Note: This is cleaning/treatment/restoration only. We do not offer roof repair services.

Cedar Shake Roof: Does It Rot?

Cedar Shakes

Cedar shake roofs have been a popular choice for homeowners for many years due to their natural beauty and durability. However, many homeowners have concerns about whether or not their cedar shingle roof will eventually rot. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide tips for maintaining your cedar shake roof.

Cedar Shake Roof Overview

Cedar shake roofs are made from wooden shingles that are cut from cedar trees. These shingles are thicker and wider than traditional wood roof shingles, which gives them added durability and resistance to damage. Cedar shake roofs are often preferred over asphalt shingle roofs due to their natural beauty and longevity.

Does Cedar Shake Roof Rot?

The short answer is yes, cedar shake roofs can rot over time if they are not properly maintained. The natural oils in cedar shingles can dry out over time, which can lead to cracking and splitting. This can create gaps in the shingles that allow moisture to penetrate and cause water damage.

Moss and other types of vegetation can also grow on cedar shake roofs, which can trap moisture and cause the shingles to rot. In addition, if the roof is not properly ventilated, moisture can become trapped in the attic space, which can also contribute to the deterioration of the cedar shake roof.

Cedar Shake Roof Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to preventing rot and prolonging the lifespan of your cedar shake roof. Here are some tips for maintaining your cedar shake roof:

  1. Clean your roof regularly to remove any moss or debris that can trap moisture.
  2. Inspect your roof for damage and make repairs as needed.
  3. Ensure that your roof is properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup in the attic space.
  4. Consider applying a protective coating to your cedar shake roof to help extend its lifespan.

When to Replace Your Cedar Roof

Even with proper maintenance, cedar shake roofs will eventually need to be replaced. Signs that your cedar shake roof may need to be replaced include:

  1. Widespread damage to the shingles, such as cracking or splitting.
  2. Water damage to the roof deck or other areas of your home.
  3. Signs of mold or rot on the shingles or in the attic space.
  4. Age – cedar shake roofs typically last 20-25 years.

Roofing Materials: Cedar Shake vs. Asphalt Shingle

When considering a new roof, many homeowners wonder whether to choose cedar shake or asphalt shingle. While both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, cedar shake roofs offer natural beauty and longevity, while asphalt shingles offer affordability and ease of installation.

However, it is important to note that cedar shake roofs require more maintenance and can be more expensive to install than asphalt shingle roofs. If you are considering a cedar shake roof, it is important to consult with a professional roofer to discuss your options and determine if a cedar shake roof is right for your home and budget.

In Conclusion

Cedar shake roofs can rot over time if not properly maintained, but with regular upkeep, they can last for many years. If you notice damage to your roof or signs of water damage in your home, it may be time to consider a roof replacement. When choosing between a cedar shake and asphalt shingle roofing materials, consider your budget and maintenance preferences. Consult with a professional roofer to determine the best option for your home.

Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning in Des Moines Iowa
Cedar Shake Roof before & after cleaning
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Meet Bruce

50 Years of Experience &
Over 2,000 Shake Roofs Cleaned

Bruce Sullivan has over 50 years of experience in maintaining, cleaning, and restoring cedar shake roofs. Making him one of the top authorities on cedar shake roofs in the US.

Watch the Cedar Shakes Cleaning Process in Action in this video

Play Video about Roof Cleaning How to Remove Moss, Lichen, Fungi from a Cedar Roof Sullivan Roof

Testimonials

What can I say? Bruce and Keith provided an exceptional service, and they are really nice guys too. Found out at the last minute they were in Minneapolis, and they fit me in for a cedar shake roof cleaning the next evening after their regular job was done. Even cleaned up my gutters, small fence, and small deck at no charge. The place looks outstanding! Highly recommended.

Mike Richards
Minneapolis

I highly recommend this business. Due to the work performed we are going to get another 10-14 years out of our cedar shake roof. We were told by some roofing companies that the roof should be replaced in 2 years. I lucked out and found Sullivan Roof Cleaning while researching companies that perform this service, and was pleased to learn that the company does work outside of Iowa. If you need your cedar shakes cleaned, go with Sullivan Roof Cleaning.

Eric Oelrich, 
St Cloud, MN

Bruce did a great job cleaning the whole exterior of my house. The roof has new life! It looks practically brand new. All the mold and moss on the roof, on the gutters, under the eaves, completely gone. He exceeded all our expectations. When he tells you what he can do for your house, you can believe and trust him. Great guy, great service.

Stuart Malone
Kansas City, MO

FAQs

Cedar shakes are organic. Though a resilient material. Being organic they need to be maintained. Over time, like any organic material that are subjected to weather elements, they reach a stage of deterioration. Like UV exposure, moisture and seasonal changes. Which results in moss, mold, mildew, lichen and brown rot fungi. These infestations need to be removed to further preserve the integrity of the cedar shake.
The proper way to clean a cedar shake roof is from a ladder. By spraying a special formulated solution onto the shakes and then rinsed with a garden hose pressure. Best done by a professional cedar shake roof cleaner. Not DIY recommended.
No. Pressure washer will require walking on the shakes, which will harm them, and even at its lowest setting will also damage the shakes.
On average, cedar shakes should be cleaned every 10 ten years. Subjective to the grade of the shakes and the amount of surrounding tree cover.
Avoiding walking on a cedar shake roof, other than for repairs.
Never seal a cedar shake roof. Cedar shakes need to breathe. They expand and contract in rain conditions. Seal will shorten the lifespan, to the point of premature replacement.
Staining has no real preserve value and can also harm the integrity of shakes, as stated, they need to be able to breathe. Also, if the shakes are not properly cleaned staining can seal the deteriorating infestation within the shakes.
Depending on the grade of the shakes and installation, and if maintained properly, 40 to 60 years.

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