Wood shakes can be a great looking material to use on your roof, but you probably do not want the weathered look later. The shakes need proper care and maintenance to ensure they are a long lasting, attractive addition to your home. Doing things like staining the shakes and cleaning them regularly can ensure that they will last. Here are some tips that will help ensure your shakes last and look great:
1. Using A Pre-Treated Shake Or Shingle Materials For The Installation
When you have a wood roof installed, there are many options of materials that you can use. This can commonly be untreated cedar shakes, which can be naturally resistant to weathering. Though these materials are durable and will last for year, you may want to consider using a treated type of shake for a longer lasting roof. This can especially be good in regions with high amounts of annually rainfall and a humid climate all year.
2. Regularly Applying A Sealant On The Roof Shakes To Protect Them From Wear
No matter what type of material you use for your wood roof, the more protection it has from weather and sunlight, the longer it is going to last. This is why applying a coat of sealant on your newly installed shakes is important. In addition to helping protect your shakes, sealants can also have stains mixed in with them to give your roof the desired color and look that you want.
3. Keeping Debris Off The Roof To Prevent The Build Up Of Dirt And Grime That Causes Fungus
One of the biggest battles with roof materials is the buildup of fungus that can lead to rot and a shorter life for your roof. This is even more so with wood shakes, which dirt and grime build up on and cause fungus growth. To slow this process and keep fungus like moss off your roof, regularly give the roof a light cleaning to remove the dirt and grime. Doing this will reduce fungus problems and give your roof a longer life.
4. Regular Cleaning And Light Pressure Washing To Remove Grime Buildup In Wood Grain
Even if you try to keep your roof clean and free of debris, eventually it is going to get a weathered look. This problem can be solved by semi-regular cleaning and light pressure washing to remove the fading and staining on the shakes. When you do this, make sure not to use too much pressure to not damage the shakes. In addition, pressure washing should be done as little as possible to prevent damage to roofing.
With the right care and maintenance, your shakes will always look great and need few repairs. If you need new shakes installed on your home, contact a roofing service, such as Scheinfield Contractors, with experience installing shakes for your new roof.
Share