If you currently have Cedar Shake Shingle siding or you are considering installing it, you will want to make sure that you know how to care for it. It is very easy and will keep your Cedar Shake Shingle Siding looking great! In this blog we will go over some of the most important cedar shake shingle maintenance tips and tricks that are sure to keep your siding looking (and functioning) in tip top shape for years to come!
Before you put a lot of work into your Cedar Shake Shingle Siding remember that this type of siding can last decades without any maintenance at all! These tips will simply extend the life of your Cedar Shake Shingles even longer.
Cedar Shake Shingle Maintenance Tip #1 – Cleaning
Although it will not really harm your Cedar Shake Shingle Siding, mildew and algae can grow easily. By getting rid of mildew and algae as it grows over time you will significantly reduce the appearance of weathering.
The best way to this is by using a cleaning solution made of 1-part bleach to 3 parts water. You can apply it with a pump sprayer and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then simply rinse it off with a hose.
This quick process will remove any mildew and algae and restore your Cedar Shake Shingles close to their original tan color. If you come up against mildew and algae that has been sitting for a while you can hand scrub your Cedar Shake Shingles with a brush doused in the solution.
Whatever you do DO NOT power wash your Cedar Shake Shingles. This breaks down the wood fibers thinning the siding and will take years off of its life.
Cedar Shake Shingle Maintenance Tip #2 – Refinish Shingles
After the cleaning process in complete and Cedar Shake Shingles has dried out you have two options. You can either let the wood weather and age naturally or you can apply an oil-based stain that has color or that is transparent. There are other types of stain, but oil-based stains are the best because they penetrate deeper and really keep the luster of the original Cedar Shake Shingle.
Keep in mind that there are specific guidelines to follow when applying stain. Take the time to educate yourself before spending the time and money!
Here are some recommendations to research before you begin the application process:
- Moisture content of the Cedar Shake Shingles at the time of application
- The temperature at the time of the application process
- The type of sprayer that you will be using (this can impact coverage, thickness, and consistency)
Cedar Shake Shingle Maintenance Tip #3 – Repeat
Even though Cedar Shake Shingles can last decades without ever being touched implementing these tips once a year or so can increase their longevity. To determine if this method is right for you consider the climate that you live in and how harsh the elements are on the exterior of your home. Depending on the motif of the exterior of your home a silver weathered Cedar Shake Shingle may be complimentary. For a more modern and updated look maintaining the original color of your Cedar Shake Shingles is the way to go!
Here at Rocky Mountain Forest Products, we are proud to announce that we are now offering products from Cedar Valley! If you are looking to install cedar shake shingle siding for your next project, would be happy to answer any product/installation questions you might have! If you’d like to learn more about Cedar Valley products we offer, you can check out our page here. For any questions you might have, get in touch!
