Cedar shakes are a very popular choice for roofing. They look good and also provide homeowners with natural durability. Wood shingles are a considerable investment for homeowners; they can last 30 years, and if treated and maintained well, they last over 90 years
Siding protects your home and brings it life. Siding pros in Vancouver keep your exterior safe because they use durable materials and convert them to incredible designs. Read on to learn if cedar shingles need treatment.
How Do You Protect Cedar Shingles?
Cedar shingles are a popular option for homeowners who want to add a splash of style and class to their homes but can be susceptible to water damage. If you live in an area where it rains, chances are good that your cedar siding will suffer from exposure to water.
Things to protect the integrity of your cedar shingles and make sure they last as long as possible:
- Use a water-repellent preservative on your cedar siding before it gets wet. It will help prevent mold and rot from growing on your shingles, which is especially important if you have kids or pets in your house.
- Check around the home for leaks and cracks to determine whether or not you need some repair done before the next storm hits!
- Use solid color stain on your cedar shingles. It will keep them looking fresh and new for as long as possible. You can also use solid color stain on wooden decks if you have outdoor furniture that gets wet or sandy during rainstorms.
- Cedar shingles are prone to warping and cracking in windy conditions. Ensure that any vents or skylights have been appropriately caulked before winter sets in (or whenever you need ventilation). Add extra support around those vents with blocks of wood or bricks so that they don’t blow off in high winds (you can find these at most hardware stores).
- Clear organic matter like debris that lies on the cedar because with time, it will cause mold or mildew to grow, making the cedar’s quality deteriorate. Clean the shingles after every two weeks.
- Remove ice from the cedar shingles by waiting until it’s a little bit hot so it can be easier to tear off.
Cedar shingles are very lightweight compared with other roofing materials, making them reasonably expensive but still durable enough for everyday use without having to replace them.
What Happens If There Is No Cedar Shingles Treatment?
If no treatment is applied to the cedar shingles, they will continue to deteriorate over time. The wood will crack and shrink, exposing the underlying wood below. It can lead to rotting and deterioration of the structure itself.
What Do You Need to Do Before Cedar Shingles Treatment?
Before you treat your cedar shingles, you will need to take several steps. Here are the most important ones:
- Find out if your roof is asbestos-free by checking for signs of asbestos in the attic or roof. If so, it is time to get rid of it before you begin treatment.
- Clear out any debris around your home’s exterior walls before applying a sealant—this includes all leaves, branches, and other plant material that has fallen on your property. You don’t want any of this getting stuck under the shingles when they’re down!
- Ensure no trees or bushes are touching any part of your roof or anywhere else on your property where water might get trapped (like near a tree root). That way, when it rains, there won’t be any leaks!
- You must consider the weather conditions in your area. If it’s too cold for you to work outside, you’ll need to consider whether or not you want saline water leaking into your attic during the process. If this is a concern, you might want professional help installing them correctly.
- Clean cedar shakers will help protect the roof’s integrity and allow treatment to coat shakes.
The answer to whether cedar siding should get treated or not depends on your personal preferences and goals. If you are a perfectionist who wants to preserve the appearance of your house for as long as possible, then you may want to seek a professional that can treat the siding with a preservative. But if this is a choice you have made for environmental or budgetary reasons, don’t sweat it. While many arguments exist for treating cedar siding, most homeowners don’t need it. No matter what you decide, we encourage you to take precautions against damage from water leaks, wind, and insects.
