Cedar Shake Cleaning and Maintenance
Contact UsPreserving the Natural Beauty of Your Home
Cedar shakes are a popular roofing material cherished for their natural beauty, durability, and rustic charm. They can lend a warm and inviting aesthetic to any home, making it stand out in the neighborhood. However, like any roofing material, cedar shakes require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure they remain in pristine condition and extend their lifespan. Check out more information below to learn why cleaning and maintaining cedar shakes is so important plus helpful tips and tricks to keep your roof looking its best for years to come.
Your Go To Experts for cedar shake Roofs
CALL SUMMIT TODAY TO SCHEDULE CLEANING OR REPAIR ON YOUR CEDAR SHAKE ROOF.
We will first inspect the roof and then determine the next best steps.
Why Clean and Maintain Cedar Shakes?
1. Preventing Moss and Algae Growth
Cedar shakes are susceptible to moss and algae growth, especially in moist and shaded areas. These organic growths can cause the wood to retain moisture, leading to rot and decay over time. Regular cleaning helps remove moss and algae before they become a bigger problem.
2. Preserving the Integrity of the Shakes
Accumulated dirt, leaves, and debris can trap moisture on the shakes, promoting rot and deterioration. Proper cleaning removes these elements, preventing long-term damage and ensuring the shakes maintain their structural integrity.
3. Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal
A clean and well-maintained cedar shake roof significantly improves the overall appearance of your home. Regular cleaning helps restore the vibrant color and natural charm of the wood, making your house the envy of the neighborhood.
Cedar Shake Cleaning Tips
1. Regular Inspections
Perform routine inspections to identify any signs of damage, loose shakes, or areas with moss or algae growth. Catching problems early allows timely intervention and prevents issues from escalating.
2. Gentle Cleaning Techniques
When cleaning cedar shakes, use gentle techniques to avoid damaging the wood. Pressure washing should be avoided as it can strip away the natural oils and fibers that protect the shakes. Instead, opt for low-pressure washing or handwashing with a soft-bristled brush.
3. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
Use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for both your cedar shakes and the surrounding environment. A mix of water and mild soap, or water and white vinegar, can be effective in removing dirt and stains.
4. Moss and Algae Removal
If moss or algae are present, consider applying a mixture of water and sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach) to the affected areas. Allow it to sit for a while before gently scrubbing away the growth. Be cautious not to scrub too vigorously, as this can damage the shakes.
5. Gutter Maintenance
Keep your gutters clean and free of debris to ensure proper water drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on the roof, which can damage the cedar shakes over time.
Our Past Work
We believe our work speaks for itself. Browse our most recent projects below
and see what Summit Construction Group can do for you!
Ivy Ave, Stillwater
Specialty Projects, roofingGrays Bay, Minnetonka
Specialty Projects, roofingMajestic Pines Trail, Afton
Specialty Projects, RoofingAuto Club Rd, Bloomington
Specialty Projects, Past WorkHardscrabble Cir, Mound
Specialty Projects, Past WorkWhat Our Clients Say

This was our first experience filing a home insurance claim and Summit coordinated everything efficiently and thoroughly. On top of that, the actual labor crew was incredible and the final product is beautiful. 10/10 Would recommend




Fred H.
Lake Minnetonka

We interviewed ~10 different roofing companies before deciding to choose Summit, and Thomas is the main reason why. From start to finish, he demonstrated a level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication to the client that is rare to find. In particular, we were very impressed by Thomas' time and honesty in figuring out what would be best for us and our home as we were considering how the roofing project would interface with other home improvement projects that we are considering.
Thomas also deftly handled unique challenges associated with our project, including dealing with a rooftop A/C unit, which required the involvement of multiple additional parties (our HVAC company to remove/reset the unit and a carpenter to build a new platform for the unit). Since our roof replacement was an insurance claim, he also seamlessly handled all of the back-and-forth with our insurance company.
Thomas prioritized being around during the construction and also came by personally to follow up on several important but smaller items as the project wound down. He never made us feel like any detail was too small to be taken care of promptly and properly. It is clear that Thomas takes great pride in his work, wants the best for his clients, and represents Summit exceptionally well. He is by far the best, most thorough, and kindest contractor with whom we have worked (and we have worked with many, given that we moved into an older home and have had multiple large projects).
We are thrilled with the results of our new roof and will certainly be recommending Summit's services -- and Thomas in particular -- to our neighbors and friends because of this experience.


They were communicative and kept me informed on progress. The entire job took one day to complete. They were in and out quickly and left the site fully cleaned up as if they were never there.
I would highly recommend Summit and the project coordinator Jonathon Soto for a reroofing job.


Bernie was amazing and handled communication with the insurance company, explained everything clearly, and kept the project moving without any stress on my end. The crew was professional, efficient, and respectful of my property, and the finished roof looks great.
If you’re dealing with storm damage or an insurance claim and don’t want the headache that usually comes with it, Summit Construction is the way to go. Great experience from start to finish.

They are very upfront with their costs, so no surprises. I can't say enough about our great experience with Summit. I would highly recommend this company!
Lori B

The quality of workmanship is outstanding—our roof looks incredible and was completed on time and within the quoted price. What really stood out was their attention to detail and respect for our property. They left the area spotless and treated our home as if it were their own.
If you’re looking for a roofing company that is honest, reliable, and truly takes pride in their work, this is the one. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone and would not hesitate to use them again in the future.




Was a seamless process and very professional. We will be using them for our siding replacement next.




See attached photo for evidence of workmanship where the original wood edging and metal work required repair and then the new tile has been positioned for a perfect fit.


The roofing and gutter crews were prompt, professional and tidy. The work was completed flawlessly. I highly recommend Summit Construction and especially the project manager, Christian Decker.

The crew arrived on time, worked efficiently, and left everything spotless once the job was done. The quality of the roof is exceptional, and Durham took the time to walk me through the materials, process, and warranty so I felt completely confident in my decision.
It is rare to find a company that combines great workmanship with such outstanding customer service. This team truly does. I would 100 percent recommend them to anyone needing roofing work done. You will be in great hands with Durham and his crew.



The installation was quick, and they left our property clean. Even coming back to ensure no nails/screws were left in the yard. The quality of workmanship is outstanding, and our new roof looks amazing!
I highly recommend Summit for any roofing needs. Thank you for a job well done!
They installed a GAF 60 Mil TPO Rhinobond system and took care of everything — permits, tear off, cleanup, you name it. It was clear the crew took pride in their work.
It was one of those projects that went exactly how you hope it will. No surprises, no chasing people down, just quality work from a team that knows what they are doing.
If you are looking for a reliable roofing crew, I would definitely recommend Summit.
I hope we don’t have another project like this for a long time, but if we do, Brett will be my first call!