As an architect I often recommend treating red cedar shingle roofing with a clear wood preservative. I would be interested in everybody’s opinion on how to best lengthen the life of a red cedar roof in a northern climate. 20 years ago I dipped my own roof shingles in a mixture of Cabots semisolid stain and Woodlife clear preservative. That has held up well and it is time for another application. I have always thought it best to avoid any waterproofing compound that puts a film on the roof. I’m considering Cabot’s 3000 Clear Solution but do not know if it really has much preservative in it? Any suggestions? Any products to avoid?
Eric
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I put Thompsons water seal on my gazebo roof every 2 or 3 years. Not sure if it helps but it cant hurt.
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Marv
Thompson's is just a light wax solution in an evaporative carrier. Protection from it lasts about six months in sunlight. Pobably doesn't hurt but doesn't help much either for the money.
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Cabot's doesn't recommend application of 3000 series solution over previously stained surfaces unless they've been "reconditioned". It wouldn't be my first choice; I think a semi-solid would be a better choice and would provide more protection. Cabots has a good tech section on their website and you can call them for suggestions- they have an excellent tech department.
http://www.cabotstain.com/shared_frames.cfm?cfid=427356&cftoken=19648586&area=askexp
I wouldnt bother with a preservative unless ones anal retentive.
IMO preservative only lasts for a cpl of years and the wood roof with no preservative will probably last longer than youre alive so........
Theres sooooo much to do and so little time......
My wood roof has lasted probaby over 75 years or better...just a guess on my over 320 year old house.
I'll be ripping it to match it up with the additions I'm adding on......presently the old wood roof is really getting green so its time anyway.
Consider things like zinc strips if theres trees or water around to preserve the life of it but wood is supposed to act like wood does IMHO. Aint dat da point?
Be rustic
andy
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