Does My Cedar Shake Roof Need Replacing?
Cedar shake roofs are stunning roofs that have continued in their popularity for decades. The gorgeous color fade of the wood, the rugged and natural appearance, the lifespan, and the enduring durability make cedar roofs popular with homeowners all throughout Maryland.
But how do you know when your cedar shake roof needs replaced?
If you’re used to an asphalt or metal roof, or have recently upgraded to a cedar shake roof, you will want to know the signs your cedar shake roof needs replacing and how to properly maintain a cedar shake roof to extend its lifespan.
See the 7 signs you need to replace your cedar shake roof and how to maintain a cedar shake roof for a longer lifespan.
Top Signs Your Cedar Shake Roof Needs Replacing
1. Cracked, Splitting, and Broken Shingles
As far as visual inspections go, you want to check your cedar shake roof for cracked, split, or broken shingles. Because cedar shake is a natural wood element, it will eventually get worn down from the weather: a lot of sun exposure, heavy winds, rain, and snow.
The risk of split, cracked, or broken cedar shake shingles is that they now allow moisture, rain, and pests access under your shingles. This can lead to worsening water damage, like leaks and wood rot, or even pests making nests under the shingles.
The good news is that cracked, split, or broken shingles can be individually replaced. Be sure to tackle these cedar shake roof repairs ASAP to avoid an entire cedar shake roof replacement. Call a professional roofer for a thorough inspection.
2. Curling and Cupping Shingles
Similar to asphalt shingle roofs, you want to visually check your cedar shake roof for curling or cupping shingles. Because wood is going to warp over time, you need to monitor the shape and lay of your cedar shake shingles.
Small amounts of cedar shake shingle curling are okay, but an extreme warp can lead to problems. Curling and cupping cedar shake shingles will expose other roofing elements underneath, no longer offering a protective barrier against the weather.
As with broken shingles, you can opt to change a few of these vs an entire roof replacement, but you do want to be mindful about staying on top of cedar shake roof maintenance to prevent warping shingles in the future.
3. Loose and Missing Shingles
Your roof should never have missing shingles. Missing shingles, loose shingles, and dangling shingles expose your roof to the elements. Even a small portion of exposed roof can lead to leaks, mold growth, wood rot, and more.
A missing shingle could be due to extreme weather or storm damage. However, a poor cedar shake roof installation may be the cause. Cedar shake roof installations require a professional installation due to the specialized nature of attaching the roof for decades.
If you’re worried about missing shingles or loose shingles and weather isn’t the problem, you may need an entire roof inspection to talk about roof repairs.
4. Algae, Moss, and Mold
Because cedar shake roofs are made from natural elements (wood), they are exposed and prone to natural risks, like algae, moss, and mold growth. This is why preventive maintenance on a cedar shake roof is so important.
While algae, moss, or mold may seem unsightly and discolor your roof, it can also lead to bigger problems. You may face softening shingles, wood rot, leaks, and more. Algae and moss can slowly degrade cedar shake shingles, making them weakened and unreliable.
Mold growth on a roof is never natural or okay. Mold can cause health issues and spread throughout your home. Call for cedar shake roof repairs ASAP if algae, moss, or mold is present.
5. Discoloration and Fading
Discoloring and fading on a cedar shake roof is natural – to a point. Over the years, the warm golden wood color will fade and change to a grey or silver. This is entirely expected and part of the charm of the cedar shake roof appearance; it changes over time. With the proper maintenance, you can keep this fade and discoloration consistent and beautiful for a stunning weathered, rustic look.
However, discoloration and fading on a cedar shake roof also indicate the age of the roof. And if you’re seeing discoloration in some areas but not others, it could mean uneven aging, comprising some of your roof but not all of it.
If your roof is severely discolored or faded in some areas but not others, call for a roof inspection. You want to ensure your home is still stable, secure, and durable against the elements. An expected lifespan is 20 to 30 years, but some replacements are recommended at 15 for safety and security. An expert can help consult when your cedar shake roof has aged.
6. Water Damage: Leaks, Wood Rot, or Soft Shingles
Remember the water damage we warned about earlier? This is it. Roof leaks, wood rot, and soft shingles all indicate your cedar shake roof is damaged and needs repairs, if not an entire roof replacement.
That’s because water damage on a roof can affect the entire home. It can affect the base of the roof, the house foundation and stability, interior leaks, interior mold growth, attic humidity, water damage inside, and more.
When you spot signs of water damage like a leaking cedar shake roof, wood rot, or soft shingles, you need expert cedar shake roofers to come inspect and recommend a positive roofing solution.
7. Pests
Wood will attract pests, like bees, hornets, and other critters that want to nest in your cedar shake roof. That is why it is important to create a strong seal and barrier between all of the shingles to prevent pests from getting in.
If you notice pests like wasps and bees making their home in, around, and under your shingles, you may need to call for roof repairs, not just pest removal. Once bugs are under your roofing barrier, they may find a way into your home.
Pests in a cedar shake roof can lead to an infestation, bugs in the home, compromised stability, and more. Don’t risk a pest problem when you can secure your cedar shake roof professionally.
What to Know About Cedar Shake Roofs
Cedar shake roof maintenance is required to keep your roof looking like new and standing up against weather and pests. With a longer average lifespan than asphalt roofs, cedar shake roofs need a little help along the way to last 25-30+ years.
Remember to do an annual inspection of your cedar shake roof, preferably in the spring or summer. Check for loose shingles, soft shingles, mold growth, and other issues that could worsen over time. Remove any debris that has fallen on the roof to discourage pests or water pooling.
Cedar shake roofs also require treatments and sealing. Talk to your local roofer about wood preservation, water protection, and other seals to help keep moisture and critters away. If you do need cedar shake roof repairs, you will want to schedule them for late spring or early fall to take advantage of the mild weather.
On average, a new cedar shake roof installation averages $20k and upwards to $45k. This depends on your climate, roof slope, square footage, and more. Annual maintenance is expected to be around $1k – $3k for continued treatments. If you’re facing cedar shake roof repairs, your quote may range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the severity of the repairs.
Protect Your Cedar Shake Roof with Confidence
Politz Enterprises offers cedar shake roofing in Frederick, MD and throughout Maryland. Our Frederick roofers have been consulting on cedar shake roofs for decades, advising on the pros, cons, maintenance, repairs, and costs for local Frederick homeowners.
If you’re considering a cedar shake roof, or need cedar shake roof maintenance in Frederick, our experts can help. We are one call away to offer cedar shake roof repairs in Maryland or an entire roof replacement.
