What are the best treatments for a cedar shake roof?
One of the most important treatments you can apply to a cedar shake roof is a roof preservative. This preservative will help to protect the roof itself from curling, cupping, splitting, or decaying. Beyond the basic preservative, there are other treatments you can apply to a cedar shake roof that provide added protection.
What happens if you don't treat cedar shakes?
Without treatments, cedar shakes can degrade over time, with constant exposure to the sun's UV rays, the elements, and water, of course. It also means that the cedar shakes can suffer from fungus and algae growth without proper treatment. Most importantly, without treatment, cedar shake shingles can catch on fire.
What is cedar shake siding?
Cedar shake siding is used as the outer cladding for dwellings and is constructed from shakes — pieces of wood split from a cedar logs. Shingles and shakes are often mistaken for one another. However, shingles are cut to size by sawing a piece of wood on all sides. Shakes are manufactured by splitting the wood.
What are cedar shakes and why are they popular?
Their style complements fine architecture and naturally adds to the sophistication of a house. Cedar shakes are the rugged brother of shingles. They are beloved for their rusticity and non-uniformity, with each shake looking slightly different from the ones surrounding it.
What is CCA in siding?
Does CCA help cedar?
Is cedar shingles toxic?
Can you tell if a wood has been treated?
Are cedar shakes treated with chemicals?
Cedar shakes may be chemically treated with fire retardants to improve fire resistance.
Do cedar shakes need to be treated?
Cedar shingle maintenance must include protective treatments every one to three years. Without treatments, cedar shakes can degrade, buckle, rot, and even burn. To protect and preserve your roof, every few years, professionally apply water and fire repellents, fungicides, and algaecides to the shingles.
Is cedar shake siding treated?
Requires More Maintenance Cedar shakes require regular cleaning to keep them free from things like moss, algae, and mold. They also require surface treatments to protect from things like the elements, moisture, insects, and fire. These protective treatments are required every few years to remain effective.
How long do Untreated cedar shakes last?
The standard lifespan of cedar shake roof installations is between 40 and 50 years. The better condition you keep them in, however, the longer life expectancy you will see. Things like clogged gutters, damaged rooftops and rotting cedar can affect the performance and protection of your shakes.
Can you leave cedar shingles untreated?
While cedar is durable, rich, and natural, it does need to be re-stained or painted to keep its attractiveness over the years, and the bills for doing so can add up. However, it can be left to naturally age without cracking, rotting, or warping like other wood.
Can you leave cedar untreated?
Left untreated, cedar shakes — individual planks of one of several varieties of cedar — will discolor and begin to soften, with a possibility of rot after about five years, depending on the climate. There are several options for covering cedar siding, including stain, a clear treatment or paint.
Does cedar shake siding need to be sealed?
Never seal your cedar roof. Sealing the roof will lock in moisture that would otherwise naturally evaporate during normal weather conditions. Cedar needs to breathe and thus a water repellant type product, rather than a water proofer is the best route to follow.
What is the life expectancy of cedar shakes?
In addition to the stunning natural beauty of cedar shingles, they remain a popular roofing material with homeowners and builders because they can last as long as 50 years when properly maintained.
Should you power wash cedar shingles?
Power washing can be used to clean cedar as long as the sprayer is set at a low pressure to prevent damaging the wood's soft surface. Once cleaned and allowed to dry, the wood can then be painted using a urethane-acrylic house paint.
How long does it take for cedar shakes to turn GREY?
about six months- 12 monthsBecause bleaching stain requires sunshine to change your shingles' color, it depends on the amount of sunlight that hits your home. On the South Shore, it takes about six months- 12 months to turn cedar shingles from their natural color to gray.
What keeps cedar from rotting?
The “phenols” also are responsible for Cedar's natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect infestation. The natural resistance provided by the oils and acids are what make these species more popular in outdoor applications. Properly finished, cedar will last for decades even in harsh environments.
Why do cedar shakes turn black?
This blackening is a combination of mildew infestation and natural extractives in the wood. But treated with bleaching oil, the red cedar shingles can weather naturally and evenly while enjoying protection against discoloring mildew.
Should cedar shake siding be sealed?
Cedar shingles must be sealed with some stain, paint, or waterproof treatment to last longer. Cedar shingles will only last five years or less without any treatment, depending on your local climate. This is due to rotting, discoloration, and cracking due to weather exposure.
Do you need to weatherproof cedar?
Due to its chemical properties, cedar is naturally weather-resistant and repels most bugs. But over the years it can crack slightly and develop a fuzzy surface texture unless it's periodically refinished. Cedar accepts sealers and stains beautifully and should be refinished every two to three years.
Does raw cedar need to be sealed?
Sealing helps maintain the strength and beauty of the wood. Your cedar will retain its rich color and be protected from deterioration like cracking, graying, and warping due to sealing. Sealing your deck will increase its life and ensure that it will survive many years.
What do you treat cedar shakes with?
The Cedar Bureau recommends using a solution no stronger than one-part bleach to three parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayer and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with a garden hose. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.
What is the best treatment for cedar shake roof?
One of the most important treatments you can apply to a cedar shake roof is a roof preservative. This preservative will help to protect the roof itself from curling, cupping, splitting, or decaying. Beyond the basic preservative, there are other treatments you can apply to a cedar shake roof that provide added protection.
What Happens Without Cedar Roof Treatment?
Cedar is naturally water-resistant, but that doesn't mean it is resistant to everything. Even water, at some point, can potentially become an issue. Without treatments, cedar shakes can degrade over time, with constant exposure to the sun's UV rays, the elements, and water, of course.
What is cedar shake roof?
Cedar shake roofs are a beautiful addition to any home. But, you want to know what you are getting into before you commit to one. While maintenance and treatments are not necessary, it is something to really consider. To be able to ensure the longest life possible, a cedar shake roof requires careful, dedicated maintenance. To help preserve its longevity, you’ll need to apply a treatment, which you’ll also need to reapply when necessary. All of this can be a lot of work to a homeowner who isn't prepared for the commitment that comes with cedar roofs and cedar shake roof treatment products.
What to do before applying cedar roof treatment?
Remove Leaves and Other Debris. The first thing to do before you apply a cedar roof treatment is to clean off any large debris. Debris includes things such as leaves, tree needles, moss, and any lichens that may be growing. All of this debris has the ability to retain moisture, which can lead to a wood-destroying fungus to take root and weaken ...
What is the most popular roof change?
When you want a unique or rustic look for your home, one of the most popular design changes is to install a cedar shake roof. This single change can have a massive impact on your home's exterior and turn it into something special.
Why are Cedur shakes so lightweight?
For one, CeDUR's shakes are incredibly lightweight thanks to the polyurethane material used to make them. Because they are synthetic, you do not have to worry about the shakes ever rotting, curling, breaking, splitting, or the color fading.
Can you use fungicide on cedar shake?
Beyond the basic preservative, there are other treatments you can apply to a cedar shake roof that provide added protection. You also have the option to apply treatments like fungicides that kill off fungus and prevent it from growing again. Furthermore, you can apply a treatment to provide UV protection from the sun's rays, which can cause a roof to weather more quickly.
How are cedar shakes made?
Traditionally, cedar shakes were made by splitting the wood with a froe and mallet. This method imprinted the imperfections into the style, which we have come to love as time has gone on. A cedar shake is much thicker than a cedar shingle. This thickness compensates for the crests and troughs along its width.
What is cedar shake?
Cedar shakes are the rugged brother of shingles. They are beloved for their rusticity and non-uniformity, with each shake looking slightly different from the ones surrounding it. Cedar shake roof life is also around 30 years, making them an outstanding investment for homes. The ruggedness of cedar shakes stems from the fact that their surface is rough-cut, with gouges and imperfections aplenty for the eye to feast on. This rough-cut surface results from the method of production. Traditionally, cedar shakes were made by splitting the wood with a froe and mallet. This method imprinted the imperfections into the style, which we have come to love as time has gone on. A cedar shake is much thicker than a cedar shingle. This thickness compensates for the crests and troughs along its width. Without a half-inch or three-quarter-inch thickness, it is possible the dips in texture might create weak points in the shingle, while the added sturdiness assures each one will be strong and not at risk of splitting. Cedar shakes are still made by hand, though of course there is a lot of machinery involved as well. Wood splitters cut and split up logs, and skilled handlers move the pieces through a series of cuts to ensure quality. Due to their rough-cut look, cedar shakes are an excellent choice for any rustic-style house. They are equally at home on cabins, country farmhouses and other such homes. Because they have a “fairytale” appeal, they are beautiful on tiny cottages that need an extra touch of rustic charm.
Why do cedar shingles look smooth?
A smooth, uniform look is one thing that characterizes cedar shingles. This appearance is due to the way in which shingles get produced. Up until the middle of the 20th century, woodworkers sawed cedar shingles by hand from a block of wood to create a smooth surface on all sides of the shingle.
What is the strongest cut for cedar shingles?
Edge cuts: If you were to cut a sliver horizontally across, passing through the tree’s center, the resulting cut would naturally contain lots of tree rings — this is because the cut was made perpendicular to them. This is the strongest cut possible and is the one responsible for high-quality cedar shingles and shakes.
How many grades of wood are there?
Wood grading is something to pay attention to when choosing your cedar shingles or shakes for roofing or siding. There are four grades of wood.
What is a flat cut on a tree?
Flat cuts: A shingle or shake cut from the area directly above and below the tree’s center would produce a flat cut. Because of the circular shape of the grains, they would rise on one end and fall on the other, creating a cut that is weaker than the edge cut.
How thick is a cedar shake?
Without a half-inch or three-quarter-inch thickness, it is possible the dips in texture might create weak points in the shingle, while the added sturdiness assures each one will be strong and not at risk of splitting. Cedar shakes are still made by hand, though of course there is a lot of machinery involved as well.
What is the lowest fire retardant?
When it comes to the fire retardancy of construction materials, like shakes and shingles, there is a specific classification system involved. Products can earn anywhere from a Class A rating, the highest level of fire retardancy to Class C, the least fire retardant.
What is a shake made of?
Usually, while these shakes and shingles look like traditional cedar ones, they are made of a synthetic material that is designed to be fire retardant. These synthetic shakes are a mix of composite materials like polyethylene, which is much more durable than traditional, untreated wood.
How far can a flame spread be?
In order to earn a Class A certification, the maximum allowance of flame spreading is 6 feet. It expands to 8 feet for Class B, and then 13 feet for Class C.
Why is cedar shake roof so popular?
Cedar shake roofs are a product that has been around since colonial times, giving homes across the country a unique look that just can’t be achieved with traditional asphalt shingles.
How long does a fire resistant roof last?
Roofing products with a Class A rating will last 2 to 4 hours before igniting. Class B roofing will last about one hour, while Class C will only last about 20 minutes.
Is cedar siding fire resistant?
As beautiful as things like traditional wood siding and cedar shakes are, they are dangerous due to their fire susceptibility. Many states, cities, and counties have banned these products for that reason, and advise residents to find fire resistant alternatives. For that reason, many companies are now putting an emphasis on fire-resistant construction materials. CeDUR is one company that is dedicated to creating beautiful fire retardant cedar shakes that look like traditional wood shakes, but are much safer and durable.
What is wood used for?
Since the earliest days of building, wood has been a popular choice of construction material. Not only has it long been used to frame out structures, but it has also been used on the exterior as siding and roofing. Its popularity has stood the test of time because of the rustic, country-style beauty it offers.
What is CCA treated wood?
Protect your siding with cedar treatments. CCA treated wood: Cromated Copper Arsenate. Where high humidity is a factor, cedar shakes and shingles impregnated with CCA preservative treatment are protected from mildew and fungal decay. CCA preservative shakes and shingles can add years of life to roof or side wall applications.
How does CCA treatment extend the life of a roof?
CCA treatment extends the life of your roof by preventing against root and decay.
What type of nails do I use for cedar roofs?
For most inland cedar roofing jobs, I use standard-grade 304 stainless steel coil nails. As an approved CSSB-warranty installer, I’m required to use a higher-grade, 316 stainless steel nail on any roof installation within 11 miles of a body of salt water. I live on Cape Cod, so almost all my local installations are done with the 316-grade nail. Additionally, because of the preservatives in fire- and CCA-treated shingles, stainless steel is an absolute must for fastening in those applications.
Why do roofs rot?
1 killer of wood roofs is rot from the inside out—usually a result of poor installation. When there isn’t enough air circulation behind the shingles to allow them to dry after a rain, the resulting moist environment is ideal for rot.
How long does a red cedar roof last?
A properly installed red- or yellow-cedar roof should last 25 to 30 years, depending on site conditions and geographic location. Properly installed treated shingles may add five to 10 years to that number, all else being equal.
Can you work with treated cedar shingles?
Working with treated shingles is similar to working with regular cedar ones, but my crew members always wear gloves and take added precautions when working with treated cedar—as do smart carpenters who work with treated wood when building a deck. The price of cedar shingles can vary greatly depending on the market and availability. Pressure-treated-shingle prices vary as well, but they usually run 10% to 15% higher than prices for untreated cedar.
Who is Chris Yerkes?
A: Chris Yerkes, a cedar-shingle installer certified by the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB), and owner of Cedarworks, in Brewster, Mass., responds: In my 13-plus years installing cedar roofs, I have been asked to install regular cedar—both western red and Alaskan yellow—shingles and shakes, as well as pressure-treated (PT) cedar shingles. And both treated and untreated shingles can give you a long-lasting roof. But no matter what type of shingle you choose, the keys to the longevity of a wood roof are proper installation and quality materials.
Do treated shingles have copper?
Treated shingles are less prone to this growth, but we usually install a strip of copper along the ridge of every wood roof. Precipitation hits the copper and trace amounts dissolve and run down over the shingles, killing the moss along the way.
What is CCA in siding?
While naturally resistant to rot and decay, Western Red Cedar shingles and shakes that have been treated with Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) will add years to the life of your roof or siding. Invented in the early 1930s, CCA treatments protect wood against insect attack and fungal decay and is expected to give life to the wood in excess ...
Does CCA help cedar?
This can be extremely helpful in areas with high humidity to provide longevity to cedar roofing, utility, highway, marine, agricultural and heavy construction. CCA preservative treatments render the wood useless as a food substance for insects and fungi yet keeps the natural look of the wood.
Is cedar shingles toxic?
At no time have any special risks been found, and it is not toxic to plants. However, it should not be used in direct contact with food, nor should it be burned. As with any wood, a dust mask should be worn when sawing or working with CCA-treated cedar shingles and shakes.
Can you tell if a wood has been treated?
As a matter of fact, it is almost impossible to tell that the wood has even been treated when finished. Since CCA pressure treatments have been around for so long, many studies have been done to ensure its safety by both private and public research institutions.
