If your cedar roof looks faded, stained, dirty, or covered in moss, you might be considering cedar roof cleaning. A well-cleaned cedar roof is not only beautiful but also highly durable, with superior wind and impact resistance and better insulation compared to other roofing materials. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and, with proper care, can last over 50 years.
While cleaning your cedar roof removes debris like twigs, leaves, pine needles, moss, mold, and mildew, allowing air circulation, cleaning alone is not sufficient for long-term roof health. After a proper cleaning, your cedar shakes or shingles can dry efficiently after rain and breathe as designed, but additional steps are crucial for preservation.
Older cedar roofs may show signs of decay, especially at the butt-end of the shingles or shakes. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the roof is beyond saving. Removing decayed portions is an important step in preventing further damage. A comprehensive evaluation of your roof is recommended to assess the varying rates of aging in different sections of the roof due to their exposure to the elements.
Trust Only Cedar Roof Experts
Not all roof cleaning services are equipped to handle cedar roofs. Improper use of power washers can cause significant damage to cedar shakes and shingles. It’s essential to work with a roof cleaner who understands the unique care cedar roofs require. A roof with severe cracking, splitting, or decay may need a more cautious approach or even repairs before cleaning. By hiring a cedar roof expert, you ensure that your roof will be cleaned using the appropriate methods, such as the correct pressure, fan tip, and application of wood restorer.
At The Cedar Cleaners, we start with a thorough inspection of your roof’s condition and note any necessary repairs. Our roofing professionals have the expertise and materials to handle any required repairs. We also recommend that you be present during the inspection to learn more about the condition of your cedar roof. Our estimates are detailed and transparent, offering clear pricing for recommended services and available options.
The Cedar Roof Cleaning Process
Our cleaning process for older cedar roofs begins with the application of a weathered wood restorer, followed by a careful yet thorough cleaning of the cedar shakes and shingles. Gentle power washing removes dirt, mold, mildew, and dead wood fibers, restoring the roof’s appearance without causing damage. However, cleaning is only the first step.
Don’t Skip the Second Step – Preserve Your Cedar Roof
While cleaning is essential, it’s only half of the maintenance process. The second, equally important step is to preserve your cedar roof. Our trained technicians use a high-volume, low-pressure spray unit to apply Amteco’s TWP (Total Wood Preservative) 200, a one-coat penetrating treatment formulated specifically for cedar roofs. This treatment protects the roof from weather damage while maintaining the natural beauty of the wood.
You can choose from three natural cedar colors: timeless Weathered Gray, classic Nantucket Gray, or Cedartone, which enhances the look of new cedar. The preservation coating penetrates deeply into the cedar shakes and shingles, offering outstanding protection from weather conditions, while still allowing the wood to breathe. This treatment prevents common cedar roofing issues such as checking, cupping, curling, splitting, and decay. Plus, the water-repellent formula is guaranteed never to crack or peel, and only needs to be reapplied every five to six years.
The Value of Preservation
Preserving your cedar roof not only improves its longevity but also adds value to your home. The treatment is EPA-approved and provides long-lasting protection, making it an excellent investment for both new and older roofs. Homeowners who choose to preserve their cedar roofs early in their lifespan can expect them to last significantly longer. In fact, those who begin preservation early can add five years to their No-Leak Warranty.
Important Note About Cedar Roof Preservation
Although some homeowners refer to cedar roof preservation as “sealing,” it’s important to note that true sealing is not recommended for cedar roofs. Sealing prevents the wood from breathing and managing moisture properly, which can lead to further damage. Always use preservation treatments, not sealants, on cedar roofs.
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Natural or Synthetic Roof Cedar for repair or replacement.
The Cedar Cleaners in the Toronto GTA area offer a trusted cedar roof cleaning and preservation process that has proven to save homeowners thousands of dollars in repair and premature roof replacement costs. For the best results, new cedar roofs should be allowed to weather for 12 to 18 months before the first preservation treatment is applied.
Preserving your cedar roof is the best way to protect it from the damaging effects of sunlight and moisture, ensuring it stays strong and beautiful for years to come. Whether you are considering preservation for the first time or planning to re-coat your roof, trust The Cedar Cleaners in the Toronto GTA for professional cleaning and treatment. Our goal is to help you maintain your cedar roof for its full lifespan, providing both aesthetic appeal and top-notch performance.