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Why You Should Avoid Power Washing a Cedar Roof

Cleaning your cedar roof is important for overall longevity. Without regular cleaning, the cedar shakes can start to decay over time, giving the roof a dull gray appearance and accelerating aging. Some homeowners might think power washing cedar shingles is the right solution — but a closer look reveals that power washing can cause unwanted damage to the shingles.

If you have a home with a cedar roof, we recommend understanding the risks of pressure washing cedar shingles before you decide to do so.

 
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The Damage Power Washing Cedar Shakes Can Inflict

Why is power washing a threat to cedar shingles? In simplest terms, most power washers are too powerful for cedar siding and shingles. Power washers are designed for cleaning driveways, vinyl siding and similar surfaces and materials. When used on cedar, they actually strip away wood fibers from the shingles, which dramatically shortens the lifespan of the roof. In many cases, power washing a cedar roof is actually worse for your long-term investment than not cleaning the shingles at all.

Hire Only Professionals for Power Washing Cedar Shakes

In rare cases, power washing cedar shakes may be necessary. In these cases, it's safest to hire a professional with cedar roofing experience to do the power washing. Professionals understand cedar roofing and will know to keep the water stream focused at an angle down the roof, which lessens the impact on each shingle. A good cedar roofing company will also have guarantees and warranties that provide further protection.

Keep in mind that not all roofing companies are familiar with cedar. Find a company that works with cedar shingles on a regular basis before hiring out cleaning work.

Alternatives to Power Washing Cedar Siding and Shingles

There’s a great alternative to power washing cedar siding and shingles. When your cedar roof needs cleaning, simply mix together water and either chlorine or oxygen bleach. Use a weak stream of water or a soft-bristle brush to apply the mixture, and then rinse away with water from a hose. Start with a small amount of chlorine, and add to the mixture as needed until your roof is clean. When using chlorine especially, be careful to not damage landscaping nearby by coming in direct contact with the chlorine.

It’s always a good idea to get into a routine of cleaning your cedar roof so that moss, algae, mold and other substances don’t build up. If you clean regularly, you likely won’t need the strength of a power washer to make your roof look like new again.

When You Need Cedar Roof Expertise

Despite regular cleanings, the day will likely come when your cedar roof needs to be replaced altogether. Don’t settle for just any roofing company as you consider your replacement options. At Custom Shingles, we provide premium grade, 100% vertical grain with cedar shingles and shakes, as well as other high-end roofing materials, on a regular basis. As you seek out guidance on your cedar roof, we can make experience-based recommendations and provide free quotes. Because of our deep experience working with cedar roofing, we provide advice our clients can trust.

Contact us today with questions about cedar roofing.