How to Tell If Your Cedar Shake Roof Is Bad

A cedar shake roof can look beautiful for decades, and ongoing professional maintenance will help ensure your roof lasts as long as possible. If you’re not currently a customer of Cedar Roof Coatings then there are a few signs to look out for that indicate professional assistance is needed.

• Leaks: Leaks can indicate a range of issues with your roof. If water is getting into your home, it’s a serious problem that will require immediate work. Reach out to a professional right away to protect your property from mold and water damage.

• Curling: Shingles can curl or cup naturally as they age, but if they're distorted enough that you can see under the cedar shake roof to the roof felt or deck, you need to contact a professional.

• Splits or cracks: Shingles contract and expand with moisture and changing temperatures. Over time, this natural process can cause fine cracks. When the cracks get large enough that they can be seen from the ground, it's time for some repairs.

• Missing or damaged shingles: Cedar shake roofs are very durable, but direct impact from tree branches, hail and other objects can cause parts of a shingle or entire shingles to fall off. It's important to fix these issues to protect your roof.

• Moss or rot: If part of your roof is in shade and doesn’t dry properly after a rain, it can start to break down due to mold, rot, algae, moss and other organic materials and processes. Furry textures, frayed shingle edges and streaks on the shingles can all be signs of this sort of breakdown.

When you're evaluating your roof, make sure you do so from the ground. Climbing on a ladder or your roof is dangerous, and it's an inspection process you should leave to the professionals. If you notice any of the above signs, contact Cedar Roof Coatings so that our team can offer a more extensive evaluation of your options.

Can Cedar Shake Roofs Be Repaired?

The good news is that cedar shake roofs can, in fact, be repaired — in some cases through replacement of only some of the shingles. In addition, the team at Cedar Roof Coatings can coat your roof with a high-quality, high solids, penetrating finish to extend the life of your roof.

How Long Should a Cedar Shake Roof Last?

Cedar shake roofs can last for decades with proper maintenance and care. Many quality roofs will last 30 to 50 years, but that longevity involves looking up from time to time and calling the experts if you see any signs of trouble.

Learning how to tell if a cedar shake roof is bad or in need of repairs is complicated. The best option if you suspect something is not right is to reach out to us at Cedar Roof Coatings for an inspection or free estimate. If you live in Fairfield County, CT, or Westchester County, NY, our team can help.

The team at Cedar Roof Coatings can assist with cedar roof repairs, replacements and damage prevention. If your cedar shake roof isn't looking quite right or you’re wondering when to replace it, our professional and honest team can help. Contact us today for a free estimate.