Wood shingles add spectacular beauty and style to a home. They’re a premium roof product and require regular maintenance to keep their appeal. Cedar, the most common wood used for roofing, can last 50 years or more with proper care. The following tips will help you enjoy your wood shingles for years to come.

How to Care for Wood Shingles

1. Treat the Wood

Like wood fences or decks, shingles need to be treated to prevent rotting. This typically should be done every four to five years. Shingles can be tested for waterproofing properties by checking to see if water still beads from the roof. Roofing professionals will either paint sealant on to each shingle or remove each shingle and dip them separately into the sealant.

2. Repair Cracks Immediately

Cracks allow water to seep into the wood and, ultimately, into your home. This can subsequently damage surrounding shingles, decking, and roof supports, and lead to mold growth. Roofing professionals can check your roof for damage—cracking, warping, or breaks—especially after inclement weather.

3. Keep Vegetation Away

Trees and shrubs that are growing too near the roof can create problems by potentially shedding debris into the spaces between the shingles, leading to rot. It’s best to keep trees away from your roof and clean your gutters regularly. For especially dirty shingles, hire roofing professionals to scrub each. Climbing on your roof is dangerous work, which is why it’s best left to the professionals.

If you’re overdue for roof maintenance, the professionals at Action Roofing Services can fulfill your needs. They’ve served Anchorage, AK, for over 35 years, handling roof installation, repairs, and reroofing services. They work with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and asphalt, which you can learn more about on their website. To schedule an inspection, call (907) 677-6969 today.