Wood Roof Shingles Maintenance

A shake roof can last about 30 years with the right wood shake roof maintenance.

Wood roof shingles maintenance.

Maintaining this kind of roof takes a lot of work and needs to be done regularly to avoid faster deterioration. Moss algae mildew and loose wood fibers can be removed using a power washer at a pressure from 1 500 to 3 500 pounds per square inch. A garden hose can do an adequate job. A small amount of the cement applied to the underside of the shingle will secure it.

Wood shingles were the most common roof covering in colonial america and severalhundred years later they are a choice material for historic restoration. It is best to do this before the fall rains in the pnw. Wood shakes and shingles are in general more susceptible to moss and algae growth than other types of roofing. They are often treated with preventive chemicals to resist this but few treatments are likely to last as long as the roof.

Wood roofs typically require more maintenance than other types of roofing one of the few drawbacks. Some simple steps that a homeowner can take to prolong the life of a wood roof include. Debris holds water which can deteriorate the roof. With proper care and maintenance these roofs can be attractive and reliableprotection for your historic home.

Cleaning is the first step in cedar roof maintenance. Maintenance is essential for the performance of any material including a wood roof. Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles. Examine your roof for any shingle tabs that might have come loose.

Roofs need to be regularly cleaned of all leaf litter conifer needles and debris to limit the growth of organisms such as mosses and lichens. Discoloration could signal an algae problem and a sagging sunken roof could mean rotten plywood below. To remove a damaged wood shingle split it with a wood chisel and pull out the pieces. Clean debris out of gutters and off the roof both the surface areas and the keyways between shakes or shingles.

Clean all the debris from the roof being careful not to damage the shingles. Debris can be removed by sweeping leaf blowing and or washing. Look for missing shingles large areas of discoloration or sunken areas in the middle of the roof. If you do find loose shingles repair them with roofing cement.

The cedar bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Expert advice on repairing and replacing wood roof shingles locating leaks repairing and replacing damaged shingles and removing moss from wood shingle roofing. Trim overhanging branches that drop pine needles or leaves on the roof. But some of these steps should be completed more often.