If your home features a cedar shake roof near Redmond , then it boasts one of the oldest and most durable roofing materials. Read on for some important tips on maintaining this type of roofing.

Start with an Inspection

No matter what roof material you have, maintenance begins with a comprehensive roofing inspection. This type of service reveals potential problem areas. Addressing small issues early can help prevent the need for more costly repairs.

Keep Up with Cleaning

Cedar shake roofs are designed to last. The shakes do not decay without some help from moisture or an infestation of something like lichen or mold. For this reason, one of the best ways to get the maximum lifespan out of your roof is to have it cleaned regularly. Without consistent roof maintenance, shakes that were installed with roof felt can retain moisture and develop infestations. These infestations can lead to water damage and compromised roof integrity.

Don’t Seal the Shakes

First, cedar shake roofs should never be sealed, as this will prevent them from drying out properly. Staining, on the other hand, can improve your roof’s appearance and may increase your home’s curb appeal, depending on the look that you want to achieve. However, it should be noted that staining offers only aesthetic value and does not help preserve your roofing. Instead, cleaning is the best method for getting the full 40 to 60-year lifespan out of your cedar shake roof.

Leave it to the Professionals

There are several good reasons why homeowners should call a professional for roofing maintenance. First, these experts have the tools and expertise needed to give your cedar shake roof a proper cleaning, which can help it function and look good long-term. Also, trying to clean and maintain your roof can be a dangerous task, so it shouldn’t be attempted without the right experience or equipment. Finally, a roofing professional will know what to look for while maintaining your roof. By spotting small problems and alerting you to their presence, a professional can help you keep your cedar shake roof in great condition.

When homeowners think about their roofing, the color and design of the roof shingles, along with the slopes and angles of the structure , are usually what come to mind. However, the attic vents play a critical role in protecting your roof and home. Watch this video to learn why overlooking attic ventilation for your roof in Redmond can be a costly mistake.

A properly designed and installed attic ventilation system promotes a continuous flow of air through the attic. To help reduce heat and moisture buildup, attic ventilation is essential year-round. In the summer, heat can accumulate in the attic and warm up your home, promoting high air conditioning bills. In winter, a lack of attic ventilation can lead to ice dams that damage roofing. To help protect your home and roof, ensure that your attic is well-ventilated.

While repairs and maintenance can help extend the life of your roofing, each roof will need to be replaced at some point. If you’re planning to replace your roofing in Redmond, then you might benefit from considering Malarkey roofing products when selecting a material.

Malarkey offers designer shingles in several beautiful product lines. The Windsor® designer shingle line has a unique, open-tab design that can lend your home the appealing look of a traditional cedar shake roof. Malarkey’s Legacy®, Vista™, and Highlander® lines can add more dimension to your roof’s appearance and are available in a selection of options that offer protection from algae and staining along with impact resistance. Furthermore, the roofing material manufacturer produces Ecoasis™ solar reflective shingles that not only look beautiful but also help keep your home wonderfully cool by reflecting sunlight away from your roof. Finally, you can choose from their Alaskan® and Dura-Seal™ 3-tab shingles which are elegant and have a traditional roofing style. The broad range of beautiful, impact-resistant, and algae-resistant shingles from Malarkey may be a great choice for your home.

Over time, it is possible for roofs to suffer streaks and stains. If you are wondering why your roofing near Redmond has developed these unsightly discolorations, then keep reading to learn what might be causing them and how a professional roofer can help.

Causes

Black streaks and stains that form on asphalt shingles are caused by a mold called gloeocapsa magma , or GM. This mold is a type of bacteria that survives through photosynthesis and feeding on the limestone filler used to make asphalt shingles. You may be wondering why you never noticed this type of roof stain while growing up. The reason for this is that asphalt shingles were once made of felt and asphalt. Today, this roofing material is created using limestone and fiberglass, which allows the mold to thrive. The staining typically develops on east- and north-facing sides of the roof because the GM enjoys cool, shady areas.

Risks

There is no consensus regarding the damage that GM may cause to a roof. Because of this, it is generally considered an aesthetic problem. This photosynthesizing fungus grows roots that wrap around the granules of the shingles, making it difficult to dislodge. Because scrubbing and aggressive washing can damage your roofing, professional cleaning is recommended. Staining can also be a result of moss growth, which can indeed shorten the lifespan of your roof and should be removed.

Removal

If you are considering cleaning your roof yourself, then consider some reasons why it is better to hire a professional. First, using a pressure washer or similar device on some types of roofing may damage the shingles and worsen the state of your roof. Second, working on a roof can be quite dangerous and can lead to devastating falls. For these reasons, the best way to handle a discolored roof is to hire a professional roofer. These contractors have the equipment and expertise needed to clean your roof shingles safely and properly.