Many Maryland and Virginia homeowners own homes with cedar shake roofs.  Depending on the age of your home, you may start to notice signs of aging in your roof system.  There are several visible signs of an aging roof that may need professional attention - these include moss growth, warping, cupping, curling, splitting or missing cedar shakes.  There is also the risk of potential leaks and mold or mildew in your attic space that are best assessed by a professional.  If your cedar shake roof is more than 15 years old it is recommended that you take advantage of a free inspection two times per year to identify any potential risks that may cause further (and more costly) damage. 

What about powerwashing or painting my cedar shake roof?

While the CSSB has guidelines for homeowners for powerwashing and/or painting your cedar shake roof in an attempt to prolong its longevity, our company recommends that you acquire free estimates from both cedar shake roof replacement companies and powerwashing service companies.  Depending on the age of your roof, any damage that has been incurred over time, and the potential for additional signs of aging to occur in the near future, it may be better to consider a roof replacement or roof repair. 

I heard that you can buy cedar that is treated -- how would this benefit my home?

Most homeowners don't realize that there are several options to choose from when selecting a new cedar shake roof system, just as there are with asphalt or synthetic roof systems.  First, there is the grade of cedar (which refers to the grain), thickness, cut method (shingle or shake), and finally the preservatives available to help your home combat moss and mildew, termites, and other insects.  The life expectancy of a roof system with a pressure impregnated preservative is also slightly longer than a non-treated shake system would provide.

What is the lifespan of a cedar roof system in the Washington DC Metro area?

There are several regions across the United States where you can find an abundance of cedar shake roof systems -- the Northwest, Northeast, and there are many homes in the Washington DC Metro area that have cedar shake roofs.  The longevity of a cedar shake roof system on your home, for this region, depend largely on the product type that you choose (see above) and the quality of the installation.  The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau is a non-profit organization that monitors, certifies and promotes the installation and manufacturing of cedar shake roof & sidewall shingles and shakes.  The average life span of a cedar roof is 30 - 40 years, when installed according to the specifications set forth by the manufacturer and the CSSB.