Wood Roof Restoration: What Colorado Homeowners Should Know

If your home has a wood shake or shingle roof, you're probably drawn to its timeless look and natural insulation. But wood roofing doesn’t last forever—especially in Colorado’s dry air, heavy sun, and freeze-thaw cycles.

Restoration might be your best option. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Wood Roof Restoration?

Wood roof restoration involves cleaning, repairing, and preserving existing cedar shakes or shingles. It extends the life of your roof without the cost of full replacement.

It typically includes:

• Cleaning off moss, mold, and dirt

• Repairing or replacing cracked, cupped, or missing shakes

• Treating with preservatives to guard against UV rays and moisture

• Re-nailing or resecuring any loose components

Is Your Wood Roof a Good Candidate for Restoration?

Restoration is often possible if:

• Less than 20% of the shakes or shingles are damaged

• The underlayment is still intact

• There’s no widespread rotting or structural damage

If your roof has significant leaks or sagging, replacement may be the better call.

Why Restoration Makes Sense in Colorado

Colorado’s weather is tough on wood:

• High UV exposure dries and cracks cedar faster than in milder climates

• Freeze-thaw cycles cause splitting and cupping

• Wildfire zones in foothills and forests add risk—Class A fire-retardant treatments can help

Restoration can help keep your roof structurally sound and visually appealing longer, often adding 10–15 years to its life.

Restoration vs. Replacement Cost

Restoring a wood shake roof in Colorado typically costs:

• $1.75–$4.00 per square foot depending on treatment and repair extent

Full replacement costs:

• $8.00–$14.00 per square foot for new premium cedar shakes

What Treatments Should Be Used?

For best results in Colorado, restoration should include:

• Water-repellent preservative (WRP) with UV blockers

• Fire-retardant application, especially in wildfire-prone areas

• Mildicide/fungicide to prevent moss or algae regrowth

These treatments should follow Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau guidelines.

How Often Should You Restore or Maintain?

• Inspect annually—especially after winter

• Clean and retreat every 3–5 years

• Replace individual shakes as needed

Homes in mountain or forest areas may need more frequent attention.

FAQs

How long does a restored wood roof last?

A properly restored roof can last another 10–15 years with regular maintenance.

Can I do it myself?

Spot cleaning and shake replacement are possible DIY tasks, but chemical treatments and safety work at height should be left to pros.

Should I switch to metal or composite?

If you're in a fire-prone area or want a longer-lasting, lower-maintenance option, switching might be worth exploring.

Schedule a Wood Roof Inspection in Colorado

If you’re not sure whether your cedar roof needs repair or replacement, call Roof Nuts. We’ll give you an honest assessment and help you protect your investment.

📞 303-276-2403
🔗 https://RoofNutsCO.com

We proudly serve:

• Denver

• Colorado Springs

• Fort Collins

• Lakewood

• Arvada

• Pueblo and surrounding areas