In this post i will show you how i gave my old cedar roof shingles a new lease of life using a preservative and water repellant stain treatment.
How to stain a cedar roof.
The type of cedar roof wood stain that you use is important.
The objectives of maintaining a cedar roof are threefold clean the roof preserve the wood and prevent moss.
Oil or water based stains make an ideal stain for your cedar shingles as long as they don t have a high solid particulate nature.
A cedar roof wood stain can then be applied to provide weather protection.
The maintenance for a cedar roof involves cleaning the wood to remove gray wood fibers and contaminants such as mold mildew algae and moss.
However with semi transparent stains you will need to take care with the application.
The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar s wood grain.
Use a garden sprayer or similar device to spray the mixture on your cedar shingles.
Make sure to get the entire surface of your cedar shingle roof.
Cedar roofs treatment is good but staining not so good staining is just one method of treatment and not a very good one.
You re better off using a clear coat product or a transparent or opaque water based stain.
Once the house is dry you can apply a clear coat product or a stain directly from a lawn and garden sprayer a high volume low pressure paint sprayer or manually with a paintbrush or roller.
If you are thinking about using a rolling brush.
Cedar shingles are an excellent roofing material for garden buildings sheds and summerhouses which not only look very classy and natural but will often outlast most other options such as roofing felt and corrugated sheet materials.
Best stains covers preserves better these best stains are also are easy to apply by spray method.
The brush bristles will distribute the stain evenly onto the wood as well as helping to reach the undulations on the surface of the cedar.
Pay special attention to areas where there might still be moss or lichen remnants.
It is best to apply the stain to the cedar while working the shade.
Allow the bleach or citric mixture to sit for about 15 minutes.
Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.
One of the most thorough methods when staining is to use a thick natural bristle brush.
On average a good cleaning should last between six and eight years.
Paint vs stain best stains seals and protects wood shingles leaving no paint mil to chip crack or peel.
In regards to staining and sealing a cedar redwood roof staining is fine for curb appeal but adds no real value to preserving the roof itself.
Semi transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection.
Work in the shade while staining.
The cedar bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water.
No where can it found found that changing the color is a necessary goal.
