Cedar shake roofing is a quality option for protecting your house from the elements while improving its curb appeal. If your home has this luxurious roofing material on top of it, you'll need to inspect it to maintain its stunning appearance.
Before you start evaluating your cedar shake roof's condition, you should probably know the age of your home and how long you've had your roof. This information can help you figure out which components you'll need to repair or replace. It's also helpful to take notes or even pictures of any damage you find. Follow this inspection checklist for a wood roof to take care of your property.
Visual Inspection
After a storm or before the cold weather hits, walk around your house and look at your roof. Climbing a ladder and walking onto your roof can be dangerous, but you can conduct most of your inspection safely on the ground. Search your property for the following wood roof inspection items.
Missing shingles: These are among the easiest roof issues to spot. You'll see openings on the top of your house, or you may even find shingles that have fallen on the ground. Gaps in your roof leave the underlayment — the protective layer between the shingles and wooden framing — exposed to rain. As a result, water can leak into your home and ruin its structural integrity. If you notice any gaps in your roof, call a roofing specialist immediately to replace these missing shingles.
Damaged shingles: Like missing shingles, damaged cedar shake pieces create openings in your roofing and bring leaks into your home. However, broken shingles are more difficult to notice than missing ones. You may be able to spot shingle damage if one is a different color from the others. Rotten shingles may have streaks that signal that water has deteriorated the wood.
Curling or cupping: Curling is when the end of the shake bends upward, and cupping is when the sides form a cup-like shape. Wood roofs typically bend due to natural weathering, but it can be a sign that your attic isn't venting properly. You'll also need to be careful if you can see the underlayment under the shakes. Leaving this protective layer exposed can cause water damage inside the home.
Discoloration: The sun will cause a silvery-gray patina to develop on your cedar shake roofing shingles over time. However, if your shingles have turned green or black, there might be moss, algae or mold growing on top of them. These substances can be harmful to your roof's structural framing. Contact a roofing contractor to treat your shingles chemically and inspect your roof's underlayment and frame.
Dampness: It's common for your roof shingles to be a little damp after a rainstorm. However, if you notice wet, dark areas that don't get dry even during sunny days, there might be an issue with your roof's underlayment. The shingles themselves could also have rotted. Either way, it helps to consult a professional to replace damaged roofing components.
Rust: Even though your wooden shingles shouldn't rust, it's helpful to inspect your roofing's metal components for corrosion. If the flashing — the metal pieces directing water away from your property — or the gutters have rust on them, there might be a problem with drainage, or it could be from wear and tear. If the vents have rust, there might be humidity buildup in your attic, which means you'll need to add a ventilation source.
Wear around the vents: Your roof's boot is the plastic piece around the vent that keeps water from entering your attic through the vents. You can see this component with your binoculars from the ground. If the boot has cracks or chips, you'll need to replace it.
Internal Inspection
If you don't notice any roofing problems from the outside, you may also want to inspect inside your home. Look at your roof from the underside, in the attic, and examine the wood framing and attic walls. As you check the inside of your home, pay attention to the following signs of roof damage.
Water leaks: Using a flashlight, check your home's beams and walls for wet spots or dried water stains. You can also detect a water damage issue if the nails coming through your roof have rusted or if your walls have rotted or developed mold. If possible, check your attic for wet areas during a heavy rainstorm to determine if you have any active leaks.
Humidity: Your attic should have adequate ventilation to prevent moisture and heat from the roof to deteriorate your interior property. If your attic is warmer than the rest of the house and the air feels soupy, you'll have to clean or replace your vents.
Light: If your roof has gaps in it, you'll be able to see sunlight from the outside. On a sunny day, turn off all the lights in your attic and check for patches of light poking through the walls. Contact a professional roofer immediately to protect your home from sun and water damage.
Professional Inspection
If you discover any issues with your wood roof, contact a roofing professional so they can perform a thorough cedar shake roof inspection. Even if you don't notice any problems with your roof, it's helpful to schedule a roof inspection in the fall before it gets too cold. Trying to repair or inspect your roof in freezing temperatures can be a safety hazard. However, getting a roof inspection in the fall protects your property from harsh winter weather.
You can expect a contractor to perform the following wood roof inspection items on your property.
Check the structural integrity: The inspector will examine your roof for uneven planes and signs of sagging. They'll also check the gutters, soffits and fascia, which all prevent moisture buildup. If your roofing has water damage, the contractor will inspect the venting in your attic.
Look for missing or broken pieces: During a professional inspection, the inspector will look for loose, curling or broken shingles, along with moss and rot.
Inspect the inside: After examining your roof, a roofing contractor will also check the inside for water or structural damage. If moisture has leaked into your attic, they'll look for rot and deterioration in the wood framing.
Recommend repairs or replacement: After inspecting your entire roof, a contractor will provide a complete roofing analysis to determine which parts you need to repair or replace.
Contact Custom Shingles to Discuss Your Future Cedar Roof Projects
As a result of a storm or wear and tear, you may discover you need to replace your cedar shake shingles. We offer a wide range of long-lasting custom wood shingles to enhance your home's aesthetic appeal. Contact us online or call 877-323-3553 for a free estimate for your new cedar shake roof.