Cedar shingles are a great option for roofing due to their longevity and aesthetic appeal. If you're lucky enough to have cedar shingles on your home, it's important to maintain them properly in order to keep them looking their best and to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are some tips for installing cedar shingles and then maintaining them.
Always Remove Debris from Shingles
Leaving debris on top of the shingles can cause water to pool and rot the wood. Make sure to regularly sweep off the shingles and remove any debris to keep them looking their best.
Keep Up with Gutter Maintenance
Gutter maintenance is important for keeping your cedar shingles in good condition. Clean out your gutters regularly to ensure water flows away from your shingles.
Watch Out for Rotting Shingles
Cedar shingles are very susceptible to rot. Check the shingles regularly for signs of rotting, such as soft, discolored, or warped boards. If you find any, replace them immediately.
Use Power Washing for a Complete Clean
Power washing is a great way to clean your cedar shingles and remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck to them. Be sure to use a gentle setting and keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the surface of the shingles.
Preserve With Treatments: Water and Fire Repellents, Fungicides, and Algaecides
Applying a water-repellent, fire-retardant, fungicide, and algaecide to your cedar shingles can help them last longer. These treatments can help keep the wood from decaying and protect against rot, mildew, and fungus.
Monitor for Cracking
Check your cedar shingles regularly for signs of cracking. If you find any, replace them immediately as cracking can cause water to leak in and rot the wood.
How to Choose a Cedar Shingle Maintenance Company
If you’re looking for a professional to help maintain your cedar shingles, it’s important to choose an experienced and reliable company. Here are some tips for choosing a cedar shingle maintenance company:
Research the company: Before hiring a cedar shingle maintenance company, research to ensure they are experienced and reliable. Read customer reviews and ask for references.
Ask questions: Ask the company questions about their experience and services. This will help you better understand what they can do for you.
Get an estimate: Get an estimate for the services you need. This will help you determine if the company is within your budget.
Look for a warranty: Make sure the company offers a warranty on their work. This will protect you in case something goes wrong.
Check insurance: Make sure the company is adequately insured and can provide proof of insurance. This will help protect you in case of any accidents or damage.
Get Help Installing Cedar Shingles from the Professionals at Heather & Little
At Heather & Little, installing cedar shingles is one of our specialties. We’ve been helping clients install and maintain cedar shingles for years, so you can be sure that we know what we’re doing. Contact us for more information or to get a free quote.
And if you are looking for a second opinion on your project or have a particularly complex issue that needs a fresh eye, we’re here for that too. Tackling tricky challenges is our specialty and we welcome the opportunity to provide consulting advice, with the same exacting attention to detail we bring to all our commissions.
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