Power Washing and Roof Cleaning Forum

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Cedar Roofs

Admin · Head Quarters

Some of you guys do Cedar Roofs. How do you go about it. Some contractor use S/H, Brighten and Water base Sealer. Others contractors Just use S/H to clean cedar and thats it. From what I have been reading over the years, its best to seal the cedar or they dry out and curl up. Let's here what some of you guys have been doingto clean cedar. We have a few members that would like to learn the trade.

DirtyRoofcom · Approved Exterior Cleaner

You never want to seal cedar. It needs to be able to breathe to function properly and last.

Ed Thompson · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Cedar was meant to breathe. I hear guys using a linseed oil. Ive used oils similar on decks. It's a very thin oil, like baby oil. You can apply but it doesnt trap moisture. Trapping moisture on a cedar shingle is not good.

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I'm not saying this is the correct way to clean and seal cedar, But this video has some interesting pionts

Liberty SoftWash · PWS Vender

When sealing cedar you need to use Chevron oil.

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

What is Chevron oil. Is it for Cedar Roofs?

Liberty SoftWash · PWS Vender

It's not a sealer it just a oil that after you clean you should re-oil them.

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

CEDAR ROOF OILING IS IT NECESSARY?

Why Should I Oil My Roof?

There is a big debate on the benefits of oiling a cedar roof. A comprehensive and great research paper was written by OSU students, referenced in EC1271, September 1988. Their exhaustive research neither discounted nor encouraged oiling of cedar roofs. As stated in EC1271, originally Cedars mass only contained 3% of its weight in oil. With such a small percentage of its weight to begin with being oil, the debate on replenishing is faulty.

We are not stating that the oils should be replenished. We are advocating oiling a roof in Seattle to prevent rapid expansion and contraction caused by UV rays and rainwater. The stress of shrinking and enlarging cause wood to crack, it is our belief, that oiling a roof stops the expansion and contraction from causing damage to the shingle. The oil allows natural contraction to happen without stressing the wood it is applied to.

What Product to use when Oiling a Cedar Roof in Seattle?

Chevron shingle oil is a superior product for oiling cedar roofs it is of low velocity and transparent. The application doesn’t change the appearance of wood; instead it gives the wood a wet look. Although higher in price then other cedar oils, the history and its long established reputation amongst wood restoration experts make it possibly, the best choice for oiling a cedar roof or fence. There are many benefits of Chevron Shingle Oil such as:

Its established reputation.
Its ability to mix well with solvents.
Its lasts when applied: many homeowners have said their oil treatment lasts 5 years or longer.
It’s easy to apply. A backpack sprayer with a round tip or flat headed tip work great. There is no need for paint sprayers.
Its ability to be mixed with stain.

5 gallon pails of Chevron Shingle Oil

Why Chevron Shingle Oil?

Its long established reputation is a major factor on why this is our product of choice. We have used other oil products but they don’t lay down as well as Chevron. When mixed with a solvent at 1 to 5 gallons of shingle oil the flow of the oil is even. The vast majority of a roof can be covered in one solid, thin application. A major problem when oiling a cedar roof is over application that clogs the pores of the wood. The oiling needs to be laid down evenly and uniformly in a thin manner. Chevron in our experience, when mixed correctly, accomplishes this.

When deciding to oil your roof, it should be done from the day it was installed. The ability to repair a cedar roof once the damage has been done is nonexistent. Maintenance is major issue for wood roofs. There are ways to treat cedar for moss that differ greatly from the way we would treat a composition roof. On average a 1200 square foot roof area costs from $16,000-25,000 dollars, according to homewyse. Yearly maintenance can run you about $400. When deciding to purchase a home with a cedar roof or having it installed, budgeting for maintenance should be the first thing you do. The unexpected consequence of not maintaining your roof, can seriously hinder your economic circumstances.

Liberty SoftWash · PWS Vender

God stuff right there.

Patrick G · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I dont think Bruce Sullivan uses a power washer.........

Liberty SoftWash · PWS Vender

Oil is better. We use a airless sprayer to recoat.

Admin · Head Quarters

Chevron Shingle Oil is a straw colored, low viscosity oil designed for use as a shingle or shake dressing for shake roofs, wooden fencing, wood siding, and log homes.

Chevron Shingle Oil penetrates the wood surface to enhance or replace natural oils and resins leached out by cyclical exposure to sun and rain. Although Chevron Shingle Oil retards the aging process, it will not renew wood that is already weather damaged.

Applications

Loose dirt and debris should be removed before the oil is applied. The roof should be hosed with water 24 hours prior to application to lessen the possibility of over application. Alternatively, a licensed contractor can power wash the roof thereby removing weatherdamaged wood, allowing oil to absorb into new wood.

Chevron Shingle Oil may be applied by brushing or spraying. The typical application rate is 150-300 square feet per gallon. Application rate depends on the type of wood and the rate at which the oil saturates the wood.

Do not overapply — Over application may lead to shingle or shake "cupping" and the presence of oil in rainwater runoff.

Do not add color pigments — as they will lump and settle out.

Do not walk on treated surfaces — Chevron Shingle Oil is a petroleum oil and is slippery.

Do not use on flat surfaces, such as decks. Properly licensed contractors may add certain chemicals, such as antifungal agents and other substances, to Chevron Shingle Oil. Be sure to find out what safety or health restrictions may apply to these additives.

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Technical and Informational Material on Chevron Shingle Oil

Mixture: Chevron can be mixed with lacquer thinner for a diluted product. Stains and coloring can also be added to give the roof a certain look, such as weathered, cedar tone or red cedar colorings. We recommend using a concentrated stain product at 4-6 ounces per gallon till the desired color is achieved.

MSDS: The MSDS sheet for Chevron can be found here: Chevron Shingle Oil MSDS

Application Rate: Between 150-300 square feet per gallon.

Pricing: $130/5 gallons + shipping/handling.

Liberty SoftWash · PWS Vender

It goes a long way you dont want to puddle it.

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Roof Cleaning PA wrote:
It goes a long way you dont want to puddle it.

Who sells it Eric?

Liberty SoftWash · PWS Vender

Art O wrote:
Roof Cleaning PA wrote:
It goes a long way you dont want to puddle it.
Who sells it Eric?

http://www.chevronlubricants.com/choose-chevron/marketer-locator.aspx

Dave · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I use Armstrongs Shake Shield.

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Shake Shield

Before

Cleaned and preserved with Shake Shield

Shake Shield is a one-coat, high solids semi-transparent pigmented finish for unpainted wood shakes and shingles.

Armstrong's Shake Shield is made up of heavy and light-bodied oils. Heavy bodied oils provide water repellency. Light bodied oils combined with solvent penetrate deep into the wood.

Armstrong's Shake Shield repels water, replenishes the natural oils baked out by the sun, thereby adding flexibility to the wood and the pigments reflect the sun's UV rays, thus retarding the graying process of the wood. Reconditioned shakes should reduce damage caused by wind and hail.

PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY

Armstrong's Shake Shield is specifically designed for weathered wood shake or shingle roofs. Although Armstrong's Shake Shield works extremely well on older roofs of 15-20 years old, it should be applied to new roof installations as well. 60-80% of the natural oils leach and bake out of wood roofs within the first five years. It is to the advantage of any owners of a wood roof to use Armstrong's Shake Shield at the earliest opportunity.

SHAKE SHIELD PRICING

Maintain Your Wood Shake Roof Now or Pay Later. The following is based on a 3,000 square foot roof. The prices have been averaged between California and Mid West markets. Labor and material costs vary.
Armstrong's Shake Shield - $37.40 gallons X 30 gal. to maintain roof ONLY...	$1122.00
Class B Fire Retardant Wood Shakes - Tear off and install new	$18,000
Untreated Wood Shakes - Tear off and install new	$15,000
40 year Composition Asphalt Shakes - Tear off and install new	$11,000
30 year Composition Asphalt Shakes - Tear off and install new	$ 9,000

PDF DOWNLOADS & FAQS

Capital Roof Wash · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Great thread & information on cedar roof shingles Art!

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Capital Roof Wash wrote:
Great thread & information on cedar roof shingles Art!

Should I move It Ray? biggrin

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Capital Roof Wash wrote:
Great thread & information on cedar roof shingles Art!

Just trying to figure out the best way to clean cedar roofs. It seems to be the best kept secret out there. We have a lot of members that would like to learn the trade of cedar roof cleaning. Lets figure it out! I think the 3 step way is the best way, But what is the best 3 step way?

Capital Roof Wash · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Art O wrote:
Capital Roof Wash wrote:
Great thread & information on cedar roof shingles Art!
Should I move It Ray?

No Gary ... oops, I meant Art. LOL

The whole process of cleaning / restoring old cedar shingles is an art in itself. Even though it might be pricey, it's more cost effective to have a pro do this than replacement. I have seen some before and afters and the results are awesome!

Ed Thompson · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Step 1: Apply detergent with 8%-10% sh solution
Step 2: Rinse
Step 3: Neutralize. (We often skip this)

In my honest opinion you can treat a cedar roof 3-4 times over the life of the roof without causing any major breakdown of the fibers (keyword "major") using this method.

Always offer the 3 step method first as the "right way", cuz it is. When you offer the alternative, it will make you a hero. We've only done about 5 cedar roofs this year and killed it on every one.

A moldy shingle that holds moisture is causing far more damage then the light treatment with sh. I know sh breaks down the fibers which is why I don't recommend using this method more than a few times. Just because people have a cedar roof doesnt mean they can afford a crazy 3-step price.

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Good thread. We need to research this topic some more

lkendall · Approved Exterior Cleaner

We go with the sh route.. We dont get too many cedars- however sh DOES work just fine, as long as you rinse thoroughly or neutralize you will have no problems. We usually have to do 2 coats, one to kill all of the fungus, then rinse and re-apply directly to the shingle then rinse again!

Steve Salley · Approved Exterior Cleaner

What is the best neutralizer? We are most interested in this topic.

I really appreciate the candid observation by you Ed on the fact, it is a matter of value to the end user. I would think the fact we offer a cleaning versus restoration for a whole lot less money, would be of great value to some homeowners.

John Aloisio · Approved Exterior Cleaner

We use AC's S/H Wash to neutralize.

John Aloisio · Approved Exterior Cleaner

S/H Wash not SH damn IPad

John Aloisio · Approved Exterior Cleaner

It won't let me say the correct product name....BW