Caring for Cedar Roof

A premium grade cedar roof, if maintained properly and installed on spaced wood strips, can last for 50 to 60 years. Whether in the form of shingles or shakes, cedar for roofing has been proven as a superior outdoor building material. Cedar has natural oils which act as safeguard against moisture, insects and other forms for decay. But a cedar roof still has to be maintained, to bolster its resistance against the elements. Maintaining your cedar roof helps to enable it to last for much longer.

The most important step in taking care of your cedar roof is to be aware of the elements that can cause it to wear down. Here is a description about those elements and a few guidelines on how to care for your cedar roof.

• For Mold and Mildew: Mold and mildew develops after a rainy season. This can be controlled by using a solution of trisodium phosphate or household bleach mixed with water and scrubbed with a soft brush. The roof should be rinsed thoroughly afterwards.

• For Moss: Moss holds a lot of moisture to the surface of your cedar roof that would otherwise run off of it. A spray of any zinc-based cleaner (herbicide) or household bleach can help to reduce the presence of moss on your cedar roof. After herbicide is applied, moss can be cleared by hand, or with a garden hose. The cedar roof must be rinsed after the treatment.

• For undue wear: Make sure that the trees around your property are trimmed back to prevent rodents from using them to get to the roof. You can also install bands of metal, or wrought iron around tree trunks to discourage climbing rodents from getting on to the roof. Similarly minimize the use of bird feeders that are close to your roof, keeping pecking birds (and their droppings) away from your cedar roof.

• Foot Traffic and power washing: Walking on a cedar roof can also cause damage, depending on condition and footwear � cedar is a softer wood. Also, use of a power washer can cause damage to individual shingles and shakes.

• About chemical use: Chemical solutions should be used with caution. When using any cleaning products on your cedar roof, always follow the manufacturer�s instructions carefully.