Cedar Shake Shingle Siding Maintenance

Step 1 clean shingles.

Cedar shake shingle siding maintenance.

Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis. Whether they re on your roof or wall your shingles may develop mildew or algae and will most certainly weather to a silver grey appearance after years of exposure. The surfaces of finished western red cedar decks siding and trim boards exposed outdoors inevitably become dirty and can also be discolored by mildew algae and moss. These natural elements slowly erode the finishes and as a result all finishes applied to cedar require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform.

Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required. It does weather though changing color throughout time offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers. With the exception of the individual shakes each set of shingles comes in an easy to install row so you can layer them up your home in no time getting the look you want in a fraction of the time. Nail down or replace as needed.

But a little maintenance can keep them looking great and extend their life even further. The cssb does however recommend if using a topical treatment that it offers a msds material safety data sheet that lists product ingredients and safety precautions is labeled as a cedar roof treatment product is a water repellent uv inhibitor and or epa registered wood preservative and has a manufacturer s performance guarantee. Check periodically for damaged or loose boards. In addition to being beautiful and low maintenance fiber cement faux cedar shingle options are also easy to install.

Cedar maintenance you don t have to do much to cedar shingle siding if you prefer its weathered gray look other than clean and coat it with a clear water resistant preservative and inspect it for rot and damage periodically. A garden hose may be sufficient. Before applying stain or paint secure loose shakes replace rotten or damaged ones and fill blemishes with putty or caulk. Cedar shake maintenance cedar has natural antibacterial and anti fungal properties allowing you to leave the wood untreated without worry of excess warping rotting and cracking.

If research reports could not be found the recommendations are based on opinions of experts and practices that have been shown to give good service life for shakes and shingles. Tions for shake and shingle siding and interviews with experts having experience constructing and inspecting shake and shingle siding. The cssb does not recommend brand names. For information regarding the installation and maintenance of your cedar shake or shingle application visit our website for a complete list of resources.

Power wash every two to four years. Experts suggest the following routine maintenance for cedar siding. Dusty climates will require more frequent washing. A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended.