Top Treatment Methods for Wood Shake Roofs: What Works Best?

We all know that wood-shake roofs need a bit of extra care compared to other roofing materials. They are made from natural wood, which, while beautiful, can be vulnerable to various forms of damage caused by weather and pests. 

That’s where utilizing treatment methods comes in! These methods are generally carried out in the form of sealant application, which offers more comprehensive protection compared to a wood shake without sealant. 

In this complete guide, we will discuss the top wood shake roof treatment methods and some maintenance tips that you can follow to make sure that your wood shake roof protects your home for many years to come. 

How To Treat Your Wood Shake Roof

Here are the common wood shake roof treatments that you can follow to maintain the lifespan of your roofs. 

#1 Cleaning Methods For The Wood Shake Roofs 

One of the most important things we need to understand about wood shake roof treatments is that no matter if you’re making repairs, or adding a sealant, you’ll always want to start with a proper cleaning. Just like any other surface, a clean roof absorbs treatments better and provides longer-lasting protection. 

Regular cleaning not only maintains your roof's appearance but also significantly extends the lifespan of your wood shake roof.

When it comes to cleaning the roof, we recommend starting with the basics. 

Using a garden hose, you can wash away debris like leaves, pine needles, and other materials that tend to collect between the shakes. 

While some contractors might suggest pressure washing, we advise against it. Wood shakes are relatively soft, and high-pressure water can actually damage them, potentially reducing your wood shake roof’s lifespan by several years.

The cleaning process doesn't stop at debris removal. You might notice some staining or discoloration on your roof. In these cases, a mild cleaning solution will work wonders. 

For light stains, we recommend using a mixture of water and mild detergent. For more stubborn stains, a solution of one part bleach to three parts water can be effective.

However, it's important to remember that any cleaning solution should be thoroughly rinsed off the roof within an hour to prevent damage to your wood shake roof shingles.

#2 Preservative Treatments

When it comes to preservative treatments for wood shake roof protection, we have various effective options to share with you. For example, we recommend using sealants with a copper naphthenate base, as one of our top recommendations for wood shake roofing. 

While it does have a greenish tint, you can find versions that are tinted to match the natural cedar color of your wood shake roof.

Another excellent option for your wood shake shingle roof is zinc naphthenate. This treatment is particularly popular among homeowners who prefer to maintain the natural silvery-gray appearance of weathered cedar. 

While it might require more frequent applications than copper-based treatments, it's still an effective choice for protecting your wood shake roof. 

For optimal protection, we recommend using a 2-3% solution for three years of protection, or a 4% solution for five years of protection.

For those looking for alternative treatments, MTC (methyl bis thiocyanate) and TCMTB (2-thio cyanomethyl thio benzothiazole) combinations have proven effective for wood shake roof treatment. These can be used in either clear or pigmented solutions and work well in both water-based and oil-based applications.

#3 Eco-Friendly Treatment Solutions 

Zinc and copper strips are eco-friendly treatments for your wood shake roofs. When installed near the ridge of your roof, these strips create a natural protective barrier. We recommend installing a 2-inch-wide strip on either side of the ridges, running the entire length of the roof. Every time it rains, small amounts of zinc or copper wash down your roof, helping to prevent moss and fungal growth. This method can be particularly effective for wood shake roof maintenance in humid climates.

For larger roofs, you might need to install additional strips across the surface, as the protective effect typically extends about 15 feet below the metal strip. 

After a year of installation, you can evaluate the effectiveness and add more strips if needed. 

The copper option tends to be more effective than zinc, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to heavy moss growth.

How To Maintain The Lifespan And Performance Of A Wood Shake Roof

Here are some common maintenance tips that you can follow to maintain the performance and appearance of a wood shake roof. 

#1 Routine Inspection

Regular inspection is very important for maintaining your wood shake roof. We recommend examining your roof at least twice a year, ideally in early spring and late fall. 

During these inspections, look for signs of splitting, curling, or cupping in your wood shake roofing materials. Pay special attention to areas around chimneys, vents, and valleys where water tends to collect.

Watch for early signs of problems like darker patches on your wood shake roof shingles, which might indicate water retention or fungal growth. 

Check for any damaged or missing shakes that need replacement. Also, examine the keyways (spaces between shingles) to ensure they're clear of debris and allow proper water drainage.

#2 Adequate Ventilation

Proper ventilation is very important for extending the lifespan of your wood shake roof. Your roof needs to breathe to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to premature decay.

Make sure your attic has adequate ventilation through a combination of ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents. For every 300 square feet of attic floor space, you should have at least one square foot of ventilation.

The spaces between your wood shakes also need proper airflow. Keep these areas clear of debris, and make sure your wood shake roof has proper spacing between shakes to allow for expansion and contraction with weather changes.

#3 Choose Oils and Sealants 

Wood sealants and oils help prevent water and other liquids from soaking into the wood. They also protect the wood shakes from stains and marks. 

This adds a layer of protection that helps wood last longer through everyday use. Many people also like how sealed wood has a clean, polished appearance when the oil or sealant is applied. 

However, while oils and sealants are beneficial for wood shakes, there are certain points to remember. Cedar contains less than 3% natural oils by weight, and applying additional oils without proper preservatives can actually create an environment that helps mold and mildew grow and thrive. 

Instead, we recommend focusing on treatments that include both preservative and water-repellent properties. You should also consider avoiding petroleum-based products as they can increase your roof's flammability and tend to break down quickly under sunlight exposure. 

#4 Trim Overhanging Branches 

Proper tree management is essential for wood shake roof maintenance. Keep all overhanging branches trimmed back at least 10 feet from your roof’s surface. 

This not only prevents physical damage from branches rubbing against your wood shake roof but also reduces debris accumulation and promotes better airflow and drying.

In wooded areas, consider the impact of shade on your roof. Excessive shade can prevent proper drying after rain or snow, creating ideal conditions for moss and fungal growth.

If you notice areas of your roof staying damp for extended periods, you may need to thin out nearby tree canopies to allow more sunlight and air circulation.

Also Read: Wood Shake vs Shingles: Understanding the Maintenance and Repair Costs

#5 Consider Treatment Timing

The timing of your wood shake roof treatment is crucial for its effectiveness. Apply treatments during dry weather when the wood shake’s moisture content is low, which generally occurs during the summer. Avoid applying treatments when rain is forecasted within 24 to 48 hours, as this can prevent proper absorption and reduce effectiveness.

We Are Here To Provide You With Top-Quality Wood Shake Roofs In Pittsburgh, PA

Need a new roof for your home or business? We're here to help! At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we keep things simple with quality work and care. If you are looking for professional wood shake roof installation in Pittsburgh, PA, or the surrounding areas, then we are here to assist you! 

Give us a call at (412) 353-5660 to chat about your roofing needs. We'll explain your options. What you can expect during the process, and give you an honest estimate.