A new cedar roof can give your home a wonderful appearance. A wooden roof can be fairly resistant to weather effects, it does encounter for effects from the outdoors than most other roofing materials.If your house has a roof that is made from cedar shake, then routine maintenance is a must. Many repairs can be done with simple tools, and knowledge of what you’re doing. So, let’s discuss the basic upkeep for your wooden roof.


First, like any other roof, you’ll want to clear off any excess debris that may have accumulated. Things like tree branches, garbage, dirt, and leaves can aid the accumulation of water on the roof, which can in turn damage under layers, and sealants.


Algae, and even fungus are also typical problems on cedar shake roofing, and should be cleared off after removing debris. Long thin strips of metal used to waterproof seams, and angles (called flashings), should be examined for holes or damage, and be replaced if needed. Drains and gutters can get filled with debris, and should always be cleared out to keep them working properly.


Any overhanging tree branches should be trimmed back to lower the amount of debris. From time to time a cedar shake roof will require a professional roofer to check the chimney mortar, and the mortar on the surrounding areas. If damaged this should be repaired by a professional. Any metal in valleys should be checked for rust. Any rusty areas should be brushed with a wire brush, primed, repainted, and coated with a protecting seal.


Many other hazards exist that can batter a wooden roof, such as heavy tree branches, which could crack the cedar shake tiles. Cedar shake maintenance mainly consists of keeping a close eye on your roof for any signs of damage. Having a professional perform a few checks a year to look for damage is highly recommended.


Please note, it is always recommended to have a professional inspect, and perform any repairs on your roof. You should never attempt to climb on your roof to inspect, or perform any repairs yourself. Professionals are well trained; attempting to do this on your own can be very dangerous. If you’d like to have a professional roofing company inspect, repair, or replace your roof, please fill out our roofing estimate form on the right hand side of this page.