Care & Maintenance

A cedar roof or sidewall asks for very little — mostly the same attention any home exterior needs. A few simple habits will keep it performing and looking its best for decades.

Keep it clean and breathing

Leaves, needles and moss hold moisture against the wood. Clear debris from valleys and between courses, and keep overhanging branches and shrubs trimmed back so sun and air can dry the roof after rain.

Never pressure-wash

A pressure washer tears cedar’s fibres and shortens its life. Gentle cleaning with a garden hose is the safe route; for deep cleaning or any chemical treatment, hire a cedar-experienced professional.

Stay ahead of moss and fungus

Shaded, damp sections are where moss starts. Zinc or copper strips near the ridge are a common, proven way to discourage growth, and a cedar professional can advise on treatments suited to your roof.

Replace pieces, not roofs

One of cedar’s quiet advantages: a damaged shake or shingle can be swapped out on its own without disturbing the rest of the roof — small repairs stay small.

Walk it rarely, and carefully

Limit foot traffic, and when access is needed, spread the load and mind the weather — wet cedar is slippery.