Cedar shake roofs are unusual. When buying them, their users are consciously opting for a product that ages very quickly, and the process itself is very distinctive and visible. Under the influence of sunlight, air and water, wooden shingles change their color from orange-brown to gray, and as they become overgrown with moss and other plants, to gray-green. Weathering, as this process is called, is absolutely unmistakable, and in our opinion, even an old cedar roof is still beautiful.
However, there are some people who like the vibrant color of cedar wood much better. In this article, we’ll explain to you exactly what cedar shake weathering is, how to counteract it and how to restore a cedar roof to the condition it was in right after its installation.
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Why Do Cedar Shakes Change Their Color?
Before addressing the topic of cedar shake restoration, it is worth considering the cause of this phenomenon. According to our experts, changes in the color of cedar roofs are primarily due to:
- Sunlight exposure: continuous exposure to UV radiation leads to the gradual degradation of the natural oils and resins that are responsible for the beautiful brown color of this wood. As the oils gradually degrade, the shakes become grayer and grayer;
- Moisture and biological growth: if your home is located in a place with high humidity levels, such as Florida, any roofing material will degrade faster. The presence of water accelerates the growth of microorganisms such as moss, algae and liches, which also affect the color of cedar shakes. It is also worth remembering that the internal structure of the wood also degrades, making it more susceptible to crumbling and cracking;
- High temperatures: poor attic ventilation causes roof temperatures to rise, which is exactly what solar radiation does. The warmer the environment, the faster the chemical compounds that give color to wood break down.
Is It Possible to Restore the Original Color of Cedar Shakes?
Restoring the original color of cedar shakes is possible, but not in every case and may require quite a bit of work. Over time, as cedar shakes weather to a silvery-gray patina due to sun exposure, moisture and heath, their texture changes. The outer layer of the shake or shingle loses its pigment, and its interior is overgrown with moss roots.
The younger the cedar shakes are, the easier it will be for you to restore them to their original color. Even if your roof is already old, it’s still worth doing the restoration – the curb appeal of the house will definitely benefit anyway.
What are the Methods of Cedar Shake Color Restoration?
There are several ways to restore the deep brown color of cedar shakes:
Cleaning
The first step during any cedar roof maintenance is cleaning. Removing moss, dirt, dust, algae and other debris will give the wood a more natural tone.
When cleaning your cedar roof, you should avoid chemicals with an aggressive profile and tools that could damage the structure of the wood. Brushes with hard metal bristles, screwdrivers, spatulas and other similar sharp objects will irreparably damage your roof. Instead, you should clean your cedar roof with brushes with stiff, plastic fibers. Using a sponge is not advisable, as it will not be effective in picking up deposits.
Sanding
For restoring the color of roofs older than 5 years, consider light siding. Removing the top layer of weathered wood will help you achieve a beautiful orange-brown color. Reducing the thickness of the shake by 0.1” will not affect its strength, while exposing fresher, less worn wood.
However, it is worth remembering that cedar shakes, once sanded, require immediate integration. Removing the outer layer of worn wood will cause weathering to occur just the same, and your roof will turn back gray after just a few months.
Staining
The application of a high quality stain is the final stage of color restoration – as long as you do not plan to paint the wood, but only to preserve it, stain will play exactly the same role as a clear coat on a car.
In our opinion, semi-transparent and solid stains are not a very good solution. After applying them, cedar shakes will lose their natural charm and look inelegant.
Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Color Restoration
Several factors influence how well cedar shakes will respond to restoration efforts:
Age of the Roof
The older the roof, the more difficult it will be for you to restore the natural color. If the cedar shakes are more than 15 years old, it will probably be impossible, because weathering has already affected the entire structure of the material, not just its surface.
Extent of Damage
If the cedar shakes are severely rotted, cracked or curled, restoration may not be successful. The color of deeply damaged wood will be different – it will be much darker, and often even black. In situations where the shakes are damaged, roof replacement may be necessary.
Weather Conditions
Never schedule cedar roof maintenance for a rainy, cold day. Water running down freshly waterproofed and sanded shakes can instantly damage the wood’s structure and lead to deformation, often resulting in leaks and nullifying the work of restoring cedar’s original color.
How to Restore the Natural Colors of Cedar Shake Roof?
The process described below is multi-step and may take you more than a day. If you want to restore the natural color of your roof yourself, it is advisable that you tackle it with at least one person to help. Cedar roof maintenance doesn’t require complicated knowledge, but it is difficult because of the labor-intensive nature of the process.
Clean the Wood Surface
Cleaning is the most important step in cedar shake color restoration – if you don’t remove dirt from the porous wood surface, you won’t be able to maintain the beautiful color of the roof. Before you apply a new protective coating, it’s a good idea for you to wash the roof two or even three times. Don’t be afraid to use a pressure washer, detergent and a brush for this purpose, as long as it’s not too hard.
When using detergnets, pay attention to their composition. Contrary to what you may think, using dishwashing liquid or soap may be better than aggressive liquids, for example, for washing a car. Of course, the best option is to use cedar shakes, but their availability is scarce and their price is high. Dedicated detergents often also contain mild biocides, so they do a better job of removing mold and algae.
Removing Existing Coatings (Paints, Stains) and Dirt
If your cedar shakes have been painted or treated before, it’s likely that the outer protective layer needs to be removed. Although more and more protectants are intentionally biodegrading over time, it’s a good idea to sand off the outer layer of wood just to be safe. Gently reducing the thickness of the shakes will not affect their durability, while allowing you to carry out better color restoration.
There are several methods for removing old protective coatings – you can use chemicals or mechanically remove the contaminants with sandpaper. Both methods are safe and effective – modern stain removers are formulated not to damage the structure of the wood, while rinsing out paints and other preservatives. Sanding the wood is less effective, as it would be extremely time-consuming due to the large surface area of the roof.
If you want to be sure of the effectiveness of the process of removing old paint or stain, use a brush. After spreading the solvent, leave it on the surface of the shakes for at least two hours, then rinse it off with plenty of water. Repeat the rinsing until the shakes have a uniform color, and then let the roof dry – this can take more than 24 hours. The more thoroughly you remove the old waterproofing layer, the better the result you will get when applying the new protective coating.
Using Color Restorers
Once you’ve cleaned your roof and removed all existing coatings, you can choose to reapply stain, varnish or waterproofing. Using these agents will allow you to maintain the beautiful, deep color of the wood longer, while giving it the shine characteristic of new cedar shakes.
The chemicals that are used to restore the color of the wood produce better results the more evenly and densely they are applied. For this reason, it’s a good idea to waterproof your roof several times, allowing each coat to dry. This way, you will get a more durable protective coating that will last much longer, for example, 8 years instead of 3.
When applying a protective coating to a cedar shake roof, you must remember to keep the wood dry and clean – if you try to impregnate wet shakes, your efforts will be in vain, as the stain will not be absorbed.
What Kind of Stain Should I Use?
The choice of preservatives is not at all easy – each type of protective coating has its own different characteristics and works in slightly different situations. They can be divided into three main types: clear, semi-transparent and solid stains. Each has different specifics and is suitable for different applications.
Clear stains are not intended to change the color of the wood, but only to highlight it. In most cases, they help preserve the brown color for a longer period of time, protecting the shakes from UV rays and moisture.
Semi-transparent stains work similarly to clear stains, but the difference is that they give the wood a deeper and more vibrant color. We recommend using them on older roofs that have already permanently turned gray due to the weathering process.
Solid stains are the most radical solution. These are agents with an effect and texture similar to paint, so their application has irreversible effects. In our opinion, it is better to opt for using semi-transparent stain – your roof will look more aesthetically pleasing.
To apply a protective coating, use a brush, roller, sponge or sprayer. The most important thing is to evenly coat the whole roof area. Each cedar shake must be well covered with coating. Multiple thin, even layers result in aesthetic roof surface with deep, vibrant color.
How to Care for the Cedar Roof to Maintain its Aesthetics and Durability?
Theoretically speaking, you should clean your cedar shake roof every 6-12 months. This way, you will maximize its lifespan and keep it in constantly good visual condition.
Regular cleaning of the roof will allow you to remove dirt, moss and algae. However, it’s hard to expect anyone to repeat the whole process every year or even more often – it’s just too costly and time-consuming. In our opinion, a reasonable frequency for roof cleaning is once every 3-4 years, combining this with cedar roof waterproofing.
It’s also a good idea to have your cedar roof inspected regularly by a professional contractor. Regularly assessing the condition of the shakes will allow you to quickly remove mold outbreaks, remove dirt and replace damaged components. The more often it rains hail in your area, the more often you should use the services of specialists – even minor damage to the surface of shakes greatly accelerates the development of microorganisms inside the wood.
How Often Should I Reapply Protective Coatings on Cedar Shake Roof?
To keep the cedar shakes looking their best, you’ll need to reapply protective coatings regularly.
Reapplying protective coating is incredibly important part of cedar shake roof maintenance and preservation. Whether it’s a stain or sealant, it can wear down over time due to exposure to the sun, rain and humidity. Generally speaking, in mild climate typical for Illinois or neighboring states, you should apply a new coat of stain or other protective finish every 3-5 years. The more often you do that, the better condition of cedar roof you can maintain. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, more frequent reapplication may be necessary.
