Roof inspections are a necessity homeowners should look into regularly or when selling their home to check the quality of their home’s cedar roof. If you suspect your roof may be damaged, you’ll want to have your roof inspected by a professional to determine any repairs and circumvent any future problems. But what are inspectors looking for, and how can you prepare before your next roof inspection? These cedar roof frequently asked questions should give you an idea.
1. What Is a Roof Inspection?
To put it simply, a roof inspection is a thorough examination of your home’s roof to determine its health and integrity. A professional will walk along the entire area of the roof, photographing and identifying any deficiencies by looking at the quality of the roof’s materials and checking the dormers, chimney and gutters then suggest repairs.
2. How Long Does Cedar Roof Inspection Take?
The inspections process for cedar roofs may be as short as less than an hour, or it may take several hours depending on the integrity of the roof.
3. What Is the Average Lifespan of a Cedar Roof?
Cedar roofs are an attractive roofing option for homeowners because of their longevity, lasting anywhere from 25 to 40 years. What often determines the lifespan of your cedar roof is the climate your home is located in — is there a lot of heat, humidity, salt concentration, rain or hail? The quality of the cedar shake or shingle, installation quality and whether your roof has been properly maintained also affect the overall lifespan of your roof.
4. What Is the Grading Authority and Grades?
When inspectors are assessing the quality of your home’s roof, they’re using guidelines established by the Cedar Shake and Shingles Bureau (CSSB). They help determine cedar roofing manufacturing and application standards. The Cedar Shake and Shingles Bureau has determined four different types of shingles grades:
Grade 1: These shingles are premium quality, made with the tree’s heart grain with no defects.
Grade 2: Good quality and manufactured using flat grain, with some sap grain allowed. Limited knots or defects can be found in these shingles, and they’re typically used for re-roofing.
Grade 3: This is the most budget-friendly quality used and is made with sapwood and flat grain.
Grade 4: This grade should never be used as roofing material and is typically used for under-coursing or double coursed sidewalls.
5. What Are Shingle Sheathing Requirements?
Shingles and shakes can be installed with either solid or spaced sheathing. Both shakes and shingles can be installed with spaced sheathing, but the Cedar Shake and Shingles Bureau recommends that shakes be installed with a solid sheath, although spaced installation was commonly accepted in the past. Spaced sheathing requires 1x4 as the minimum size on 10 inch centers with an additional 1x4 installed between sheathing boards.
Why Hire a Professional Roofer for an Inspection
Hiring a professional to inspect your roof when you suspect there may damage can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the future. A visual inspection of your roof can highlight damage or rot and broken or loose cedar shingles. These small issues, if not properly fixed and maintained, can lead to moisture entering your home and larger issues that may even lead to a roof replacement versus simple repairs.
Trust the Experts at Cedar Roof Coatings
To maintain the quality and attractiveness of your cedar roof, trust the experts at Cedar Roof Coatings to perform a routine inspection. We’re a family-owned and operated company serving Fairfield County, CT, Westchester County, NY and surrounding areas. By working with us, you’re guaranteed quality and expert advice and repairs at a fair price. Schedule a cedar roof inspection today by filling out our online contact form or by calling us at 203-847-5740.