How to Take Care of Your Cedar Shake Roof
Standard asphalt shingles do their job when it comes to protecting your roof from harsh elements, which is why they are prominent across Twin Cities neighborhoods. Cedar shake roofs, on the other hand, cannot be found quite as commonly. As the roofing material has become increasingly rare, the cost has been driven up due to supply and demand, deterring some homeowners from choosing cedar shingles.
Cedar shake roofing offers a beautiful accent to your home and can provide as much protection as your average shingles, as long as you are willing to adapt to higher maintenance. Whether you purchased a home with an existing cedar shake or are considering this luxury material for your upcoming roofing project, it’s essential to do what you can to preserve your cedar shake roof’s durability and longevity.
As your local cedar shake roofing experts, Timberline Roofing & Contracting is here with a few tips to help you take care of your beautiful natural roof all year long!
WHAT IS A CEDAR SHAKE ROOF?
Cedar shake roofs have been around since colonial times. These shingles are made out of split cedarwood, so every shingle uniquely varies in size and shape. The main difference between cedar shake shingles versus regular asphalt shingles is the natural look and feel it brings to a home.
Cedar shake shingles sport a natural aesthetic commonly found in rustic country homes or cabins. Every cedar shake shingle is hand-cut, providing a unique style for every roof installation.
Cedar Shake Roofing Benefits
There are many benefits to cedar shake roofing. As mentioned above, the natural beauty makes your home stand out amongst your neighbors. However, there are more positive aspects to the roofing material. With the natural beauty comes boosted curb appeal for your home.
Cedar shake shingles give you top-notch energy efficiency, helping reduce energy costs year-round. Lastly, these wood shingles are recyclable, making for an environmentally friendly tear-down process when they need to be replaced.
TAKING CARE OF A CEDAR SHAKE ROOF IN MINNESOTA
With beauty comes maintenance, and cedar shake roofs are no different. A well-maintained cedar shake roof can last about 30 years – 10 more than your average asphalt shingles. However, if they are not maintained or in a humid climate, their lifespan may not even last 20 years.
Proper Installation
Like every other aspect of your home, proper cedar shake shingles installation will add to your roof's lifespan. So, if you’re not experienced with installing shingles, you should contact a Twin Cities cedar roof contractor for the correct installation.
Yearly Cleaning
As you may already know, debris such as leaves, pine needles, acorns, and a handful of other objects will find a resting place on your roof. This can negatively impact a cedar shake roof’s ability to run rainwater off.
Additionally, any vegetation that may fall on a cedar shake roof can cause moisture retention, leading to a build-up of moss or mold. This can even cause the shingles to rot, so a yearly cleaning goes a long way.
When is the Best Time for Maintenance?
Your annual cedar shake cleaning schedule is primarily up to you. However, the best time to maintain your cedar shake roof is in the summer. Summertime is best as it lets your roof dry out from snowmelt and mid-spring rainfall. Additionally, not much natural debris falls on your roof in the summer, so after maintenance finishes, you won’t have to worry about debris stuck up there until fall.
Gutter Cleaning
The purpose of gutters is to remove rainwater from your roof or foundation. If your gutters are clogged, it will cause a buildup of moisture that seeps into your shingles. Over time, the excess water will cause rotting and mold on your cedar shake roof.
LET US HELP TAKE CARE OF YOUR CEDAR SHAKE ROOF
Do these cedar shake roof maintenance tasks sound tedious and time-consuming to you? Then we’re here to help!
Timberline Roofing & Contracting specializes in cedar shake roof installation, storm damage repair, gutter installation, ice dam removal, maintenance services, and more.
Request a free quote online, or call us at 612-284-5329 for quick and flexible roofing services in the Twin Cities metro area and beyond!