetic roof materials.
Energy efficiency is another benefit of investing in a cedar roof. The natural insulation properties of cedar can keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Ready Your Roof With Cedar Roof Coatings
Cedar Roof Coatings can help you extend the life span of your cedar roof. We have over 35 years of experience serving homeowners around the Connecticut region. We understand the unique weather conditions here and how they may affect the longevity of your roof.
We'll conduct thorough inspections, recommend repairs and apply a protective coating to safeguard your cedar roof from the outdoor elements. Schedule your cedar roof inspection with Cedar Roof Coating today!
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