Why Cedar Roofs Need Special Care
A cedar shake roof gives a home a warmth and character that few other materials can match. It is also an investment, and replacing one is expensive. The biggest threat to cedar is not age alone. It is moisture held against the wood by moss, mold, algae, and fungi. Over time, that trapped moisture leads to rot and can shorten the life of the roof.
If your cedar roof has turned a dirty gray, or you see green or dark patches, organic growth may be taking hold. Fall is a smart time to deal with it. Once Boise’s cold, wet months arrive, growth that is already on the roof keeps holding moisture against the wood all winter long.
Why Pressure Washing Is the Wrong Approach
It might seem like the fastest way to clean a roof is to blast it with high pressure. On cedar shakes, that can do real harm. High pressure can damage shakes and force water where it does not belong, which can lead to leaks. Walking on a cedar roof can also crack or loosen shakes.
That is why Dean’s Window Cleaning avoids both. We use a gentle washing system and a non-toxic, non-caustic cleaning solution that breaks down organic growth without harming the wood. The solution includes ingredients that target algae, mildew, and fungus, along with an oil that helps rehydrate the wood. We do not use toxic chemicals that could harm your plants or pets.
What to Expect From a Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning
A good roof cleaning starts before any cleaner touches the shakes. Here is how our process works:
- We inspect the roof first, noting its condition, the worst areas of growth, and any existing damage.
- We protect your landscaping by pre-rinsing or covering plants.
- We wash the roof using our gentle system and non-toxic cleaner.
- We rinse plants, siding, walkways, and decks so your property is left tidy.
- We let you know about any damage we noticed and recommend when to clean again.
That final step matters. A cleaning visit is a good chance to spot problems early, while they are still small and easier to address.
How Often Cedar Roofs Should Be Cleaned
For most homes, we recommend cleaning a cedar shake roof about every seven years. Some roofs need attention sooner, especially those under heavy tree cover, on shaded sides of the house, or near sprinklers that keep the shakes damp. Between cleanings, watch for changes in color, new patches of moss, or debris piling up in roof valleys and gutters. Keeping leaves and pine needles cleared from the roof and gutters each fall also helps water drain the way it should, so the wood can dry out between storms.
Cedar also tends to age differently on each side of a house. Slopes that face north stay shaded and damp longer, so moss often shows up there first. Slopes that face south take more sun, which can dry the wood out. Rehydrating the wood during cleaning helps keep the shakes in better condition overall. If you are unsure whether your roof is due, an inspection can tell you where it stands.
Schedule Your Cedar Roof Cleaning
A clean cedar roof looks better, and more importantly, it lasts longer. If your roof is showing gray, green, or dark streaks, now is a good time to have it looked at before winter sets in. Contact Dean’s Window Cleaning for a free estimate. We are locally owned in Boise and happy to answer your questions about caring for your cedar shake roof. We will take a look, explain what we see, and give you an honest recommendation on timing.
