Cleaning and Maintaining 35 yr old Cedar Shakes

I would like to get some input on cleaning 35 yr old cedar shake. Applying a preservative, if any, is also a question. The cedar shake was applied over the existing painted cedar shingle, which seemed to have helped prevent rot by preventing excess moisture behind the shingle.

The research so far has turned up some conflicting info. Some recommendation are to leave the shake alone, since the natural cedar oil are a preservative. Power washing should not be use or done a very low pressure so as not to remove the cedar oils and remove the wood pith. Others recommend power washing and applying linseed oil. Lastly, other say others say linseed oil will retain moisture and cause rot in a cedar shake.

 

A lot depends on what you want it to look like. Cleaning is a good idea prior to applying any type of coating. Usually applying a bleach/water solution and rinsing well will sufice. As noted if a pressure washer is used - it should be turned down and the tip held a respectable distance from the siding.

Linseed oil isn't used much anymore here in the south - it's prone to mildew and there are other coatings that will do a decent job without mildewing as quick. I've never heard of wood treated with linseed oil holding moisture

Paint will require an oil base primer, so will certain light colors of solid latex stain. Assuming the wood color isn't real consistent - a semi-transparent stain would work well. Translucent [toner] stains can deepen the wood colors and look nice but won't hide drastic color changes in the wood. These types of stains also don't last as long as the heavier coatings.

 

I would like the red cedar shake to keep its natural cedar look and keep the maintenance to a minimum. I'm in the northeast as far as the climate goes. I like the gray weathered look, but I found most of the gray areas to be from dirt after a quick pass on a small area with the power washer on low pressure.

 

Are you sure the grey is dirt? Wood naturally turns grey when exposed to weather. This grey is actually a protective film that nature provides to help the raw wood withstand the elements. There are stains that mimic this look - check with your local paint store.