SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO'S
Cedar Shake
Protect Your Cedar Shake Roof & Cedar Shake Siding. Avoid Costly Replacements.
Care & Restoration
Professional cedar roof cleaning and cedar siding cleaning for homes and cottages throughout Southwestern Ontario. We restore to ensure long-term sustainability.
Trained Technicians
Industry leading training and safety standards
Fully Insured
Complete protection for you and your property
Professional Equipment
High performance tools for superior results
Local Chatham, Ontario Team
Proudly serving Chatham, Ontario Communities
Cedar Roof & Siding Restoration in Chatham, Ontario
Prevent Damage
Having cedar shake wood on your property means your at a constant battle with nature as moss, algae, lichen and mold try to establish a foothold. These things slowly destroy the cedar shake from the outside.
Increase Curb Appeal
A beautifully restored cedar shake wall or cedar shake roof looks absolutely stunning. When cedar is properly maintained it can last a lifetime and look good the entire time! Get a free quote from our team today.
Avoid Early Replacement
If cedar shakes are left alone for too long nature eventually reclaims them. Moss can eat right through the wood and the cedar shake just crumbles. Maintaining a cedar shake wall or cedar shake roof is a good thing to do every 8-10 years.
GET YOUR FREE QUOTE
Why Cedar Shake Get Dirty
Algae & Mildew
Moisture and shade create the perfect environment. Trees nearby will almost guarantee organic growth on cedar shakes.
Cedar Is Alive
Cedar shakes are like any other wood surface, they can quickly succumb to the elements when not looked after properly.
Pollen & Dust
Seasonal pollen and dust stick to your shakes.
Why Bear Offers Restoration
Shake Integrity
Cleaning the shakes removes all organics from the wood which allows it to thrive and last a long time. This means scheduled cleaning is important to consider.
Longevity
When properly cleaned and restored cedar shakes can last upwards of 50 years easily. When left alone we've seen cedar shakes last as little as 10 years under a dense foliage covered area.
The Bear Process
1. Inspect
We assess your cedar shakes and identify problem areas that need to be addressed.
2. Soft Wash
We apply our eco-friendly solutions and gently clean the surfaces until organic materials are removed.
3. Rinse & Review
We utilize a low pressure, high volume rinse and inspect to make sure you're 100% happy.
Cedar Shake Cleaning Information
Cedar Shake Restoration in Chatham, Ontario
Weathered cedar often tells the story of years of exposure: silver-grey surfaces from sunlight, darker areas where moisture lingers, and patches of moss, algae or lichen where shade and tree cover create favourable growing conditions. Proper restoration begins by understanding those different forms of weathering rather than treating every discoloured area the same way. Bear Property Cleaning provides professional cedar shake restoration in Chatham, Ontario, including specialized cedar roof cleaning, cedar siding cleaning, wood brightening and complete restoration options for suitable exterior cedar.
Understanding How Cedar Weathers in Chatham, Ontario
Grey cedar is not necessarily rotten cedar. In many cases the colour change is concentrated at the weathered surface, while the underlying wood remains serviceable. A professional assessment helps distinguish ordinary weathering and organic contamination from areas that may require repair or replacement before cosmetic restoration is considered. This is why we look at the condition of the wood itself rather than judging the project by colour alone. Cedar restoration should respond to the way a particular surface has aged, not simply apply the same treatment to every roof or wall.
A Wood-Safe Approach to Cedar Cleaning
Our approach is built around controlled cleaning rather than brute force. Professional wood-cleaning solutions are used to loosen organic contamination and weathered surface buildup, allowing the cedar to be cleaned with substantially less mechanical pressure than an aggressive power-washing approach would require. The appropriate process depends on the age and condition of the cedar, the type of contamination present, previous coatings and whether the project involves roofing, siding or another exterior wood feature.
Why Wood Brightening Is an Important Restoration Step
The brightening stage helps transition freshly cleaned cedar from a washed surface to a more finished-looking restoration. It can improve tone, neutralize the wood and provide a better foundation when the project will continue into a protective oil treatment. This two-stage cleaning and brightening approach is one of the key differences between thoughtful wood restoration and simply pressure washing an exterior surface.
Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning in Chatham, Ontario
On cedar roofing, visual improvement must be balanced with careful treatment of the shakes themselves. Roof pitch, age, access, previous maintenance, organic growth and the condition of individual shakes are considered before deciding how the cleaning should proceed. We pay close attention to the existing condition of the roofing material because restoration is appropriate only where the cedar is sufficiently sound to benefit from cleaning.
Cedar Siding, Shingles & Exterior Wood Restoration
Cedar siding, shingles and architectural wood details can collect pollen, algae, mildew and general atmospheric grime in addition to natural UV weathering. Professional cleaning helps separate removable contamination from the underlying character of the aged wood. The goal is not to erase every natural variation in the lumber, but to remove unwanted buildup and reveal a cleaner, healthier-looking version of the natural material underneath.
Penetrating Oil for Restored Cedar
For customers who want to enrich the colour of restored cedar and add a protective finish, penetrating oil may be an option once preparation and drying are complete. The quality of that preparation is critical because even an excellent finishing product cannot compensate for dirty, wet or poorly prepared wood. Product choice, existing finish, moisture content and the condition of the wood all matter, so finishing recommendations should follow proper surface preparation rather than precede it.
Restore the Natural Character of Your Cedar
The most attractive result is not an artificial, painted-looking surface. It is clean, properly prepared cedar whose natural texture, variation and grain are once again visible. That philosophy guides the restoration from the initial assessment through cleaning, brightening and any optional finishing work. A professionally restored cedar surface should still look like cedar, with visible grain, natural tonal variation and the warmth that makes the material distinctive.
Professional Cedar Restoration Near Chatham, Ontario
For homeowners in Chatham, Ontario searching for cedar shake restoration, cedar roof cleaning, cedar siding cleaning or professional wood restoration, Bear Property Cleaning provides a detailed process focused on the long-term appearance of natural cedar. Common searches we serve include cedar shake restoration Chatham, Ontario, cedar roof cleaning Chatham, Ontario, cedar siding restoration, cedar shake cleaning, moss removal from cedar roofs, cedar brightening, cedar wood restoration and penetrating oil finishing. Our focus is on careful preparation, appropriate cleaning methods and a finished appearance that respects the natural beauty of the wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Cedar Shake Roofs and Siding Be Professionally Cleaned?
There isn't one cleaning schedule that applies to every cedar property. The amount of sunlight, moisture, surrounding trees, roof orientation, shade and local environmental conditions all influence how quickly cedar develops algae, moss, lichen and other organic growth. Rather than cleaning cedar according to a strict schedule, we recommend having it assessed when noticeable green growth, moss, dark staining or heavy weathering begins affecting its appearance. On average, we recommend every 8-10 years.
Why Does Cedar Turn Grey Over Time?
Cedar naturally changes colour as it is exposed to sunlight, moisture and the elements. UV exposure gradually breaks down material at the surface of the wood, contributing to the familiar silver-grey appearance of weathered cedar. Dirt, algae, mould, mildew and other organic contamination can further change its appearance. Professional cleaning and brightening can remove surface contamination and improve the appearance of weathered cedar, but extremely old or permanently deteriorated wood may not return completely to its original colour.
Why Is My Cedar Roof Covered in Moss?
Cedar roofs can provide ideal conditions for moss when moisture remains on the surface for extended periods. Shade, mature trees, limited airflow and north-facing roof sections can all contribute. Moss should be treated carefully. Aggressively scraping or pressure washing it from cedar can damage the wood fibres and shakes underneath. Our approach focuses on properly treating and cleaning the organic growth while protecting the cedar itself.
Can You Remove Moss and Lichen From Cedar Shake Roofs?
Yes. Moss and lichen are among the most common types of organic growth we encounter on older cedar roofs. The appropriate treatment depends on how heavily established the growth has become and the condition of the cedar underneath it. Our goal is to remove or treat the contamination without unnecessarily damaging the wood through excessive pressure or aggressive scraping.
Do You Pressure Wash Cedar Shake Roofs?
We don't simply blast cedar roofs with high pressure.
Cedar is a natural wood product, and excessive pressure can damage the fibres, create visible cleaning marks, splinter shakes and unnecessarily erode the surface. Our cedar cleaning process relies on specialized cleaning solutions and carefully controlled washing techniques rather than brute force. The objective is to clean and restore the cedar while preserving the material underneath.
Can You Pressure Wash Cedar Siding?
Cedar siding also requires considerably more care than concrete or other durable hard surfaces. Using excessive pressure can raise the grain, scar the wood and leave permanent cleaning marks. We use wood-specific cleaning products and controlled techniques designed around the condition of the cedar.
When pressure is appropriate, it is carefully controlled rather than used as the primary cleaning mechanism.
What Is the Difference Between Cedar Cleaning and Cedar Restoration?
Our cedar cleaning service focuses on removing organic growth and environmental contamination using a two-step cleaning and brightening process. Our complete cedar restoration service goes further. After cleaning and brightening, the cedar is allowed to dry properly and undergoes any necessary preparation before we apply a professional penetrating oil finish. Cleaning improves the condition and appearance of the surface. Restoration is designed to take the transformation further while also adding a protective finish.
Why Do You Brighten Cedar After Cleaning It?
Brightening is an important second stage of our cedar cleaning process. After the initial cleaning, we apply a dedicated wood brightener to help neutralize the wood and improve the appearance of weathered cedar. This can help bring the wood toward a warmer, more natural-looking tone. That's why we consider cedar cleaning a two-step process: clean first, brighten second.
Can Cleaning Restore the Original Colour of Cedar?
Cleaning and brightening can dramatically improve the appearance of weathered cedar, but the exact result depends on the age and condition of the wood. Cedar that has primarily been affected by surface weathering and organic contamination can sometimes undergo an incredible transformation. Cedar with permanent deterioration, deep staining, physical damage or severe aging may retain some discoloration.
If restoring a rich cedar tone is the goal, adding a penetrating oil finish after cleaning and preparation can take the transformation significantly further.
What Type of Oil Do You Use on Cedar?
For complete cedar restoration projects, we use a professional penetrating oil-based wood finish designed to soak into the cedar rather than simply forming a heavy coating on top. The oil enhances the natural grain and colour of the cedar while providing protective properties against continued exposure to the elements. The specific product and finish can depend on the type, age and condition of the cedar being restored.
Why Do You Use Penetrating Oil Instead of a Film-Forming Stain?
Penetrating oil is designed to soak into the wood fibres rather than creating a thick film over the surface.
Film-forming coatings can eventually crack, peel, chip or flake as they deteriorate, creating significantly more preparation when it's time for maintenance. A penetrating oil finish is designed to weather more naturally while preserving the visible grain and character that makes cedar so attractive.
Will the Cedar Oil Peel, Chip or Flake?
The penetrating oil products we use are specifically chosen because they don't create the same heavy surface film associated with traditional peeling and flaking coatings. Instead, the oil penetrates into the cedar and gradually weathers over time. Like any exterior wood finish, it will eventually require maintenance, but the goal is to create a system that can be maintained without repeatedly dealing with a failed coating that needs extensive stripping.
Will Oiling Make My Cedar Darker?
Yes, applying penetrating oil generally changes and enriches the appearance of cedar. Weathered cedar can appear pale, grey or washed out. A penetrating oil can dramatically enhance the grain and bring out warmer, richer tones within the wood. The final colour depends on the product selected, the natural characteristics of the cedar and its condition after preparation.
Can I Have My Cedar Cleaned Without Having It Oiled?
Absolutely. Our cleaning and brightening service can be completed as a standalone service. You aren't required to purchase the complete restoration package. For customers looking for the most complete transformation and additional protection, penetrating oil can be added as part of the full cedar restoration process.
Can You Restore Very Old Cedar?
In many cases, older cedar can be dramatically improved, provided the underlying wood remains in suitable condition. Years of weathering can make cedar look significantly worse than it actually is. Professional cleaning, brightening and oiling can reveal a surprising amount of the wood's natural character. However, restoration cannot reverse rot, severe splitting, missing shakes or structural deterioration. Cedar in poor physical condition may require repair or replacement rather than cleaning alone. Neglected cedar is exactly where professional restoration can sometimes create the most dramatic before-and-after results. The amount of restoration required depends on the condition of the wood and any previous coatings. Heavy moss, lichen, weathering and deterioration may require additional preparation. We assess these projects individually before recommending the appropriate process.
Can You Replace Damaged or Rotten Cedar Shakes?
Cleaning and restoration cannot repair wood that has already rotted or physically failed. If we discover obviously deteriorated, broken or missing cedar shakes, those areas may need to be repaired before or as part of the overall restoration project. The goal is to restore cedar that's still serviceable, not hide deterioration beneath a new finish.
Will Cedar Restoration Extend the Life of My Cedar?
Proper maintenance can help protect cedar from continued exposure and keep the material in better condition, but we don't promise that restoration will add a specific number of years to a roof or siding system. The lifespan of cedar depends on installation, age, ventilation, moisture exposure, previous maintenance, climate and the physical condition of the wood. Our goal is to properly clean, prepare and protect serviceable cedar rather than allowing contamination and weathering to go completely unaddressed.
Do I Need to Be Home During Cedar Cleaning or Restoration?
Generally, no. As long as our technicians have access to the areas being serviced, most exterior cedar cleaning and restoration work can be completed while you're away. For multi-stage restoration projects, we'll communicate with you regarding drying time, return visits and when the cedar is ready for the next stage.
Do You Offer Cedar Restoration for Cottages and Larger Properties?
Yes. Cedar is commonly found on cottages, lakefront properties, custom homes, rural estates and other higher-end properties throughout Southwestern Ontario. Our equipment and restoration process allow us to handle everything from individual cedar features to homes with extensive cedar siding and large cedar shake roofing systems.
Can You Clean and Restore My Cedar Roof and Siding at the Same Time?
Yes. If your property has both cedar shake roofing and cedar siding, we can assess the entire exterior and develop a restoration plan for both. Coordinating the work can also help create a more consistent finished appearance across the property, particularly when the cedar has experienced similar years of weathering and organic buildup.
Our Services
SERVICE AREA
CEDAR SHAKE CLEANING SPECIALISTS
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in London, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Sarnia, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in St. Thomas, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Woodstock, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Petrolia, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Grand Bend, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Bayfield, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Port Franks, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Tillsonburg, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Ilderton, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Port Stanley, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Chatham, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Strathroy, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in Dorchester, Ontario
✔ Cedar Shake Cleaning in St. Marys, Ontario
We also service dozens of small municipalities in between these cities. If you are unsure whether we work in your area please feel free to reach out.