Cedar Roofing: Your Shield Against the Elements

What you will learn: the superior benefits of cedar as a roofing material; how cedar shakes and cedar shingles are made and the differences between the two; fire-resistant cedar shakes and cedar shingles; ways to care for your cedar roofing.

Available in refined cedar shingles, and more ruggedly handsome cedar shakes, quality cedar roofing are a very popular choice for quality roofing in general. Here are some of the details which could change the way you judge the roof over your head.

The natural properties inherent in cedar make it the perfect choice as an outdoor building material, such as cedar shingles and shakes for roofing and siding. Cedar’s resistance to moisture and to other forms of decay is the key to longevity.

In addition, cedar is a distinctively attractive wood, characterized by a chromatic spectrum of light amber to subtle honey-brown tones. The aesthetic value of cedar, coupled with its resilience, makes it not only an attractive choice, but an economical one in the long run. For insulation purposes, cedar roofing naturally contributes to keeping in the warmth in the winter, and keeping out excessive heat in the summer, which can add up to significant savings to you for years to come. When you consider that cedar shingles and shakes are also naturally insect resistant as well as being less susceptible to moss growth than typical asphalt shingles, the choice of cedar shingles and cedar shakes is a wise investment for the overall value of your property. If any wood was specifically designed by Mother Nature for use as an outdoor building material, then surely cedar is it.

On the Way Home: How Your Cedar Shingles and Shakes are Made

You may be interested in the manufacturing process that turns this superior building material into the shakes and shingles that will beautify your home. Starting with a block of the best quality cedar, called heartwood, the block is guided through a stationary, upright saw. The angle of the cut is alternated with a device called a carriage. After this initial cutting, each shingle is trimmed and squared before the cedar shingle is shipped for use as roofing or siding.

A cedar shake is processed in a different way altogether. The cedar shake is formed by being split on one side and sawn on the other (as opposed to sawn on both sides). This process of making a shake may be done by hand, or by hand-assisted powered equipment. The result is a thicker cedar slab, with a more rough-hewn surface. Both cedar shakes and cedar shingles are kiln dried to make the already durable cedar wood even more suitable as roofing material.

Once the cedar shake or cedar shingle has been cut to the appropriate dimensions, the cedar can be factory pressure-treated with either a Class C or B fire retardant or a product called CCA, which is an oil based mixture that, combined with the natural cedar oils, helps guard against moss, mildew and fungal decay, the natural enemies of your cedar roof. Investing in cedar shingles and cedar shakes that have undergone this process will give your cedar products yet another degree of protection against the elements.

Caring For Cedar Roofing

While Red Cedar is a superior outdoor building material, it can still use a little help if you want its natural resilience to the elements to continue for many years. On its own, cedar with its natural oils acts as a safeguard against moisture, insects, and other forms of decay; but even nature’s protection will not last forever. With your care, however, your cedar shakes or cedar shingles will continue to be highly resilient to natural blights as many years go by.

When your cedar roof is rained upon, for example, mold and mildew can be unfortunate by-products. With the help of a solution of trisodium phosphate, water, and a soft brush, this problem can be controlled fairly easily. Note, however, that you should be careful to rinse your cedar roof thoroughly afterwards. Moss is another enemy of your roof, as it tends to hold in a lot of moisture that would otherwise drain off. Several zinc-based herbicides can offer a fairly quick and easy way of getting rid of moss on your cedar roof. Again, always rinse the cedar with a garden hose (do not use a pressure washer – it can damage the wood) to remove the chemicals after the dead moss has been removed.

When using any cleaning products on your cedar roofing, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and consult with your local do-it-yourselfer retail outlet for additional information about how to preserve your cedar shingles or shakes. Also, whenever you are on your roof, be careful! If you are unsure of yourself when working from a height or on an uneven surface, it’s always a good idea to call someone who is. Consult a roofing professional in your area for help, as these experts are used to working on roofs.

For variety in color, cut and durability, cedar shingles and shakes are both top choices for roofing. They can be used in nearly every climate and lend your property a unique character. With you as a caring friend, your cedar roof can last a lifetime.

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