How Do I Preserve the Wood Shakes on My Roof?

When replacing the roof on your Arlington Heights home or business, your roofer may suggest wood shakes for many reasons. Their durability makes them an attractive option and the natural look of wood shakes can enhance the appearance of any home or office. They prove to be an especially good choice in areas that experience a lot of wind or storm damage, including hail. In order to extend the life of your shakes, however, it is important to keep them properly maintained.

5 Ways to Maintain Wood Shakes

Proper maintenance of your roof”s wood shakes will protect them against weathering and rot. Although they can resist a great deal of the weather seen in Arlington Heights, eventually the weather will cause the shakes to break down. Clumps of leaves and other debris retain moisture and encourage the growth of moss and fungus which can further break down the shakes.

Here are 5 things you can do to protect them:

- There are chemical solutions that will help delay the growth of moss, molds, and fungi. Your roofer can apply this when your roof is installed or you can do it yourself, if you prefer.
- Cleaning leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the roof before the weather gets too wet will prevent moisture from collecting beneath the piles of collected debris.
- Trimming away low hanging branches will help to allow for air circulation and sunlight that will dry up any moisture on your roof.
- Pigments and ultraviolet absorbers can reduce the damage caused by sunlight.
- Applying a replenishing oil can help restore the natural oils in the wood that maintain its structural integrity. However, as some oils can also act as a food source for mold, mildew and fungi, it is best to use a good fungicide in addition to the replenishing oil. Also, stay away from petroleum-based oils as they can make your wood shakes more flammable.

At Adams Roofing Professionals, we believe wood shakes can be a great option. When properly cared for, they are attractive and durable and can last a long time. When re-roofing your Arlington Heights home or business, you should talk to your roofer about whether wood shakes are a good option for you.

And if you are looking for a roofer, contact Adams Roofing Professionals. We have been serving the roofing needs of the Arlington Heights area for many years. Founded in 1978, we are a family-owned and operated business who puts its customers first.

I wanted to let you know about an experience I had with one of your employees. I live at 1200 Knottingham Court in Kingsport Estates and apparently, your company is servicing our condo association. My building has had a leak in the entryway for several months and Eddie was dispatched out to have me show him the source of the leak inside. I met him on Friday, September 21st and just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with his friendliness and professionalism. He immediately found the source of the leak and even went up on the roof to show me. He assured me that someone would take care of it as soon as possible and told me he would give the report priority to avoid any further damage. As someone who used to be in Customer Service, I always value a company that hires people that are not only skilled at their trade, but also skilled at interacting with people. Eddie is a great example of that and I wanted you to know so you could tell him what a great job he does! I am so glad that Alma Management chose Adams Roofing to be our roofing contractor!... [more]

Jeremy Q, CMCA, AMS

Adams Roofing has a great team to work perfectly with condo and townhome Associations. We are currently in the middle of a 6 year, 49 building tear-off project. Adams works hand in hand with the engineers, delivers according to the specifications, and provides great customer service to the homeowners and management team.... [more]

Sue T.

Good Afternoon, I am writing to you on behalf of the Mission Hills M-8 Association. I would like to tell you how happy we are with the work that you completed for our Association. Your supervisor Eddie was great. We liked his professionalism and his work ethic. He kept us informed, and delivered on all his promises. Please make sure that any other jobs you do for us include him. Best regards, Joey Mission Hills Management... [more]

Brett K.

Charlie, Thanks very much for replacing the gutter! No one has been out to do it, at least before I left for work this morning. But I will definitely let you know whether it’s done correctly. I am very satisfied with your roofing job. It looks great, and more importantly, there were no leaks when it rained (even though we haven’t gotten really hard rains yet). So, I have been very pleased with my experience with Adams, especially with the professionalism and responsiveness of you and Dan. Thanks.... [more]

Keith M.

I wanted to take a moment to comment on your technician, Eddie. Eddie was assigned to inspect a roof leak I am having in my home in Cobblestone Circle. He was prompt, professional, courteous and informative; everything a customer could ask for when inviting a contractor into their home. Eddie represents Adams Roofing Well; and clearly he is an asset to your company. Kudos to him! Thank you.... [more]

Rick H.