Proper Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning In St. Louis County

Cedar shake roofs are a beautiful and durable option for homes in St. Louis County, providing a rustic, natural look that enhances any property. However, just like any roofing material, cedar shake requires proper care and maintenance to ensure it lasts for years. One of the most important aspects of this maintenance is regular roof cleaning. When done incorrectly, cleaning can damage the wood or lead to costly repairs. That’s where professional pressure washing services, like Exterior Cleaning Solutions STL LLC, come into play.

Why Cedar Shake Roofs Need Regular Cleaning

Cedar shakes are naturally prone to collecting moss, algae, dirt, and debris. Over time, these buildups can trap moisture against the wood, leading to rot, mold, and discoloration. Furthermore, algae and moss growth can cause uneven wear, compromising the integrity of the roof and potentially causing leaks.

Regular cleaning helps prevent these issues, maintaining your roof’s appearance and functionality. However, it’s important to approach cedar shake cleaning with the right methods to avoid causing damage. That’s where a professional pressure washing company in St. Louis County can help.

The Risks of Improper Cleaning

Many homeowners may be tempted to clean their cedar shake roof themselves or hire an inexperienced contractor to save money. However, improper cleaning techniques can cause more harm than good. High-pressure washing, for example, can strip away the protective oils in the wood, leading to premature aging and increased susceptibility to damage. This can also result in splintering or cracking, which compromises the structure of the roof.

Additionally, aggressive cleaning methods can cause physical damage to the delicate shakes, especially if the wrong nozzle is used or the water pressure is set too high. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to hire a professional team that understands the intricacies of cedar shake roof cleaning.

Professional Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning Process

At Exterior Cleaning Solutions STL LLC, we follow a gentle yet effective cleaning method to ensure your cedar shake roof remains in excellent condition. Our cleaning process typically includes the following steps:

• Inspection: Before we begin cleaning, our team thoroughly inspects your roof to assess its condition. We look for areas of damage, such as cracked shakes or loose nails, and address any concerns before starting the cleaning process.
• Soft Washing: Unlike traditional pressure washing, soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with eco-friendly cleaning solutions to break down algae, moss, and dirt. This method is gentle on the cedar shakes, preserving their natural oils and protecting the wood from damage.
• Debris Removal: After applying the cleaning solution, we carefully remove any loose debris, such as leaves or branches, from the roof. This helps ensure a thorough cleaning without causing any unnecessary damage.
• Rinsing: We then rinse the roof with low-pressure water to remove the cleaning solution and any remaining debris, leaving your cedar shakes clean and protected.
• Final Inspection: Once the cleaning is complete, we perform a final inspection to ensure the roof is in optimal condition and that no damage has occurred during the process.