Cleaning Cedar Shake Siding and Shingles

Cedar shake shingles and siding are a beautiful natural finish to any house, and cedar products provide protection to your home for a long time. As time passes, natural wood surfaces could be stained by the toxins in the air due to the fact that they attract algae and mildew to develop on the surfaces. Although most of them will not harm the wood, they could affect the appearance of your home; therefore, adding a regular clean-up to the spring cleaning list is generally a good idea.

Before You Start

Contrary to artificial surfaces like asphalt shingles, cement board siding, and vinyl, cedar shakes and shingles don't require thorough cleaning and are more likely to degrade after a rough wash. Power washers are an effective tool, but you must start by using minor pressure and then test small areas to make certain that the pressure isn't damaging the wood. Most of the time, hand washing is sufficient, and gentle power wash is recommended for areas that are hard to reach with a hand; however, be careful not to spray onto the shakes or shingles!

Safety First

Always be cautious whenever working with cleaning products as well as household chemicals. Wear safety glasses and gloves when mixing and applying solutions, and make sure that you keep the chemicals away from your pets and children. Be cautious when climbing ladders too. Always be aware of and adhere to the instructions and safety tips printed on the ladder. Also, be sure to inspect the ladder and the place you plan to use before you get to work.

Gather Your Materials

A mild cleaner will aid in removing your cedar's staining, but picking the correct product is contingent on the kind of stain you want to be cleaned. To get rid of mildew and algae, homemade bleach mixed in trisodium phosphate (often known as TSP; easy to locate at home and hardware shops) will suffice for all the cleaning you require. Begin with five cups of water and one part bleach and one teaspoon of TSP.

For the removal of iron stains or blue-black stains or discolored areas due to fasteners weathering or rust, washing off windows, flashings, or metal ornaments, oxalic acid is the best solution. Begin with a solution consisting of one part oxalic acid with 20 percent water. It is possible to get Sherwin Williams Sealer and Stain Remover that is premixed and suitable for use for this siding. Whatever cleaning solution you're using, experts suggest starting with these dilute mixtures and adding cleaning solutions to the water when needed to remove the stain. Once the wood is cleaned, it's recommended to apply an oil-based brightener like Sherwin Williams Revive to prepare for staining.

The Process of Cleaning

Use the cleaning solution of your preference using a garden mop, sprayer, or an easy brush. Apply the solution to the surface, and try to keep the area moist using the cleaning solution for between 10 and 15 mins (for this reason, cloudy, a day with a clear sky, or even a light drizzle is the ideal condition). Let the solution perform the heavy lifting, and stay clear of vigorous scrubbing. Clean the wood with water that is clear, and ensure that you point the hose in a downward direction so that it doesn't spray up into siding and shingles. If your wood isn't cleaned as you'd like it to be, increase the quantity of cleaning agents until you get the results you desire. If you're planning on refinishing the wood after cleaning it, ensure you allow some time for drying the cedar completely.