Cedar shakes are a timeless siding and roofing option that has character and looks that many home owners appreciate greatly. Cedar shakes are highly resistant to insects, take stains and paints well, and will last for decades if maintained properly. The biggest question people who have cedar shakes ask is, how do I properly care for them?
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Cedar shakes also need to be pressure washed with regularity since they are an organic material. Cedar shakes are delicate when pressure washing, so renting a pressure washer from the local DIY is not the best solution. Cedar shakes are not like vinyl siding that can be washed and left to dry without issue until next time. You can attempt to pressure wash your cedar shakes on your own, of course, but you are likely to have your yard covered in freshly cleaned cedar shake siding.
Cedar Shakes Mold and Mildew
Cedar shakes will mold and mildew eventually over time, and your once beautiful cedar shake siding takes on a drab, dingy appearance. This is true on the northwest side of the home, where the least amount of direct sunlight comes in contact with the home. Mold, particularly mildew, responds best to certain detergents and chemicals, both of which Squeegee Squad has on hand at all times.
Those who treat their cedar shake with an oil-based stain need to pay particular attention. These stains are the perfect location for mold to take hold. The oils are a proverbial buffet for molds and mildews. Provided enough moisture, both will rapidly expand and cover the cedar shake in very little time. If left unchecked, the shake will deteriorate in a short amount of time.
Many do not realize it, but simply attacking the mold and mildew with a direct pressure washing will do nothing. All this does is knock off the majority of the obvious mold and mildew, while the smaller, less visible is still in the small cracks of the shake. The mold and mildew will return in short order – unless it is pre-treated with a cleanser.
Best Way To Clean Cedar Shakes is a Professional Pressure Washing
What is your best solution to clean your cedar shakes? Find, and hire a professional service who can take care of the job quickly and efficiently while maintaining the integrity of your cedar shakes and home.
Cedar shakes are not as sturdy and forgiving as vinyl or brick. The organic nature of the siding means you need to show some care when pressure washing. If not, you will have an expensive repair bill on your hands. This is only one of the many costs you may encounter should you choose to pressure wash your own cedar shakes.
Hiring a professional pressure washing company means you will save money in the long run and protect your cedar shakes for a longer time. Here is an example of how we would go about pressure washing your cedar shakes:
Cedar Shake Pressure Washing Process
Inspection – All good work starts with a thorough inspection to see what is necessary. If there are loose shake pieces or other points of concern, we will let you know. A thorough inspection of your cedar shakes also gives us a chance to see what areas need special attention and care.
Pre-treatment – We use specialized detergents to kill the mold and mildew before pressure washing cedar shakes. This will help prevent the mold and mildew from returning soon. Recognize that it is inevitable for both to return, but pre-treatment will keep it from happening too quickly.
Low setting – Our team is familiar with pressure washing cedar shake and will use a low-pressure setting with a specialized detergent perfect for cedar.
Extra careful – Outdoor fixtures and the like can be damaged. We are sure to pay attention and work carefully around any places with electrical connections or otherwise.
Take our time – This is the key. Cleaning takes time, and time is a precious thing. Do you have the necessary time to devote to cleaning your cedar shakes properly? This task can take hours, not including unloading, cleanup, and loading equipment back.
These should be sufficient reasons why we should be your go-to partner when it comes to keeping your cedar shakes in great condition. Contact a location near you when you recognize the cedar shakes on your home are ready for a proper cleaning.