Cedar Shake Roof Treatment & Maintenance BC
BC's wet climate is hard on cedar shake roofs. Moss, algae, and moisture cause premature deterioration — but the right treatment program can extend your cedar roof's life by 10–20 years. We clean, treat, and preserve cedar roofs across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Why Cedar Roofs Need Special Care in BC
Cedar shake roofs are beautiful and durable — but BC's coastal climate creates conditions that accelerate deterioration faster than almost anywhere else in Canada.
Moss & Algae Growth
BC's high rainfall and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for moss and algae. On cedar, moss roots penetrate the wood fibres, trapping moisture and accelerating rot. Left untreated, moss can reduce a cedar roof's lifespan by 10–15 years.
UV Degradation
UV exposure breaks down the natural oils in cedar, causing shakes to grey, crack, and curl. Without UV protection, cedar shakes become brittle and lose their ability to shed water effectively — leading to leaks and structural damage.
Moisture Intrusion
Cedar shakes naturally absorb and release moisture — but repeated wet/dry cycling causes the wood to expand and contract, eventually splitting and warping. A water-repellent treatment dramatically reduces moisture uptake and extends shake life.
Lichen & Biological Growth
Lichen is particularly damaging to cedar — its root-like structures (rhizines) physically break down wood fibres as they grow. Lichen is much harder to remove than moss and requires professional treatment to eliminate without damaging the shakes.
Our Cedar Roof Treatment Services
A complete cedar roof maintenance program — from cleaning to long-term preservation.
Soft Wash Cleaning
We use low-pressure soft washing — never high-pressure — to remove moss, algae, lichen, and biological growth from cedar shakes. High-pressure washing splits and frays cedar fibres, causing more damage than it prevents. Our biodegradable cleaning solution kills growth at the root and is safe for surrounding vegetation and waterways.
Biocide Treatment & Moss Prevention
After cleaning, we apply a professional-grade biocide treatment that prevents moss, algae, and lichen from re-establishing for 2–4 years. This is the most important step in a cedar maintenance program — cleaning without prevention means moss returns within 12–18 months in BC's climate.
Wood Preservative Treatment (Timber Pro UV)
We apply Timber Pro UV — a penetrating wood preservative with UV blockers and water repellents — to clean, dry cedar shakes. Unlike surface coatings that peel and flake, Timber Pro UV penetrates the wood to restore natural oils, block UV degradation, and create a water-repellent barrier from within. Recommended every 5–7 years for maximum protection.
Cedar Roof Assessment & Conversion Advice
Not every cedar roof is worth treating. We provide honest assessments — if your cedar roof is beyond the point where treatment is cost-effective, we'll tell you. We can also advise on cedar-to-asphalt conversion options, including what to expect in terms of cost, timeline, and the right shingle products for BC's climate.
Cedar Roof: Treat or Replace?
The right answer depends on your roof's age, condition, and your long-term plans for the property.
Treat — Best Option
- • Roof is under 25 years old
- • Shakes are structurally sound
- • No significant rot or splitting
- • Moss/algae is the primary issue
- • You plan to stay 5+ more years
Typical cost: $800–$2,500
Treat Now, Plan Ahead
- • Roof is 25–35 years old
- • Some shakes cracked or split
- • Minor rot in isolated areas
- • Treatment buys 5–8 more years
- • Budget for replacement later
Typical cost: $1,200–$3,000
Replace — Best Option
- • Roof is 35–50+ years old
- • Widespread rot or structural damage
- • Active leaks or water intrusion
- • More than 20% of shakes failing
- • Treatment not cost-effective
Replacement: $18,000–$35,000+
Cedar-to-Asphalt Conversion in BC
When cedar replacement is the right call, many BC homeowners choose to convert to asphalt shingles. Here's what to know.
Advantages of Converting to Asphalt
- Lower upfront cost ($12,000–$22,000 vs $18,000–$35,000 for cedar)
- Less ongoing maintenance — no annual moss treatments required
- Better resistance to BC moss and algae growth
- Wider range of colours and styles
- GoNano rejuvenation available to extend asphalt life further
- Easier to find qualified installers
Things to Consider
- Cedar has a natural, premium aesthetic that asphalt cannot fully replicate
- Some heritage or strata properties may restrict material changes
- Cedar is a natural, renewable material — asphalt is petroleum-based
- A well-maintained cedar roof can outlast asphalt by 10–20 years
- Conversion requires full tear-off and potential deck repairs
- Check with your municipality for any permit requirements
Cedar Roof Treatment Pricing
Pricing depends on roof size, pitch, and condition. All quotes are free and no-obligation.
Soft Wash Clean
$600–$1,200
Moss, algae & lichen removal. Biodegradable solution. Safe for cedar fibres.
Clean + Biocide
$900–$1,800
Soft wash cleaning plus biocide treatment. Prevents regrowth for 2–4 years.
Full Treatment Program
$1,400–$2,800
Clean + biocide + Timber Pro UV wood preservative. Maximum protection & longevity.
Prices are estimates for a typical BC home (1,500–2,500 sqft roof area). Final pricing provided after free assessment.
Cedar Roof Questions Answered
How often should I have my cedar roof treated?
For BC's climate, we recommend soft wash cleaning every 3–5 years and a full wood preservative treatment (Timber Pro UV) every 5–7 years. Roofs with heavy tree cover or north-facing aspects may need more frequent cleaning due to accelerated moss growth.
Can I pressure wash my cedar shake roof?
No — pressure washing is one of the most damaging things you can do to a cedar shake roof. High pressure splits and frays the wood fibres, removes the natural surface oils, and can drive water under the shakes. Always use soft washing (low pressure + cleaning solution) for cedar.
What is Timber Pro UV and why do you recommend it?
Timber Pro UV is a professional-grade penetrating wood preservative that contains UV blockers, water repellents, and mould inhibitors. Unlike surface stains or coatings that sit on top of the wood and eventually peel, Timber Pro UV penetrates the cedar fibres to protect from within — similar in principle to how GoNano NuRoof™ works on asphalt shingles.
Does GoNano NuRoof™ work on cedar roofs?
GoNano NuRoof™ is specifically formulated for asphalt and fiberglass shingles — it is not designed for cedar shake roofs. Cedar requires a different treatment approach using wood-specific preservatives like Timber Pro UV. We assess each roof individually and recommend the right product for the material.
How do I know if my cedar roof needs treatment or replacement?
Key signs that treatment is still viable: shakes are structurally intact (not crumbling or severely split), no active leaks, roof is under 30 years old, and damage is primarily surface-level (moss, greying, minor cracking). Signs that replacement may be needed: widespread rot, shakes falling apart when touched, active water intrusion, or roof over 40 years old. A free assessment from NanoShieldBC will give you a clear, honest recommendation.
Cedar Roof Treatment — Service Areas
We treat cedar shake roofs across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, including:
Get a Free Cedar Roof Assessment
Not sure if your cedar roof needs treatment or replacement? We'll give you an honest assessment — no pressure, no obligation. Serving all of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Or call/text: 604-300-1788