Wood roofing is one of the most beautiful and characteristic types of roofing for homeowner's to use on their homes today. Yet all of this beauty requires extra care in order to ensure it has a long life. If you are thinking of a wood roof or if your home already has one, take note of the wood roofing maintenance tips offered below so you can keep your installation in great shape.
Preserve It
The first essential element in wood roofing maintenance is preserving it with a suitable preparation designed to protect wood. These treatments reduce decay and make wood roofing more durable against damaging UV rays, keeping shingles and shakes looking their best as time goes on.
You can spray on water-based, clear preservatives designed to protect wood roofing from mold, mildew, and algae. Oil-based treatments can also be brushed on to prevent warping and splitting. Oil-based treatments are available in a variety of transparent and semi-transparent stains.
There are coatings available that can increase the fire resistant properties of wood. While all of these treatments are very effective for preserving the look and quality of wood shakes and shingles, the downside is they must be reapplied every 4 to 5 years to remain protective.
Protect It
In addition to using the right preservatives to reduce weathering and decay, you should also protect your wood roofing from other types of damage. Reduce wear and surface damage by keeping all branches trimmed away from the roof and remove any debris that falls on it. Make sure your gutters are properly installed and always keep them clean and properly functioning to prevent damage to the roof edge that could spread.
Work with experienced roofers to ensure there is adequate ventilation in your attic since poor ventilation can have damaging effects on the roofing. Copper or zinc strips installed at the ridge can be protective as well. They turn regular rainwater into a solution that will help prevent vegetative growth on the wood.
Keep It Clean
It is important that periodic cleaning be done as an essential part of wood roofing maintenance. Keep the installation free of any moss, algae, or mildew that can slowly rot the wood and destroy it. Hire a contractor who can go up on the roof and scrape away any growth. Then scrub the surface with a mild cleansing solution consisting of bleach and detergent.
If there is more stubborn dirt or mildew present, a solution designed specifically for cleaning wood shakes and shingles can be used. Washing should be done with a regular garden hose and a brush as pressure washers can cause irreparable damage to the wood.
There is no denying the fact that wood roofing can be a bit of work in comparison to other materials. Keeping it in shape demands proper wood roofing maintenance throughout the years. The good news is that you can easily arrange for a roofing service to take care of the more challenging parts of this maintenance. By working together with an experienced company, your wood roof will stay strong and beautiful for years to come!
