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.
5/5 from 600+ happy customers
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 Jarvis, Ontario Team
Proudly serving Jarvis, Ontario Communities
Cedar Shake Restoration in Jarvis, 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.
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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 asses 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
At Bear Property Cleaning, we provide professional cedar shake roof cleaning, cedar siding cleaning, and complete cedar restoration services throughout Jarvis Ontario, Ontario and surrounding communities. Cedar is one of the most beautiful exterior building materials available, but years of exposure to moisture, sunlight, rain, snow, trees, and Ontario's changing seasons can leave it looking grey, dark, weathered, and covered in organic growth.
Whether you're searching for cedar roof cleaning near me, cedar shake restoration Jarvis Ontario, cedar siding cleaning Jarvis Ontario, cedar roof restoration, cedar shake cleaning, cedar siding restoration, moss removal from cedar roofs, or professional cedar restoration in Jarvis Ontario, Bear Property Cleaning has the specialized equipment, products, and experience required to properly care for natural cedar.
Why Cedar Requires Specialized Cleaning
Cedar should never be treated like concrete, vinyl siding, or asphalt shingles. It is a natural wood product, and aggressive pressure washing can damage the wood fibres, create visible pressure marks, cause splintering, and leave the surface rough and uneven. Instead of relying on excessive pressure, our cedar cleaning process uses specialized cleaning solutions and controlled washing techniques to remove contamination while protecting the wood underneath. Our goal isn't simply to make the cedar look cleaner. We want to remove years of unwanted buildup while preserving as much of the natural character of the wood as possible.
Our Cedar Cleaning & Brightening Process
Professional cedar restoration begins with a thorough cleaning. Our first step uses a specialized wood-cleaning solution designed to loosen and remove algae, mould, mildew, moss, lichen, dirt, organic growth, and environmental buildup from the cedar. Once the cleaning stage is complete, we apply a dedicated wood brightening treatment. Brightening helps neutralize the wood following cleaning and can dramatically improve the appearance of grey and weathered cedar, helping bring back a warmer, more natural-looking tone. This two-step clean and brighten process can make an incredible difference even before any protective oil is applied.
Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning
Cedar shake roofs require a very different approach from conventional asphalt shingles. Moss, algae, lichen, leaves, tree debris, and organic contamination can accumulate across cedar roofing, particularly on sections surrounded by mature trees or receiving limited sunlight. Our cedar roof cleaning process is designed to treat this contamination without simply blasting the shakes with excessive pressure. We carefully clean the cedar and apply the appropriate brightening treatment to help restore the appearance of the natural wood. Depending on the condition of the roof, cleaning can be completed as a standalone service or as the first stage of a more complete cedar restoration.
Cedar Shake Siding Cleaning
Cedar siding can gradually lose its beautiful natural appearance after years of exposure to sunlight, moisture, dirt, algae, and changing weather conditions. North-facing walls and heavily shaded areas can become particularly dark or green, while areas receiving substantial sunlight may become grey and weathered. Our professional cedar siding cleaning process removes unwanted organic buildup before the wood is brightened to help restore a cleaner and more uniform natural appearance. Whether your home features cedar shakes, cedar shingles, cedar siding, or other exterior cedar features, we adjust our cleaning process according to the material and its condition.
What Can We Remove From Cedar?
Our professional cedar cleaning process can remove or significantly improve many common forms of exterior contamination, including:
• Green algae
• Moss
• Lichen
• Mould and mildew
• Dirt and environmental grime
• Pollen
• Tree debris
• Bird droppings
• Organic staining
• Grey weathered surface material
• Years of accumulated exterior buildup
Cleaning cannot reverse rot, severe splitting, structural deterioration, permanent staining, or physical damage to the cedar. We'll provide realistic expectations when these conditions are present.
Complete Cedar Restoration & Oiling
For customers looking for more than cleaning, Bear Property Cleaning also offers complete cedar restoration and oiling. After the cedar has been professionally cleaned and brightened, it must be allowed sufficient time to dry. Once the wood is properly prepared, we can apply a professional penetrating oil-based cedar finish designed to soak into the wood rather than creating a heavy film on top of it. The penetrating oil enhances the cedar's natural grain and colour while helping protect the wood from continued exposure to moisture and the elements. This can dramatically transform weathered cedar, bringing out the rich colours and character that make natural cedar such a desirable building material.
Why We Use Penetrating Oil on Cedar
We prefer penetrating oil finishes because they work with the natural characteristics of the wood. Rather than creating a thick surface coating that can eventually peel, chip, or flake, penetrating oil is designed to soak into the cedar fibres. This enhances the wood's natural appearance while providing protection without hiding its grain beneath an artificial-looking coating. As the finish gradually weathers, future maintenance can generally be much more straightforward than dealing with a failed film-forming coating.
Cleaning vs. Complete Cedar Restoration
Not every cedar property requires the complete restoration process. If your cedar roof or siding primarily suffers from algae, moss, dirt, or environmental buildup, our cleaning and brightening service may provide the transformation you're looking for. For cedar that has become heavily weathered, dried out, or has lost much of its natural colour, our complete cedar restoration package takes the process further with cleaning, brightening, proper drying, preparation, and application of a premium penetrating oil finish. We'll assess the cedar and help determine which option makes the most sense for its current condition.
Bring the Natural Beauty of Your Cedar Back to Life
Replacing cedar siding or a cedar shake roof can represent an enormous investment. When the underlying cedar remains in suitable condition, professional cleaning and restoration can dramatically improve its appearance without unnecessarily covering up the natural character that makes cedar so unique.
Whether you're looking to clean moss and algae from a cedar roof, restore weathered cedar shake siding, brighten grey cedar, or complete a full cedar restoration with penetrating oil, Bear Property Cleaning provides specialized cedar care throughout Jarvis Ontario, Ontario and surrounding communities.
For homeowners and property managers searching for cedar shake cleaning Jarvis Ontario, cedar roof cleaning Jarvis Ontario, cedar siding cleaning Jarvis Ontario, cedar shake restoration Jarvis Ontario, cedar siding restoration, cedar roof restoration, cedar oiling, moss removal from cedar roofs, or professional cedar restoration in Jarvis Ontario, Ontario, Bear Property Cleaning has the equipment, products, training, and experience to help bring your cedar back to life.
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.