Cedar roofs are well-known for their durability and natural beauty if they’re well-maintained. They’re also known for their particular style and uniqueness, setting a house apart from other homes. The bad news is that age will eventually take its toll on your cedar roof. However, the trick lies in using suitable material during installation. This means going for 100 percent vertical-grain cedar shakes. With such, your roof can maintain its longevity for 20 to 45 years. The most significant advantage of cedar roofs is the visible sign that lets you know it needs replacement. If you do it in a timely fashion, this ensures your cedar roof system will increase its longevity. So, what are the signs you need to look out for? Please read these four warning signs to find out.
- Cupping or Curling
One common feature of cedar shakes as they age is they tend to distort and warp. Even though some warping is natural and normal, too much distortion is a sign of trouble. The team at Cedar shake roofing installer in Suffolk County, NY, warns that this could cause the roof to leak. Additionally, it can cause the shingles to suffer damage. Cupping and curling happen over time as cedar shakes or shingles are subjected to rain, heat, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and other natural forces. Also, with time, contraction and expansion of the shingles can cause curling or cupping. Ensure you monitor for signs of excessive curling and cupping. A sure sign is when there’s an exposed underlayment beneath the shakes. When this happens, it’s a clear sign your roof needs replacement or repair. You should also understand that newly installed cedar shingles or shakes may slightly curl or cup. However, extreme curling or cupping shows a sign of a subpar installation.
- Leaks
Ideally, leaks are a common sign of trouble when roofs start to age. Water damage and leaks are visual signs that you need a new roof. In most cases, loose shakes are mainly caused by leaks. They can also be caused by something more significant. But, catching a leak before it becomes a disaster isn’t easy. For starters, check any visible signs of water stain in your ceiling. You can also check for a subtle drip on the walls. If your roof is worn out or too old, it’s best to call a professional. An expert will help fix the leak, especially if it’s isolated. However, if the leaks keep recurring over many sources, it might be time to replace your roof with a new one. For the best practices, ensure your roof gets checked after heavy rains or after a big storm.
- Moss, Rot, or Algae
Rot and moss are a common problem specific to wood-shake roofs. They grow in areas that are shady and have plenty of rain or high humidity. Since asphalt shingles, for instance, aren’t made of organic material, they aren’t at risk of breaking down when exposed to damp environments. However, cedar is distinct. Fortunately, algae, moss, and rot are easy signs to spot. If your cedar shakes or split aren’t different in design and build, you’ll likely see algae and rot from the ground. Moss and rot growth damages a cedar roof’s aesthetic value since it leads to a run-down appearance.
Additionally, moss compromises your cedar shakes’ longevity by weakening the wood and damaging shingles from the inside out. The moisture retained by algae and moss easily seeps into the cedar roof and eventually leads to leaks and damp patches along the inner walls. If left unchecked, this may also lead to damages to the main structure of your house.
- Splits and Cracks
Cedar shake and shingle are vulnerable to splitting and cracking naturally overall time. But, the speed on which they break or wear out depends on various factors. Cedar roofs located in areas that experience severe weather conditions will likely crack faster than those in the areas of moderate climatic conditions. Technically, splits caused by regular and the natural weathering are wider at the bases of the shingle. This means the bases is where the splits will start to develop. During an inspection, you might noticed splits that have rounded edges on their top surface. These are split that have been exposed to open weather. Additionally, the internal of these splits are also the same interior color as the top surface. If such cracks are visible, it might be time to call in a professional and replace them.
Sometimes, not every sign of a problem is a cause for immediate concern. However, you must keep a keen eye on your cedar roof. This helps ensure the roof is repaired when needed and maintenance is done regularly. Without these regular repairs, you can reduce the lifespan of your cedar roof. In the long run, you might end up spending more money to have your roof replaced.
