Cedar Shingle Roof Installation
A roof properly constructed with white cedar shingles can give your home or building project an elegance unmatched by other conventional roofing materials. Wood shingles are typically more expensive than other materials, but they give your roof a texture and colour that you can’t get in any other way. A properly constructed wood roof is also cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and will last nearly twice as long as conventional asphalt shingles.
White cedar shingles can be applied in many different ways on your roof, but there is one way that will give your new white cedar shingle roof the greatest durability and remain maintenance free for the longest period of time. This system, commonly referred to as “best practice,” is the preferred method of installation by many builders and building officials throughout North America.
Building standards or codes in many jurisdictions do not adequately cover cedar roof installations, therefore the “best practice” method is generally adopted in lieu of building code standards. If you are in doubt about the standards applied in your municipality, it is best to consult with your local building department before you begin.
If you are a do-it-yourselfer, and not quite sure how to install your own white cedar shingle roof, it would be advisable to consult a qualified builder familiar with the “best practice” method before starting.
Maintenance
Roof Ventilation
Under no conditions should you ever block roof venting. Ridge, soffit and fascia vents must remain clear all year round. Louvers and roof ventilators should remain functional at all times.
Keep Your Roof Clean
Remove any debris that builds up on your roof, including leaves, branches and evergreen needles. Use a stiff broom or brush to remove accumulated debris, especially from between the shingles or shakes. Remove any branches from nearby trees that touch or scrape the roof.
Moss Control
During dry weather, control moss by spraying or brushing the affected area with a 10% solution of zinc sulfate. Alternatively, you can use a solution of one part household bleach to four parts water. The dry moss absorbs the solution, thereby killing it. The dead moss can eventually be swept off the roof.
Mold and Mildew Control
Mold and mildew can be killed and cleaned from cedar shingles using a solution made of 3 ounces trisodium phosphate, 1 ounce detergent, 1 quart 5% sodium hypochloite in 3 quarts of warm water. Apply the solution to the affected area and scrub with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Since these chemicals are toxic, take special care when using them. Avoid contact with surrounding plants and the soil. Using only as much as needed to do the job will minimize any impact on the surrounding landscape.