The Complete Guide to Cedar Shake Maintenance on Long Island

Why Cedar Demands Special Care

Natural cedar shake siding is prized for its rich, warm appearance and natural resistance to insects. However, on Long Island, cedar faces a triple threat: salt air corrosion, UV-induced graying, and biological colonization from mold, moss, and lichen.

Unlike vinyl siding that simply gets dirty, cedar actually degrades if neglected. The wood fibers break down, absorb moisture, and begin to rot from the outside in. By the time you see dark spots or heavy graying, the damage clock is already ticking.

The Professional Cedar Cleaning Process

Cedar must NEVER be pressure washed. High pressure drives water into the grain, causes splintering, and permanently damages the wood fibers. Our veteran-owned team uses exclusively low-pressure soft washing with wood-safe cleaning agents to:

• Kill mold, mildew, and algae at the root level
• Gently lift embedded dirt and salt deposits
• Prepare the surface for staining/sealing if desired

Maintenance Schedule for Cedar on Long Island

Every 2-3 years: Professional soft wash cleaning to remove biological growth and salt accumulation. Every 3-5 years: Full restoration including cleaning, brightening, and re-staining/sealing for maximum protection and curb appeal.