Tips for First-Time Cedar Roof Owners

Cedar shingles and shakes have been used for centuries and are valued for their durability, functionality and rustic beauty. However, to maintain the attractiveness and integrity of this timeless roofing material, you will have to perform a variety of routine maintenance and repair tasks.

In this cedar roofing guide, we'll share some valuable tips for roof owners, including common maintenance tasks and how to recognize signs of damage.

Benefits of Cedar Roofs

Cedar shakes and shingles provide the following advantages over many other roofing materials: 

• Dimensional stability: Cedar has a low density and experiences minimal shrinkage, meaning that its shingles and shakes retain their original dimensions in even the most humid of conditions. They also lie flat and hold fastenings securely.

• Resistance to harsh elements: Cedar contains natural preservatives that protect it against damage from UV rays, moisture and insects. It's also less likely to experience moss growth than many other types of roofing materials and can be treated to resist fire and fungus.

• Workability: Cedar produces lightweight, long timber lengths with straight, fine grains and uniform texture, making it simple to saw, cut and nail. It also accepts many types of finishes, including coats, fine oils and paint.

• Strength: Considered among the sturdiest woods in the world, cedar is naturally durable and will improve your roof's structural strength.

• Insulation: This type of wood also insulates well, keeping the interior of your home cool during the summer and warm in the winter. The extra insulation may reduce your air conditioning and heating bills.

• Timeless, natural appearance: In addition to all of the practical advantages of cedar, it will also enhance your home's curb appeal. These types of shingles provide a smooth look, whereas cedar shakes offer a more rough-hewn and rustic appearance. As cedar ages, it turns a distinguished gray color, adding to its beauty.

• Eco-friendliness: Choosing cedar also helps the environment, as it's a renewable and biodegradable resource.

Signs You Need to Repair Your Roof

Although durable and long-lasting, cedar roofs do eventually need repairs. Here are some of the warning signs that your cedar roof's life span is coming to an end and it needs a bit of extra attention.

1. Leaks

Leaking is among the most common problems associated with damaged or old cedar roofs and a definite sign that your roof needs replacing. However, it can often be difficult to detect these leaks before they cause too much trouble.

If your cedar roof shows its age, regularly check for leaks after severe storms or heavy rain. 

Look out for the following indications of a leaking roof:

• Stains on your wall or ceiling

• Dripping sounds

• Mold or mildew

• Unpleasant smells

2. Cupping or Curling

Cedar shakes tend to distort and warp with age. Although this is natural to some extent, excessive distortion can lead to leaks or shingle damage. One common way that these shingles distort and warp is by cupping or curling.

Cedar shingles and shakes naturally curl and cup over time when they're exposed to heat, rain, UV rays and various other natural elements. This occurrence is no cause for concern. However, when they curl and cup so much that you can see the underlayment, you need to get your roof repaired.

Keep in mind that new shakes or shingles will curl or cup slightly. But, if the curling or cupping is extreme, the installation was poorly performed. For this reason, always make sure to hire roofers who have experience with cedar roofs.

3. Split Shingles

Split shingles often mean you need to repair your roof. Curling or cupping, as well as exposure to natural elements, can cause splits. Cedar shingles and shakes can split suddenly or gradually over time.

If you notice some of your shingles are splitting, note what the split looks like compared to other parts of the shingle. If the split's color is noticeably brighter than the rest of the shingle's surface, it is likely the result of rapid damage from a storm or falling debris. In this situation, you should check your homeowner's insurance policy to find out whether they cover your repairs.

4. Moss, Algae or Rot

Cleaning the surface of your roof is another essential part of maintenance. Although thought to be more of a cosmetic step, it is often necessary to maintain your roof's integrity and strength. Using a low-pressure sprayer will take out weaker, more weathered pieces of wood and can also remove any fungi or mosses.

Knowing how to effectively clean your roof is vital since using the wrong tools or cleaning supplies could do more harm than good. If you want to get the best results while combatting damage during the process, consider hiring Cedar Roof Coatings to clean your roof for you.

You can even schedule this at the same time as other maintenance or repair tasks. At Cedar Roof Coatings, we use Cedar Wash, a 100% eco-friendly formula that removes dirt, mold, mildew and algae to clean your roof during treatment.

5. Damaged or Missing Shingles

You may need to repair your cedar roof if certain shingles are damaged or missing. If you notice leaks in your home, ensure that all the shingles are still in place and in good condition. Proactive repairs and replacements are key to avoiding costly water damage.

4 Cedar Roof Care Tips

The life span of a well-maintained cedar roof is at least 40 years, but maintaining it properly requires lots of work. You should ideally perform roof maintenance at least every five years, although you should complete certain steps more frequently. Here are some of the most vital cedar roofing tips and maintenance tasks to keep your home looking its best.

1. Debris Removal

Make sure to remove any debris that falls on your cedar roof, including conifer needles, fallen leaves, lichens and mosses. If you don't remove the debris, it can impede runoff and promote the growth of wood-destroying fungus. These types of fungi are known to retain moisture, which could weaken the shingles and lead to breakage.

You can remove objects on an as-needed basis, but it can also be helpful to schedule it into your calendar a few times a year. We recommend checking your roof for large pieces of debris at the start of each season, as weather changes can cause scrap items to gather. If there's recently been a storm or severe wind in your area, it's also a good idea to check if any branches or other natural items are present.

2. Vegetation Removal

In addition to removing debris, you should routinely remove vegetation that affects your roof. Trees with low-hanging branches could continually touch your roof and drop leaves, twigs or blooms onto its surface, which can cause moisture to build up. Removing these items will prolong your cedar's life span by allowing it to dry more quickly, thereby reducing the chance of harmful fungi growth.

3. Gutter Cleaning

Cleaning the gutters around your house is a critical part of cedar roof maintenance. Gutters direct runoff away from your house to avoid damage to your foundation or roof. However, if they are clogged, they can't perform this duty. Blocked gutters can lead to rainwater soaking into the cedar and causing it to deteriorate or rot. Make sure to clean out your gutters regularly — particularly in the fall.

Some common signs of a clogged gutter include the following:

• Sagging gutters

• Standing water

• Exterior rust

4. Cleaning the Roof Surface

Cleaning the surface of your roof is another essential part of maintenance. Although thought to be more of a cosmetic step, it is often necessary to maintain your roof's integrity and strength. Using a low-pressure sprayer will take out weaker, more weathered pieces of wood and can also remove any fungi or mosses. 

Knowing how to effectively clean your roof is vital since using the wrong tools or cleaning supplies could do more harm than good. If you want to get the best results while combatting damage during the process, consider hiring Cedar Roof Coatings to clean your roof for you.

You can even schedule this at the same time as other maintenance or repair tasks. At Cedar Roof Coatings, we use Cedar Wash, a 100% eco-friendly formula that removes dirt, mold, mildew and algae to clean your roof during treatment.

Professional Roofing Maintenance

To ensure your cedar roof maintains its integrity, you'll need to hire a reputable local roofing maintenance service specializing in this type of wood, like Cedar Roof Coatings. This strategy is usually more cost-effective, and you can also be assured that the job is done correctly from start to finish. When you hire us as your trusted roof professionals, you can expect the following: 

• Inspection: We will examine the state of your shingles or shakes, as well as evaluate the condition of the ridges, valleys, and other sections of the roof. Depending on your roof's condition, we may assess the state of the nails used to secure the shingles or shakes. By performing a thorough evaluation, we can figure out the best way to treat and maintain your roof.

• Cleaning: We will determine the most effective methods for cleaning and caring for your roof. To do this, we will need to know about the treatments previously used.

• Repairs: While some damage to your roof may be obvious, there are many others that cannot be detected with an untrained eye. Our roofing experts have both the skilled eye and sophisticated equipment to detect all damage to your roof and can recommend the best way to repair it. If you have us perform repairs, you won't need to worry about the problems recurring or prematurely replacing your roof.

The Importance of a Professional Doing the Maintenance and Repairs 

While some DIYers may be tempted to maintain their cedar roofs, they often fail to consider the many benefits of hiring Cedar Roof Coatings, which include:

• Cost: While doing the work yourself may save you money in the short run, your lack of experience in this highly specialized trade will likely cause you to make mistakes. You'll then have to call in a roofing professional to fix them. This process will end up costing more money, as the roofer will be fixing both your mistakes and doing the needed roof repairs.

• Experience: Watching videos online on how to perform cedar roof maintenance is not a replacement for the years of knowledge and experience acquired by a professional. Working on your own roof without the necessary skills, tools or knowledge can have serious consequences. You could make the problem worse, or you could injure yourself in the process. Leave the job to people who have been trained to know how to handle common roofing problems.

• Detail: As professionals, we have the skills and tools to properly inspect your roof and pinpoint the causes of the issues you're experiencing, as well as discover any other issues that may lead to damage in the future.

• Time: We can quickly figure out what the problem is and determine the most efficient method to fix it.

• Safety: Falling is one of the most common injuries when repairing roofs. In 2023, 500,000 people received treatment for ladder-related injuries. To ensure our safety, as well as yours, we invest in the proper equipment and safety gear. Unless you happen to already have this specialized equipment on hand, you'll have to pay for it yourself — and it's not cheap.

• Warranty: If your cedar roof is still within warranty, having Cedar Roof Coatings maintain it is a no-brainer. If you attempt to do repairs by yourself, you run the risk of voiding your warranty.

Choose Cedar Roof Coatings to Perform Your Cedar Roof Maintenance, Repairs and Inspections 

To ensure your cedar roof gets the care it needs to protect your home, look no further than Cedar Roof Coatings, the leading company in cedar roof preservation, restoration and repair in Westchester County, New York, and Fairfield County, Connecticut.

We have been serving our community for decades by providing customers with beautiful, long-lasting roofs. When performing roof repairs, our experienced team begins with a thorough, honest examination of your roof. If the roof is older, we won't simply suggest a replacement — if maintained properly, your cedar roof may be able to serve you for another 10 or even 15 years. If we can salvage your roof by restoring it, that is the option we'll recommend. Our team of experts knows how to help you get the most out of a roof.

To consult with our professionals, contact us by calling 203.847.5740 or by filling out our contact form.