Cedar Roofs

Cedar Roof Preservation Roof Truths

Welcome to the preservation deep-dive.These short Q&As explain what preservation really does, when to do it, and how to get the most long-term protection out of your cedar roof.

Roof Truth 1 — When a Roof Needs Preservation

Q1. How do I know if my cedar roof needs cleaning and preservation?

Here’s something most people don’t realize:

The smart time to preserve cedar is before it shows significant problems. Preservation protects the cedar while it still has strength, keeps the wood stable, and helps prevent early repairs or accelerated aging later. You’re not fixing trouble you’re avoiding trouble.

Every roof is different, so the best approach is simply to take a look. A quick evaluation shows exactly what’s happening on your roof and whether cleaning and preservation make sense at this stage.

Cedar ages gradually, and different parts of the roof age at different speeds especially the sections that see the most sunlight. If you’re noticing more graying, movement in the wood, or uneven weathering, those are early signs the roof is ready for attention. That doesn’t mean the roof is failing it simply means it has reached the point where preserving it will do the most good.

Roof Truth 2 — What Preservation Actually Does

Q2. What does preservation actually do for my cedar roof?

Preservation doesn’t undo past wear but it protects the good condition the roof still has and helps prevent that condition from declining faster than it should. Many homeowners choose preservation because it keeps the roof stable, reduces and often avoids early repairs, and maintains a cleaner, more even appearance over time.

Every roof is different, and the right timing depends on its current condition. A quick evaluation lets us show you what your roof would benefit from and whether preservation makes sense at this stage.

Preservation is how you significantly slow cedar’s natural aging. After the roof is gently cleaned on one day, it’s ready on a separate day to absorb a high quality preservative. The treatment soaks into the wood, replaces the oils the roof naturally loses in its first few years, helps it shed water more easily, and keeps the surface more stable as it continues to age.

Roof Truth 3 — The Right Timing Depends on Your Roof and Your Plans

Q3. When is the right time to preserve a cedar roof?

Your plans also matter. Some homeowners plan to stay long-term; others expect to move in a few years. That’s why there isn’t one “correct” timing for everyone. What makes sense depends on both the roof’s current condition and what makes sense for your future plans.

A quick evaluation lets us look at both — how the roof is aging and what your goals are — so you can choose the timing that fits your home and avoids unnecessary surprises.

Cedar roofs age at different speeds for many reasons — sunlight, shade patterns, moisture, exposure, and even shake thickness all influence how a roof changes over time. Because different areas age differently, no two roofs follow the same pattern.

Roof Truth 4 — Preservation for Older Roofs

Q4. Can an older cedar roof still be cleaned and preserved, or is it too late?

With older roofs, the decision becomes more personal. Some homeowners want to preserve the roof they have and get as much good life from it as possible. Others simply want the roof to function for the short-term while planning for a future replacement.

Younger roofs preserve to stay ahead of the aging curve. Older roofs preserve to slow changes and protect remaining strength.

A quick evaluation lets us walk you through what’s still possible — whether you’re trying to extend an older roof or stay ahead on a younger one.

Many older cedar roofs can still benefit from careful cleaning and preservation. Roofs age unevenly some areas show more wear due to sunlight or moisture, while other areas remain more stable. When the roof as a whole is still in solid enough condition, thoughtful cleaning, targeted repair, and preservation can strengthen it and slow additional aging.

Roof Truth 5 — Why the Re-Coat Cycle Matters

Q5. What is the Re-Coat Cycle, and why does it matter for my cedar roof?

Most homeowners choose to stay “In-Cycle” because it keeps the roof in its best condition for the longest period of time. Sunlight and moisture are the two forces that age cedar the fastest, and refreshing the protection at the right time reduces how strongly those forces affect the wood. Each re-coat deepens protection — cedar that stays In-Cycle becomes more stable and ages more slowly over time.

Re-coating restores the working surface — the exposed shakes and shingles that take the weather and protect the layers underneath. Staying on schedule keeps the roof stable, limits repairs, and slows long-term aging effectively.

An evaluation lets us show you exactly where your roof is in the cycle and map out the right timing for your next re-coat.

The Re-Coat Cycle is the natural rhythm cedar follows after it’s been cleaned and preserved. The protective treatment gradually thins over the years. Re-coating every five to six years refreshes that protection before the roof returns to normal aging.

Roof Truth 6 — Long-Term Protection and Real Confidence

Q6. Is there a guarantee or protection that comes with cleaning, preserving, and staying in cycle?

If something comes up — a leak, a loose ridge cap, or a missing shingle — we come out, diagnose it, and correct it. The only charges are the standard service-call fee and a capped per-shingle cost when replacement is required. You’re never exposed to open-ended repair uncertainty.

Staying “In-Cycle” keeps your roof in its best condition and keeps your Customer Guarantee active automatically. It’s one of the biggest advantages of preserving early and staying on schedule: predictable protection, predictable cost, and a company standing behind the work.

When selling your home, your Customer Guarantee can be upgraded to a Transferable Leak & Repair Warranty. We evaluate the roof, outline any minor repair needs if applicable, and provide the documentation buyers and inspectors want to see. That documented clarity is a major advantage during inspections and adds real confidence for buyers.

Every cleaning and preservation job comes with a five-year Customer Leak & Repair Guarantee automatically extended to a full six years to match the Re-Coat timing. It’s a written guarantee that covers the service work needed to keep your roof watertight during that period.

Roof Truth 2 — What Preservation Actually Does

Q2. What does preservation actually do for my cedar roof?

Preservation doesn’t undo past wear but it protects the good condition the roof still has and helps prevent that condition from declining faster than it should. Many homeowners choose preservation because it keeps the roof stable, reduces and often avoids early repairs, and maintains a cleaner, more even appearance over time.

Every roof is different, and the right timing depends on its current condition. A quick evaluation lets us show you what your roof would benefit from and whether preservation makes sense at this stage.

Preservation is how you significantly slow cedar’s natural aging. After the roof is gently cleaned on one day, it’s ready on a separate day to absorb a high quality preservative. The treatment soaks into the wood, replaces the oils the roof naturally loses in its first few years, helps it shed water more easily, and keeps the surface more stable as it continues to age.