Typically shakes are made of either cedar, spruce or treated pine. The hand-split shakes have a rough, textured look on the front and are usually smooth on the back.

Wood shingles are sawn by machine, and are smooth on both sides.

Cedar is the best performing wood for making shakes. But, treated pine shakes also do well. When first installed, shakes are a brown or reddish color, but will weather and fade in the first year to a gray color. Wood shakes can last up to 30 years, through out that time, they may shrink, warp or splinter which is inherent in any wood. We do install wood shingles and shakes, but, the cost on the installation is typically 50% higher than a 50 year Laminate. There is also the fire concern in our area. Asphalt shingles offer a class A fire rating, whereas wood is vulnerable to fire exposure.

Cleaning, and/or Treating Cedar Shake Roofs

Over a period of years, the effects of weather can change the appearance and reduce the natural decay resistance of wood. Through the interaction of sunlight and rainfall, cedar shakes and shingles can lose much of their natural preservatives.

Moss, fungus, and mildew are the leading cause of premature deterioration of cedar shakes and shingles. These growths cause the wood to become soft and spongy. This usually occurs first at the butt of the shake or shingle, eventually covering the entire roof. Cedar roofs, shaded by trees, are more likely to develop moss, mildew and decay, than un-shaded roofs.

Mike's Roofing, Inc. offers a free inspection of your roof and if needed we can recommend a solution. Mike's Roofing, Inc., with its highly trained personnel, can professionally remove all moss, mold, mildew, fungus and debris, thus restoring your roof to a clean natural wood color. There are a number of ways to clean a cedar roof but the most effective and efficient way is by power washing. Once cleaned, the wood can then be treated to guard against mildews, molds and fungus for up to four years, then treatment will need to be repeated. After being treated, your roof will return to the silver gray color of a healthy cedar roof. In addition to inhibiting the growth of fungus, our product also protects and rejuvenates the lubricity and repellency lost to the elements of nature, thus adding to the service life of your roof.

Cedar Roof maintenance

A cedar roof is a natural product and as such does require periodic maintenance. Care should be taken to observe the following :

1. Keep the valleys clean of leaves and debris. This applies to any roofing system but is especially important in cedar roofs. When debris accumulates in the valley it retains the moisture and eventually will allow the cedar to decay and rot.

2. Keep the gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris to prevent back ups and prevent ice damming.

3. Trim back the branches of near by trees to prevent them from scrapping and brushing against the roof.

4. In heavily shaded areas insure that the moss and fungus is not allowed to accumulate on the cedar. This moss build up allows the cedar to retain moisture and leads to decay.

5. Working on any roof can be hazardous and requires special tooling, skills and experience. Mikes Roofing Inc. is a full service company that you may call upon to deal with any roofing concern including things as simple as routine maintenance and inspections.