When it comes to roofing choices, materials matter. The roofing materials you choose will determine the lifespan of the roof, and they'll also determine how much maintenance goes into the roof as well. If you’re considering cedar shingles, it’s good to get some information on maintenance before making a final decision. Let’s look at some maintenance tips for this roofing material.

Why Cedar

Did you know that, according to statistics from U.S. News, the typical lifespan of a roof that’s well maintained and uses high-quality materials can be between 20 and 30 years? However, some roofs, such as those constructed with shake-style cedar shingles, can last up to 50 years. This is one reason why people are willing to invest in and maintain this type of roof. Let’s look at some roofing maintenance tips that can help you get many years of use out of your cedar shingles.

Keep Debris Off the Roof

Roofs collect debris such as leaves, moss, and needles on a regular basis. It’s your responsibility to keep this debris off the roof. The main reason you want to keep debris off your roof is because this type of debris can trap moisture. Moisture is the enemy of all roofing materials, including cedar shingles. It can be helpful to trim tree branches that hang over the roof. This will cut down on the amount of debris getting dumped on the roof in the first place. You should also examine your roof after high winds for new debris.

Keep Gutters Clean

Your gutter system is an important part of your roof. The gutters are designed to move water away from the roof to avoid pooling. If the gutters aren’t cleaned properly, then water can’t move through the system as intended. The water will start to pool, and the roof will suffer. Water damage can start quickly after prolonged moisture exposure. You should place a high priority on cleaning gutters in the fall since this is the time of year when the most debris is falling from trees onto your roof.

Use Power Washing

It’s also a great idea to use power washing on your roof occasionally. This is an opportunity to get the roof and shingles thoroughly cleaned. The growth of algae or moss can start to damage cedar shingles, so it’s imperative to remove this growth forcefully.

Follow these tips, and you're sure to keep your shingles in great shape for years to come. If you’re looking for a roofing professional in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or other West Coast areas, please contact the team at Big Country Cedar today. We're here for all your shingle, shake, and lumber needs.